Three year old hitting

[NotEnoughKnittingTime]

Any advice on how to stop this if possible please. 3.5 year old boy with some words but not many so awaiting some SALT therapy. Also now on the list for ASD assessment. Starts preschool next week at a school he should be going to. Constantly into everything!

He seems to be going through a phrase where if his dad is lying in bed or sitting down he will grab his face and hurt him. He has drawn blood a few times. The normal saying "no" and moving away doesn't seem work! He just goes back! He is very rough at the minute.

I have wondered if it is a way to get dad to get breakfast etc.

Any advice?

It could be frustration at wanting to communicate something. Another possibility is a sensory issue. Is DS aware of the upcoming transition? If so, that could also be playing a part.

Does DS communicate in other ways?

Have you requested an EHCNA?

Try to keep his nails short if you can. Sometimes parents can clip them when the child is asleep if it’s a problem.
Does he only do this to Dad? Good that you are looking at why it might be happening. How does he usually make requests?
You can buy skin picking fidget toys but this may not be the issue? Has he had an OT sensory assessment? Not all OTs are specialists in this area.
Has he been assessed by SALT and just waiting for intervention? You could use some photos or symbols to aid communication whilst waiting if he’s not already using.
You might find the book The Out of Synch Child has fun helpful for sensory activities.