Head banging and body rocking.

Rhythmic Movement Disorder is the correct term for rhythmic movements including headbanging and body rocking. These are common in young children who use these movements to self soothe. They can occur at the start of sleep and when the child is in lighter sleep or is aroused in the night.

Studies indicate that about two thirds of children aged 9 months use rhythmic movement to self soothe. Less than half still do so at 18 months and only about 8% continue to do so by the time they are 4 years old. It is also estimated that approximately 3-15% head bang to a significant degree. This behaviour usually starts before one year with body rocking being more prevelant than headbanging. Boys are much more likely to use these methods to self soothe.

The earliest bodyrocking occurs at about 6 months. It is usually done while on hands and knees and the whole body is rocked. Head rolling, side to side movements while lying on the back can start at about 10 months. Body rolling is less common, rolling from side to side from lying on the back.

Parents get very anxious about these behaviours and the risk of injury, particularly the risk of head injury. Some also assocciate these behaviours with mental retardation or Autism and this leads to general developmental concerns. For most children this behaviour is self limiting and by the age of 2-3 years it is outgrown. By the age of 4 years 90% of children no longer use this method of self soothing.

The key to resolving this is largely to ignore it, and certainly to avoid reinforcing the behaviour.


If you have concerns about your child, contact Dream-Angus.com