Rhythmic movement disorder

[StephanieA]

Hi

Has anyone got any experience on this? Ive just found it on the web, and we think this is what our daughter has had for the last eight months! Im glad we now have a name for it, the question is - how do we deal with it??

Thanks
Steph

I started a thread about this a while ago. Although I called it stereotypical movement disorder- is that the same thing? here and here . Also found this

whoops posted the same thread twice- this is the second thread

Hi Jimjams2

Thanks for responding, but I dont think its the same thing. Every night when we put DD to bed, she starts head-banging (banging her head down onto her pillow) and head-rolling (rolling her head from side to side) whilst moaning! This can go on for hours! and she stops herself from going to sleep! The actions get so violent she almost slams her body down onto the bed too!!! DD does have developmental needs - shes not speaking yet at 4 and is still in nappies - so I dont know if thats any way connected!

Best of luck in your search for information!

Steph
x

Never heard of this but DS (2) rocks his head to and fro over the pillow when he's tired - always has. He can bang his head off the sides of the car seat when he's tired too which really alarms DP but I'm used to it now and he never hurts himself. I tend to ignore the behaviour and treat him normally as telling him to stop usually means he does it harder. Otherwise he's perfectly normal. I found this link which says it usually resolves itself by age 5.

also found this here

"Rhythmic-movement Disorder

Rhythmic-movement disorder is seen most often in younger children, yet can also occur in adults. The movements usually consist of recurrent headbanging, headrolling and body rocking. The individual may also moan or hum during these movements. Other rhythmic disorders include shuttling (rocking back and forth on hands and knees) and folding (raising the torso and knees simultaneously). Typically these movements will occur just before sleep begins or during sleep. Medical or psychological problems are unlikely to be associated with this disorder. Behavioral treatments may be effective in some cases, the majority of children will eventually grow out of it."