Child Punching himself in anger

[CAA1007]

My son has had a few episodes of severely punching himself in the face when he has done something wrong or gets a telling off, especially when he is at school.  An example is he approached a few girls in his class who were playing on a spin thing, that he decided to spin faster.  They asked him to stop it, which he did and stopped the spin thing from moving.  The girls did not get off so he started spinning it again. He was asked not to do that.  He then then decided to pull plants out the ground and was stopped, and this is when he started really punching himself in the face.  I read that this could just be a phase he is going through, however I am unsure if there is something more underlying.  He has done this a good few times now and I'm getting worried for him.

[Sandman2]

Yes, is age is very important!  I know of several books that help kids deal with anger, but I need to know the age so I can recommend the right book.

And this is a phase only if he finds another way to express his anger.

It sounds like he does have problems at school.  How is he doing academically?

[specialmom]

You don't mention how old he is.  That would be helpful.  Was he wanting to spin on the spin thing himself?  In that case, helping him use alternatives to communicate would be helpful.  If he said he wanted a turn too, they may have let him join in.  How does he interact with other kids?  Does he have a strong desire to spin?  I ask that because I do have a son with sensory issues that was a big spinner when younger.  But it also can be his age as he is just really learning how to handle things.  I always think it is helpful to teach alternatives to undesired behavior.  If he is hitting himself . . .  that's not good but what CAN he do?  Give himself a tight hug?  Do a wall push over (go up to a wall, put his hands against the wall and push as if trying to push it over) which is very calming.  Use his words, etc.  Let me know what you think.  good luck

[Summer1082]

Aspergers syndrome Google it

[specialmom]

We can't jump to a conclusion like that from this snippet of information.  Worth checking all avenues but this very likely is not the case as well.  :>)  

[Criscko]

Hi, At the age of 2 i began self harming in small ways, and in distress, have done similar things, all the way into my 40s. I discovered an interesting psychological piece that helps me understand.. My father left my life, suddenly when i was 2. I would not leave my mom's side, and was "mr. Helper", due to this fact.. Children under a certain age have a black and white view of the world. If they are abandoned, and don't understand why, they blame themselves. Often, as it my case, it creates a strong self hatred, and deep fear of rejection, and abandonment. For me and many, the self hatred controls my life, through self sabotage, and self harm, in rejection, abandonment, or the threat of it, by loved ones. It is hard on, or destroys relationships, at least for me. I did not understand the cause of my issues until i was 43. I hope your son is young. If he has been abandoned or hurt, without understanding, deeply, he may be blaming himself, subconciously. In any case, intensive counseling by someone who understands this is extremely dire. My life is, and has been in ruins, despite my intellectual ability, and other gifts. If i may, how old is he? And, did someone hurt, or abandon him??