5 Autism Self-Harm Signs Every Parent Should Know

The main autism self-harm signs to look for are:

• Head banging
• Hand biting
• Skin picking
• Scratching
• Hitting objects

Many kids with autism show self-injurious behaviors. Studies say up to 42% have these actions. Families often do not understand these signs. If you notice them early, you can help your child and act with care.

Key Takeaways

• Look for common self-harm signs in autism. These include head banging, hand biting, skin picking, scratching, and hitting things.
• Know that finding self-harm early can help your child get support fast.
• Find out what causes self-harm. Triggers can be emotional distress, sensory overload, or trouble with communication.
• Make your home safe by taking away dangerous items. Give your child sensory tools to help them feel better.
• Write down each self-harm incident. This helps you see patterns and share them with professionals for better help.
• Get help from a professional if self-harm keeps happening or causes injuries. Early help is very important.
• Use praise to encourage safe actions. Teach your child new ways to show their feelings.
• Join support groups to meet other parents and share stories. This can give you good advice and support.

1. Head Banging

Definition

Head banging is a common autism self-harm sign in kids. It means a child hits their head on things like walls, floors, or furniture.

Sometimes, they use their hands to move their head. Other times, they lean forward and hit their forehead. The force and number of times can be different. Some kids do it gently. Others hit hard and get bruises or swelling.

Recognition

You can notice head banging by watching for repeated head hitting.

Look for these signs every day:

• Your child bangs their head when things get stressful, like loud sounds or changes.
• You see marks, redness, or swelling on their forehead or scalp.
• Your child may bang their head when they feel upset, worried, or can’t talk.
• Head banging happens a lot in young kids, mostly between 18 months and 3 years old.

Head banging is not unusual. Studies say 20% to 50% of autistic kids do this. For some, it gets better as they grow. But 20% to 30% keep head banging as they get older.

Triggers

Head banging can start for different reasons. You may see patterns that help you know why your child does it.

Here are some common triggers:

You might see head banging when your child feels stressed, worried, or can’t say what they need. Some kids use head banging to get your attention or show they are upset.

If you see head banging, you can help your child. Try to find out what causes it. You can use calming routines, sensory tools, or ways to help them talk.

Occupational therapy and sensory integration therapy can help too. Padding places where head banging happens and using safety gear can stop injuries while you work on changing the behavior.

2. Hand Biting

Definition

Hand biting means your child bites their own hands, fingers, or wrists. This action can happen with or without warning. Some children bite softly, while others bite hard enough to break the skin or leave marks.

Hand biting is one of the most frequent autism self-harm signs. You may notice your child biting during stressful moments or when they feel overwhelmed.

About 32% of children with autism spectrum disorder bite themselves as a form of self-harm. This makes hand biting one of the most common self-injury behaviors in autism.

Recognition

You can spot hand biting by watching for certain patterns and early signs. Look for these clues:

• Your child puts their hand or fingers in their mouth often, even when not eating.
• You see red marks, bruises, or cuts on their hands or wrists.
• Your child bites harder when upset, frustrated, or unable to express feelings.
• You notice your child hides their hands or seems embarrassed after biting.

Self-injurious behavior like hand biting often links to emotional struggles, sensory overload, or trouble with communication. If your child cannot say what they need or feel, they may use biting as a way to cope or get your attention.

Triggers

Hand biting can start for many reasons. You may see it more during certain times or situations. Here are some common triggers:

• Emotional distress: Your child may bite their hand when feeling anxious, angry, or sad.
• Sensory overload: Loud noises, bright lights, or crowded places can overwhelm your child and lead to biting.
• Communication barriers: If your child cannot express pain, hunger, or discomfort, they may bite to show something is wrong.
• Routine changes: Sudden changes or surprises can make your child feel out of control, leading to self-harm.

If you do not address hand biting, it can last for years and cause lasting harm. Research shows that many children continue this behavior over time.

If you notice hand biting, try to track when and why it happens. Early action can help you protect your child and reduce the risk of injury.

You can talk to your doctor or therapist for support and learn new ways to help your child manage stress.

3. Skin Picking

Definition

Skin picking means your child repeatedly scratches, rubs, or picks at their skin. You may see this on their arms, face, or legs.

Some children pick at scabs, pimples, or even healthy skin. Skin picking can start as a simple habit, like scratching an itch. When it becomes frequent and leads to injury, it turns into a form of self-harm.

You need to know the difference. Habits usually stop when you distract your child. Self-harm continues even after you try to redirect them.

