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When a child displays physical aggression in the form of self-harm behaviors, it can be concerning for parents. What causes a child to self-harm, and is it connected to ADHD symptoms? How do you prevent a child from hitting themselves? In this article, we'll talk about ADHD and self-harm, why some kids are prone to self-harm, and how to prevent your child from hitting themselves. Then, we'll discuss how to seek help for a child who hits themselves.
ADHD Kids And self-harm
Most people think of hyperactivity and/or lack of focus as the primary issues people diagnosed with ADHD face. In reality, ADHD is more than that. Many children with ADHD experience additional challenges. In this case, let's talk about self-harm.
Kids with ADHD are more prone to self-harm than other children. Why might an ADHD child be particularly prone to self-harm? There's more than one factor. Increased impulsivity, frustration, and sensory-seeking behavior (e.g., a need for deep pressure) are three prevalent reasons children with ADHD may hit themselves. Research shows a connection between teens with ADHD and self-harm, too.
Emotional distress caused by rejection sensitivity, negative interactions with others, worry, anger, or something else, can also play a role. Emotional dysregulation, which is defined by trouble controlling one's emotional responses, is also more common in teens, adults, and kids with ADHD. Difficulty with emotional regulation is why kids with ADHD frequently benefit from learning to identify and cope with their feelings.
ADHD isn't the only condition that makes self-harm more likely. Kids diagnosed with other disorders, like Autism Spectrum Disorder, are more prone to self-injurious behaviors as well.
Why Some Children Are Prone To Self-Harm
There are various potential underlying causes of a child hitting themselves. First, young people do not always have the necessary coping skills to deal with big emotions and stressors appropriately. For many children, hitting themselves is a mode of emotional regulation. Kids may see hitting themselves as a positive thing because it provides a sense of relief. If this is the case, finding a healthier way to cope is essential - but we will get to that shortly. In the case that sensory issues are at play, a child may experience a similar sense of relief when they hit themselves because it fulfills a sensory need. Again, replacement behaviors that offer the same sensory relief can be helpful.
If hitting is due to frustration or impulsivity, it might be tough for kids to control the tendency to hit themselves or self-harm through other means of physical aggression. Some kids may also start throwing things, punching themselves, or otherwise become aggressive toward others. Children may engage in aggressive behavior toward other kids, those in leadership roles, or authority figures.
All of that said, there are ways to prevent a child from hitting themselves.
How To Prevent Your Child From Hitting Themself
Sometimes, the symptoms kids show are alarming or don't make sense to a parent. It can be challenging to know what to do. If you're worried about your child's behavior, it's valid. When you notice signs of self-harm in kids, it can be scary. It is possible to get to the bottom of what's going on, help children find self-control, and replace self-harm with better behavior. Here are some ways to prevent a child from hitting themselves.
Try Joon App
Are you tired of your child constantly hitting themselves due to ADHD? Try Joon, the ADHD app designed to help children manage their symptoms and improve their behavior. With interactive games and exercises, Joon can help your child stop hitting themselves and improve their overall well-being. Download Joon now and see the difference it can make in your child's life!
Do not punish the child for self-harm
Punishing kids for self-harm is more likely to make them hide it than it is to make them stop. We all want our children to be safe and healthy. However, do not let this become a battle against your child.
Rather than punish a child or express anger toward their behavior, welcome them with love. Young kids especially might not always know why they self-harm, but even for older kids and teens, it's not the time for punishment. Turn toward them instead of away, helping kids find out why it happened (or happens) and what to do instead. When children hit themselves, it usually expresses or meets a need. The goal is to help a child get that need met in another way. Similarly, if you seek mental health support for your child, make it clear that they aren't in trouble.
Discipline strategies may be valuable when children hit others, whether that is a parent, other children, adults like teachers and other authority figures, or someone else. When the behavior is self-directed, the conversation you have with your child may differ. It should be noted that finding the underlying cause is still helpful in scenarios where aggression is focused outward.
Note: Joon is a to-do app for kids with ADHD and their parents that doubles as a video game. Parents sign up first and create a task list for their child with ADHD. Once children complete their tasks, they get rewards that allow them to care for a virtual pet, called a Doter.
Joon is an excellent form of positive reinforcement, and the app promotes good behavior, independence, self-esteem, and motivation in kids with ADHD. Even better, it's backed by child psychologists, teachers, and occupational therapists.
90% of kids who use Joon complete all of their assigned tasks. With a total of over 3.6k reviews, Joon has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 in the app store.
Click here to try Joon for free.
