[SandKmommy]

Seamus used to hit himself when he was younger, with his hands, on the walls, on tables, anything. It stopped around 2˝. The last 2months its started back up out of nowhere. He'll start smacking himself in the face, or the head or slamming his head down. I tell him to stop and that hurts him and he looks at me and say's he likes it (some times smiling or laughing when he tells me). I'm not sure what to do now to get him to stop, and I have no clue where this came from.

[dotcomkari]

He may be seeking deep presure. Have you tried deep hugs? maybe a weighted blanket or a vest? (or even a weighted down backpack) pushing against him with a pillow? a body sack?

[picklesmama]

I was going to say what Kari said. Angus is deep pressure seeking and will strike himself sometimes, or bang his head on the wall - I try to redirect him to doing something else that gives him lots of input - the trampoline if we are home, or pounding toys, tumbling (somersaults), or I ask him if he will let me give him a big squeeze (really hard and tight hug that most kids would think too hard but he likes) and one of those usually satisfies him.

I can't wait for our weighed blanket to arrive (won a giveaway on Kari's blog) and I will keep you all posted about how he likes it. We are getting 11 lbs and I think it will be very calming for him.

Also considering keeping a food diary, because there may be a pattern between certain foods and behaviors.

I agree with all of the above. Dominic is a deep pressure seeker. I squish him beneath pillows and roll balls over him when he gets worked up. He also loves to be pulled around on a blanket which his OT told me is a deep pressure thing too. (I just think he thinks it's cool ) And he also has food sensitivities.