Hi Becky,
Cody started head banging many years ago. It has become better over
the years meaning the frequency has become less. Cody is now 9 years
old. I agree with what a part of what Rick said in his response about
ignoring. But first you need to look at some factors....
1. Is he banging to cause injury to himself or others? If he is then
that needs to be addressed with either your peds doctor or your hemo
doc.. Cody has a helmet because of fear that he will bang to hard and
cause a bleed. His platelet are non functioning so extra precautions
are needed.
2. When he is head banging what is he banging on? Is it happening at
the same time period of each day? What is going on that he is trying
to communicate to you, that he is becoming frustrated? Cody does not
talk there fore when I do not pick up his ways of letting me know he
wants a different movie, go outside, what ever it is he is wanting,
then my knees or shoulder become his target to bang on. He does not
harm himself but he sure does harm me after a few bangs....LOL.

Keep in mind our kids typically will not bang to injure themselves.
There are many things we can do to help communicate. We are currently
working with picture communication boards with Cody. So far this is
working well. When he bangs his head I will take him to his
communication board, I will provide him with options to select from.
He points to the pic. he then gets that request. Example... Cody
wants to ride his bike, he needs to point to it and then I will take
him out to his bike. If it is a movie then he has to show me which
movie he wants. We just started doing this in the last month. Another
step you can try is when head banging starts ignore it until he
realizes that he is not getting the attention he is wanting (unless
he is like Cody and causing you injury). What I do with Cody is when
my knees or shoulders can not take any more I sit him away from me.
When he is ready to get my attention a nicer way then I will tend to
his need. Cody has learned that by signing please I will respond to
him right away.

I think it all boils down to our own tricks we learn with our
children. Being that I work and teach in a handicap school and deal
with behavior problems all day long, I have found that following
through at home and school has to be done. Our kids need consistency
at all times, they thrive on appraisal so they will do their best to
get that attention. For Cody is it yelling YAY and clapping. I have
also seen first hand that giving that attention during a negative
time such as head banging, will cause further problems with other
issues (sorry Rick this is the only area I disagree with you).

If you want more information on communication board or any other
information please let me know. I will be happy to provide any
information that I can help with. I recommend that you take notes on
when your son is head banging. What seems to be the problem. Once you
discover that answer you should see a decrease until, the next new
problem and it starts over...LOL. Hope this was of some help for
you :)
Laura W.