My grandson's pounding his head on the floor!

[blue_eyes05]

Hi everyone. I have a problem. My grandson is only 20 months old and he hasn't talked yet; he's trying but it's frustrating for him and for us because we can't understand him yet.

My problem: My grandson has a terrible temper and if he's in your arms he'll squirm and bend backwards. I always put him on the floor very gently to his side (because he bends his head backwards so I don't want to hurt his little neck). Then I'll walk away a bit and he'll get onto his stomach & pound his head on the floor. Twice if I don't catch him right away.

Is this normal? I don't remember my daughters doing that.

[savedbygrace]

I would have him checked for autisim. A lot of times Autistic children will throw fits out of frustration.
http://www.neurologychannel.com/autism/symptoms.shtml
Check out this site and see if he has anything in common with the signs listed.

[luvmy4sons]

My second son on occasion would bang his head on the floor in frustration and he was about the same age. The first time he did it outside on the hard sidewalk was the last time he did it! :lol: He is not autistic.

[kanaclark]

Call your pediatrician and tell him/her what's going on. Tell the doc up front that you are concerned about autism and hearing problems, and that you want them both looked into more.

We thought our 19 month old was autistic. He had the temper tantrums, the speech difficulties, the lack of response, etc., but here, for insurance to cover testing and therapy, we had to have his ears checked first. In doing that, we found that his tonsils and adenoids are 2-3 times their normal size and his ears are nearly completely blocked so they can't drain, therefore he can't hear words, only noise. The words he said as a baby, he can still say mostly, but messes them up sometimes, but he hasn't said more "new" words since he was like 13-15 months old. After he has a t&a and has tubes put in, he should be back to 100%.

I will keep this little guy in my prayers, and you too. I totally understand the stress and if you just want to talk, feel free to pm me.

~Kana

[kymommy]

You can call you health Dept. and ask about your state's early intervention program. In most states, if your grandson qualifies, he is probably eligible for free speech therapy. I also agree with getting the ears checked. Also, I would work very aggressivily to teach him just a little sign language for some basic words such as "more", hungry, thirsty, hurt, toy, and other words he uses frequently. That may help with his frustration. If you don't understand what your grandson is saying, ask him to "show me" what he needs. If you have trouble finding info about speech therapy, let me know and I can search for you.

[blue_eyes05]

Thank you everyone for your help. I'll have his mom call the doctor. I really don't believe he has autism either. But you never know.

[Faith1]

my daughter would try to hit her head on the floor during a fit (still does occassionally - but not very hard - as now she realizes it hurts). She is not at all autistic , just mad when she doesn't get her way ! ;-) Calling to check with the doc would be good though with the possible speech issues (some kids just talk much later than others too), there are some great interventions they can do for the kiddos to bring them right up to speed if there are issues though. Have you tried any baby sign language with him? That seems to really help them communicate before their mouths are ready for it. It can alleviate a lot of the frustration.

All the best!!

[Christy+2]

My son does this and it really frustrates me. I have no fears of him being autistic (to be honest with you all of his little friend that are almost 2 are all into this head banging stage). I think they have to vent their frustrations, just like adults do, but they are so limited in ways to vent.
If you find a way to get him to stop, please let me know what it is. :wink:

[blue_eyes05]

Ah Christy. I'm almost in tears when I see my grandson Aidyn doing this. It hurts. All I can vision is his little head getting bruises. Hopefully, he doesn't hurt that soft spot they have when they're little.

[1blessed4life]

I agree with Faith1. Children all develop at different stages.
Our 22 month old did this when he was younger and frustrated - but when adding 'signing time' sign language videos & after he added more words to his vocabulary - now he can vocally share his frustrations much better.

[kanaclark]

Hopefully, he doesn't hurt that soft spot they have when they're little.

If he's closer to two, he shouldn't have a soft spot anymore. Those usually close in around 12-18 months. I haven't read back through the posts, and can't remember how old you said he was, but he should be ok. A lot of kids do this.

[blue_eyes05]

Thanks everybody for your replies. My grandson has now stopped hitting his head on the floor. Now he's using his temper to get what he wants. He still can't talk yet, but when he wants something, his words just get louder and louder................

[jengrant]

There is a condition called Sensory Integration Dysfunction, it isn't autism, but sometimes these kids will bang their heads. My son has this, though just recently he has been put on the autism spectrum. He used to squirm and arch his back when I would hold him too. He would push me away. On the other hand, it might be nothing at all but early tantrums. I agree that it would be good to call his doctor just to make sure.