ABSTRACT
Carers may seek advice about headbanging and body-rocking from professionals in Tier 1 and Tier 2. Headbanging and body-rocking are examples of stereotypies – spontaneous repetitive movement patterns that occur in young children, apparently without purpose. If the behaviour persists despite the above measures, and carers remain concerned, then referral should be discussed. Children with stereotypies should be referred to a community paediatrician if it is mainly further assessment that is required. If further management is required, minimal attention and intervention are usually the best strategy. Any form of attention is likely to maintain the behaviour. Carers should therefore be supported in ignoring such stereotypies. If the behaviour occurs every time the carer says ‘no’ to the child, giving in to the headbanging will tend to increase it. The noise of such behaviours, especially headbanging, may be very irksome to some carers, particularly if they or other children in the family are trying to get to sleep.
