Related concepts:

Head rolling, Body rocking

Introduction to head banging:

When children develop a habit of head banging, their parents are often concerned. They express fear that this habit might hurt their child, perhaps even causing brain damage. The unspoken fear is that their child might have autism.

What is head banging?

Head banging, head rolling, and body rocking are all common rhythmic habits (as is thumb sucking). Many theories have been put forward to explain them. Perhaps the rocking and even the head banging provide a form of pleasure related to the movement. This joy in movement is called our kinesthetic drive.

All infants are rocked by their mothers when they are carried about in utero. Later on, they enjoy being held and rocked in parents' arms. Movement activities continue as kids grow: the pleasure of jump rope, swings, slides, amusement park rides (bumper cars!) and dancing. These activities all engage the vestibular system of the brain. The amount and type of movement that provides pleasure varies from child to child.

Kids who are under-stimulated (those who are blind, deaf, bored, or lonely) head bang for stimulation. But children who are overstimulated (in an overwhelming environment) find these rhythmic movements soothing.

For some children, head banging is a way to release tension and prepare for sleep. Some kids head-bang for relief when they are teething or have an ear infection.

Some kids bang their heads out of frustration or anger, as in a temper tantrum. Head banging is an effective attention-seeking maneuver. The more reaction children get from parents or other adults, the more likely they are to continue this habit.

Generally, healthy children do not head-bang in order to injure themselves.

Who gets head banging?

Up to 20 percent of healthy children are head-bangers for a time. Typically, head banging appears in the latter half of the first year of life and generally ends spontaneously by four years of age. Boys are three or four times more likely to be head-bangers than girls.

Head banging, head rolling, and body rocking are also each far more common in autistic children, children with developmental delays, and children who have suffered abuse or neglect.

What are the symptoms of head banging?

The child seems compelled to rhythmically move his head against a solid object such as a wall or the side of a crib. Often he rocks his entire body. For most children it occurs at sleepy times or when upset (often as part of tantrums). This behavior can last for minutes at a time -- or sometimes for hours. It can even continue once the child has fallen asleep.

Is head banging contagious?

No, although other people’s actions can promote head banging.

How long does head banging last?

These rhythmic motor activities are part of normal behavior in healthy infants and young children (and healthy young monkeys for that matter!).