Son says he wants to hurt, hit, kill himself

[2_boys_is_enough]

When my six year old pdd-nos gets frustrated or mad and says he wants to bang his head, hurt himself, and even used the 'k' word.....husband says he doesnt know what it means. I think that he does but doesnt really know the implications of it. I've thought about getting a kids punching bag for him to hit when he gets mad...not sure if this is something i'd take him to the doctors for. What do you think?

[mjthewriterdad]

This is known as SiB (self injurous Behavior).  It is taken seriously by the professionals.  

Some times it is a cry for help, other times it is a form of stimulation that seemingly "blocks" other stimuli.  Like the doctor slapping you on the butt before schticking you with the neeedle -- ouch.  Sometimes it's an attempt to see what it's like.  I have a friend whose son  with PDD keeps saying he wants to see what it's like to be "hurt."  He'd say "I want to be hurt to feel what it's like"  I don't understand that angle, to be honest.  

Another child with autism his parents told me he just wanted to see what his bones looked like, so he cut away at his arm.

Honestly, I don't understand SiB but it can be fatal.

Teens in severe depression can be "cutters."   ther is an internet community of cutters.  

2boys, yes, this is serious.  take him to doc before it's 2 L8!

[MJIthewriter]

I've used that tactic on my parents/grandparents. Usually it only happens if my frustration has escalated beyond my point of handling it. I'd take to biting my arm (ouch) and that would resolve the conflict immediately.  Perhaps trying to prevent the frustration from getting there would be helpful. I’ve found better luck when the person I’m upset with calms down before I hit that threshold. I’m also finding writing seems to be helping. If I'm steamed from an argument, I can go upstairs and type on my computer or draw a picture. I also play my own personal movies in my head of what I’m writing about. That alos calms me down. If I’m terribly upset, then I type it up and email to people I trust.

[jo929]

I raised 3 kids back then we did not know about autism you only went to dr if you had something that could  not be cured at home we used home remedies my next door neighbor had a boy that would bang his head on something sometimes just to get attention she came over one day and said i cant get my son to quit banging his head on the wall she asked me to come over so i went over and the boy looked  and started over and i said do i have your permission to try something she said yesshe was about5 i got a glass of water and dashed it in his face i know this sounds cruel but t he kid never had them around his dad just mom but them my daughter held her breath one time she was atoddler and i just flicked some water on her face she never did it again i really would not attempt to -give advice to you but wodering if he could just be wanting his way but where would a 6 year old hear the word-k-yes if it worrys you take him to the doctor does the dr say the boy has autism i have been reading up on this and i am not any closer to understanding it i i would like to know more about it as nowdays there are so many wron diagnosis of people even the grown ups are misdiagnosed so i understand                  wishing you lots of luck    jo