Skin picking is one of the autism self-harm signs that can cause serious problems. Children may not realize how much damage they do. This behavior can happen during stressful times or when your child feels overwhelmed.

Recognition

You can spot skin picking by watching for physical signs and changes in your child’s behavior. Look for these clues:

• Scarring or red marks on the skin that do not heal quickly.
• Bleeding or open sores, especially in places your child can reach easily.
• Painful wounds that may get infected.
• Bandages or attempts to hide injuries.
• Your child seems upset or embarrassed about their skin.

Skin picking often leads to scarring, bleeding, and painful sores. Open wounds can become infected if bacteria enter the skin. In severe cases, infections may need medical care. You should check your child’s skin often, especially if you notice them picking or scratching.

Triggers

Skin picking can happen for many reasons. You may notice patterns that help you understand why your child does this. Common triggers include:

• Sensory self-regulation. Your child may pick their skin to calm themselves or manage strong feelings.
• Anxiety or feeling overwhelmed. Skin picking helps your child cope with stress or negative emotions.
• Involuntary actions. Sometimes, your child picks their skin without realizing it.
• Sensory processing disorder (SPD). Children with SPD may have trouble handling touch or other sensations. Targeting these sensory issues can help reduce skin picking.

You can help your child by tracking when skin picking happens. Write down what was going on before and after. This can show you patterns and triggers. If you see signs of infection or deep wounds, contact your doctor. Early action can prevent lasting harm and help your child feel safe.

Skin picking is one of the autism self-harm signs that needs your attention. You can support your child by creating a calm environment, offering sensory tools, and teaching new ways to cope with stress.

4. Scratching

Definition

Scratching is a self-harm sign in autism. It is more than just normal itching. Your child might scratch their skin over and over. Sometimes, they scratch until they bleed or leave marks.

Scratching can happen on arms, legs, face, or anywhere they can reach. They might use their fingernails or even things like pencils to scratch. At first, scratching may help them feel better. But it can turn into a habit that hurts them.

Scratching is not only a habit. It can show your child is having trouble with feelings or senses.

Recognition

You can spot too much scratching by looking for signs. Watch for these clues: Red skin, welts, or broken skin after scratching. Scabs or scars that do not heal fast.

Your child scratches more when they feel upset or worried. You see bandages or your child tries to hide scratched spots. Scratching happens more during stressful times or when things change.

Many autistic children scratch to deal with big feelings or too much sensory input. Most autistic kids have sensory processing differences.

These differences can make normal things feel bad or even hurt. Scratching may help your child feel better for a short time, but it can cause injuries.

Triggers

Scratching often starts because of certain things. You can look for patterns to see why your child scratches.

Common triggers are: 

• Sensory overload, like loud sounds or bright lights.
• Feeling upset, angry, or nervous.
• Changes in routine or being in new places.
• Not liking how some things feel to touch.
• Being in places that do not feel right or missing favorite things.

Kids with autism may scratch to let out energy or handle strong feelings. Sensory reactivity is a big part of autism.

Your child may not get used to touch as fast as others. This can make them scratch more. You might see your child avoid some textures, and scratching helps them cope.

If your child scratches a lot, try to write down when it happens. Notice what happened before and after. This can help you find out what causes it. You can help by making things calm, giving sensory-friendly tools, and teaching ways to handle stress.

Scratching is a self-harm sign in autism that needs your care. If you notice it early, you can help stop injuries and keep your child safe.

5. Hitting Objects

Definition

Hitting objects is when your child strikes things around them. They might hit walls, doors, tables, or the floor. They use their hands, feet, head, or other body parts.

This is not the same as playing or making noise for fun. If your child hits things a lot or very hard, it can mean they are upset. Many children with autism hit objects to deal with strong feelings or tough situations.

Hitting objects is one of the autism self-harm signs. It can cause bruises, cuts, or swelling. You may see this when your child feels stressed or cannot say what they need.

Recognition

You can spot hitting objects by watching your child’s actions. Look for these signs: Your child hits things again and again, especially when upset or worried.

You see marks, redness, or swelling on their hands, feet, or head. The hitting happens more in some places, like at home or school. Your child may start hitting harder or more often over time. You might notice your child gets tense or fidgety before hitting things.

Parents sometimes see other actions before or after hitting objects. These can help you find patterns and stop injuries. Watch for pacing, rocking, or covering ears and eyes.

These can mean sensory overload. Body tension or doing the same movement over and over can show emotional distress. Your child might look for comfort or freeze up if they have trouble talking.