Help your child find alternative coping mechanisms
Often, the first step to preventing hitting behavior is to find out why your child does it. Once you can pinpoint the reason, it's easier to find a replacement behavior or coping mechanisms for your ADHD child that works.
Let's say that a child hits themselves out of anger. Healthier alternatives used to cope with anger can include but aren't limited to intense movement, breathing exercises like box breathing, and mindfulness activities. Both movement and mindfulness activities are shown to promote calm in both the mind and body. Similarly, if there's an unmet sensory need, sensory objects like weighted blankets can be helpful.
Discussing problem-solving with your children can help them identify the need to use coping skills. For kids who have trouble applying coping skills, this can be particularly beneficial.
Teach your child problem-solving skills
Problem-solving skills can enhance a child's life in many ways. After all, problem-solving skills are valuable for mental health, work, school, interpersonal connections, and other parts of daily life. problem-solving typically consists of three steps:
- Identifying a problem
- Pinpointing the cause of a problem
- Looking for solutions
In the case of self-harm in children, this would look like helping the child acknowledge that they feel the urge to self-harm (or have recently self-harmed), teaching them to take a moment of mindfulness to determine why it happened (e.g., anger, stress, feeling keyed up or physically uncomfortable, etc.), and finally, looking for an alternative solution to the problem. For example, coping tools like talking to someone, taking a deep breath, using breathing exercises, calming techniques, physical activity, or looking for something to help sensory needs.
Make sure that your child gets enough sleep
Children with ADHD are more prone to trouble sleeping than other kids. In fact, about 70% of kids diagnosed with ADHD are said to have sleep problems such as a sleep disorder. Unfortunately, lack of sleep can negatively affect focus, mood, and other symptoms. If a child doesn't get the sleep they need, parents may notice an uptick in self-harm behaviors, power struggles, and intense emotions.
To help children with ADHD sleep:
- Avoid caffeine
- Stop screen time 30-60 minutes before bed
- Remove distractions (e.g., electronics) from the bedroom
- Create a calm bedtime routine
- Take medication according to schedule
How much sleep should children get? It depends on a child's age. A newborn baby ages 0-3 months may need up to 17 hours, whereas infants need up to 15 and toddlers 11-14. Young kids ages 3-5 need 10-13 hours, school-aged children ages 6-13 need 9-11 hours, and teens ages 14-17 need 8-10 hours.
If a child with ADHD continues to struggle with sleep, parents should seek professional help. Consult with your child's pediatrician or another provider
Get treatment for ADHD symptoms and other health conditions
If a child is diagnosed with ADHD or another condition that could play a role in your child's self-harm behaviors, treating the underlying disorder(s) can be beneficial. ADHD is usually treated with a combination of parent training and/or individual therapy and medication. Occupational therapy, support at school, and other forms of care can also benefit kids.
Try mental health therapy
Kids who struggle with ADHD symptoms, self-harm, or aggressive behavior can all benefit from behavior therapy. Not only can behavioral therapy help with implementing more appropriate behavior and reducing negative interactions with others, but it can also help kids express and manage emotions healthily.
Look for a clinical psychologist, therapist, social worker, or counselor who has experience working with other kids facing the same concerns as your child. Mental health professionals may specialize in ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or another relevant area.
Seeking Help For Aggressive Behavior
Ultimately, if your child is hitting themselves, it's important to seek professional help, especially if the problem is continuous or severe. Early intervention can be helpful for children and is recommended when possible.
How do you take the first step toward getting help for your child who hits themselves? For many parents, the first step to getting help for their child's self-harm is to make an appointment with a child's pediatrician or primary care provider. Depending on what they think the next step is, your child's pediatrician can provide you with a referral to a child psychiatrist, therapist, counselor, or another mental health professional who can help.
A mental health provider can help you find a treatment plan that works or refer you to someone who can. This can include therapy, medication, or other interventions. If needed, a provider may conduct or refer you to someone who can provide an evaluation and/or diagnosis of another condition.
If your child already has a care team that extends beyond a family doctor, inform relevant professionals your family works with (e.g., a therapist who sees your child) of your child's behaviors.
Takeaway
Kids might hit themselves for various reasons. Children with ADHD and related conditions, like Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder are even more likely to experience this issue. The good news is that there are ways parents can help their child who struggles with self-harm. Identifying why a child hits themselves or otherwise engages in self-harm is generally the first step. Hyperactivity/impulsivity, lack of self-control, intense emotions, and sensory issues are all common reasons kids with ADHD and other conditions may exhibit signs of self-harm. After that, coping skills like taking deep breaths, intense movement, and mindfulness or grounding activities can help. Parents should seek individualized medical advice for children who self-harm.
About
Dr. Brittany Ferri, PhD
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