2.5 year old pulling own hair out when upset

[marlpops]

My 2.5 year old has started to rip out his hair when he is upset or frustrated. So as not to drip feed we believe he may be autistic and are getting the appropriate support for this but does anyone have any ideas what we can do to comfort him when this happens? It’s impossible to stop him unless we restrain him but then he ends up more upset. He’s due a haircut on Thursday and I’m worried he’s got bald spots that we can’t see yet. I’m surprised he has any of his hair left 🙁

That sounds so painful..
My DS used to headbang as a baby/ toddler, it looked so painful.
He stopped doing it when he learned to talk.
I have seen little children pull their own hair- it’s like they don’t realise it’s them causing pain, and cry the harder.
Distraction and a really short haircut?
Pulling so hard that his hair comes out sounds extreme.
I hope you get some useful suggestions.

Thanks for your reply x

He’s having a short back and sides when he goes for his hair cutting but it’s so upsetting and I am at a total loss. It’s started within the last week and is happening multiple times a day

@marlpops I googled as I’m sure you have!
Seems it’s very common.
If he realises it gets a reaction from you- could it make it worse?
I’m sure a short haircut will physically help as no hair length to actually grab.
Ouch! Especially as they seem to pull the sides, which really hurts!

Yes he pulls the sides! I’m sort of relieved that it’s common as that tells me they must grow out of it at some point, I don’t know any older children that do this 😁
Thank you so much for your responses xx