Try keeping a simple log of when and where your child hits things. Write down what happened right before and after. This can help you find out what causes the behavior.

Triggers

Hitting objects often starts when your child feels too much or cannot say what they need. Common triggers are: Loud noises, bright lights, or crowded places. Feeling angry, scared, or frustrated. Changes in routine or surprises. Trouble telling you about pain or other needs.

You may see more hitting when routines change or new things happen. Some kids hit objects to let out energy or get your attention. Others do it to calm down when things feel out of control.

Common Triggers Table

If you see hitting objects as one of the autism self-harm signs, act early. You can make a calm space, use sensory tools, and teach safe ways to show feelings. Talk to your doctor or therapist for more help and ideas.

Autism Self-Harm Signs: What Parents Can Do

Immediate Steps

If you see autism self-harm signs, act fast to keep your child safe. Experts say you should do these things right away:

• Get help from a professional if you think your child is self-harming.
• Try to find out what makes your child act this way. Look for things in their surroundings or feelings that cause it.
• Use behavioral therapies to teach your child safer ways to handle stress.

If you notice signs of suicide, go to the emergency room right away. You can also call 988 or text “HOME” to 741-741 for help.

You can also follow these steps to help your child:

1. Do a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) to learn why your child self-harms.
2. Watch your child closely to see what causes the behavior.
3. Work with experts to make a plan that fits your child’s needs.

Seeking Help

You do not have to deal with self-injury by yourself. There are many places that can help you and your child:

• Talk to a mental health expert for a full check-up. This helps you know why your child self-harms.
• Therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) can help your child manage feelings and change negative thoughts.
• Family therapy can help you fix problems at home that may lead to self-harm.
• Work as a team. Ask teachers, doctors, and support groups to help you.
• Treat any medical problems that might cause self-injury. Fixing pain or sickness can lower harmful actions.
• Parent training programs and toolkits, like those from Autism Speaks, give tips and ideas for handling self-harm.

Support at Home

You can make your home safer and more helpful for your child. Try these ideas:

• Make a safe place where your child can share feelings.
• Find triggers by watching when and where self-harm happens.
• Suggest creative things like drawing, crafts, or exercise to help your child focus on something else.
• Keep medicines, sharp things, and dangerous items locked up. Remove guns, ropes, alcohol, and cleaning supplies from places your child can reach.
• Lock high windows and keep rooftops off limits.
• Teach your child new ways to ask for help. Use sign language, picture cards, or other tools to help them talk.
• Use positive behavior management. Praise safe actions and guide your child gently when they have trouble.
• Join parent support groups to share stories and learn from others.

You show kindness and care when you protect your child. Acting early and working together can help a lot.

You just learned about five autism self-harm signs. These are head banging, hand biting, skin picking, scratching, and hitting objects. If you spot these signs early, you can help your child. Early action can lower the chance of harm.

If you see these signs, you can do something. You can make your home safer and show more care.

• Noticing signs early helps you act fast.
• Helping early can make feelings easier to handle.
• A loving home helps your family deal with tough times.

You are not alone in this. Ask for help and keep your child safe.

FAQ

1. How do I know if my child’s self-harm is related to autism?

You may notice self-harm behaviors like head banging or hand biting. These often happen during stress or sensory overload. If your child has autism and shows these signs, self-harm may be related.

2. Should I talk to my child about their self-harm?

Yes. Use simple words and a calm voice. Ask how they feel and what makes them upset. You help your child feel safe when you listen and show support.

3. When should I seek professional help for self-harm?

You should contact a doctor or therapist if you see injuries, bleeding, or repeated self-harm. Early help can prevent serious harm and teach your child safer ways to cope.

4. Can self-harm behaviors get better over time?

Many children improve with support and therapy. You can help by tracking triggers, using calming routines, and working with professionals. Progress may take time, but small changes matter.

5. What can I do at home to reduce self-harm?

Create a safe space. Remove dangerous items. Offer sensory tools like stress balls or weighted blankets. Praise safe behaviors. You can use visual schedules to help your child feel secure.

6. Are self-harm signs different for boys and girls?

Research shows both boys and girls can show self-harm signs. The behaviors may look similar. You should watch for any repeated actions, no matter your child’s gender.

7. Can medication help with self-harm in autism?

Doctors sometimes use medication to treat anxiety or mood problems. Medication may help reduce self-harm, but you should always talk to a doctor before starting any treatment.

8. How do I track self-harm patterns?

You can keep a simple log. Write down when and where self-harm happens. Note what happened before and after. This helps you find triggers and share information with professionals.