Headbanging Causes

Seeing your child bang his head can cause worry. Surprisingly, head banging is common in children, beginning as early as 9 months of age, as indicated by Sleep Education. Head banging begins during the early years of your child's development and ceases by about 3 years of age. If your child still bangs his head beyond 3 years of age, your physician should evaluate your child for other possible medical conditions.

Stimulation

• Head banging can be done for stimuli responses.

  The vestibular system in your brain is responsible for many activities, including response to stimuli. Dysfunctions in the vestibular system can cause a child to develop a need for self-stimulation. According to pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, children who are under-stimulated and over-stimulated may bang their heads either for stimulation or to soothe themselves.

Attention

• Head banging can be the result of attention seeking.

  Head banging can be a way of gaining your attention. Children may attempt to bang their heads out of frustration, anger, during temper tantrums or when trying to get out of doing a task. Your child may be more apt to bang her head if she continues to get a response from you.

Rhythmic Movement Disorder

• Head bangng can be a form of RMD.

  Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) is associated with your child's sleep patterns. Repetitive movements of the head occur when your child is tired. Your child may bang his head prior to sleep in order to soothe himself to sleep. Children also bang their heads during sleep, usually against a pillow or mattress.

Autism

• According to Dr. Greene, rhythmic movements of your child such as head banging are common in autistic children. If your child isn't pointing at objects, not following your gaze or not getting involved in play by 18 months, have your child evaluated by your physician.