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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Marysville, WA

Does anyone else have a children that "wags" his or her head? ear to shoulder...other ear to should .... over and over.

May 27, 2012
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Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences and insights about a child's repetitive head-wagging behavior, with most agreeing it likely represents... Read more

Members shared their experiences and insights about a child's repetitive head-wagging behavior, with most agreeing it likely represents sensory-seeking stimulation of the vestibular system located in the inner ear or serves as a self-soothing technique called stimming. Several members recommended consulting an occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration therapy, noting that while it may not eliminate the behavior entirely, it can help with overall sensory needs and provide alternative coping strategies like stress balls. A recurring theme was concern about bullying in school settings, with advice to address this directly in IEP meetings and work with school staff to develop social skills support and advocate strongly that bullying impacts academic performance and self-esteem.

A MyAutismTeam Member

@A MyAutismTeam Member That is definitely a valid concern. Bullying can actually be included in the IEP. Therapists and teachers in the school can work with your son on explaining techniques on how to handle bullying, social skills, and can (and should) also talk to other children in the school and in his class. If the administrators/teachers brush it off, make a case that bullying will affect his school work, self esteem, and social relationships. I would definitely recommend bringing up bullying as an important issue at the next IEP meeting if you feel comfortable! Also, it might help to give him a stress ball or some other sensory input. That could help minimize the head wagging, but the OT would probably know best. Hope that helps!

May 31, 2012 (edited)
A MyAutismTeam Member

yes it could be an auditory stim.

May 28, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

my son was just diagnosed oct 9th. my son has 2 different head rollings. one is the torticolis head tilt and the other more concerning head roll which is a figure 8 that he does over and over again. have you figured out anything that helped your child yet

October 13, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

My son does this too.

December 26, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

My son was in Sensory integration therapy when he was little for about 3-4 years. They couldn't do anything to help his head wagging, but did great in other areas. I'm mostly concerned because of his constant bullying in middle school. What's to happen when he gets to high school? Ugh!!!

May 30, 2012

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