My daughter never did this, but she did bite herself. It was her ill attempt to express frustration. Most kids will lash outward but autistic kids seem to turn it inward.
It depends who you talk to. Occupational therapists will say it's a sensory need being met. Behaviorists will say it's self injurious behavior that occurs from frustration over the lack of ability to communicate, get their needs met, or get their way.
I say it's a combination, depending on the child's history.
It's behavioral if they're looking for a reaction. If they're using it for them, it's sensory.
My son did this for sensory reasons at a young age... then earlier this year, we went through the behavioral side earlier this year. They look really different (at least if you've done enough ABA training, haha).
I had a psychiatrist explain once that SIB (self injurious behaviors) release dopamine in your brain. I know that it calms him down eventually. The calming is probably intensified by the repetitive nature of the activity since the kiddos love repetition.
That's JMO, of course ;)
because we want to i have autism
My interpretation of my sons actions is that he is usually disapointed in himself. If someone else sees or not makes no difference - so no, not a case of attention seeking. As he is very verbal, he will often say what he is thinking at the time. Maybe not even sensory related.