5yo pulling other children’s hair

[Bowling4soup]

My DS just turned 5 last week. He started reception in September and it’s not been easy. We have an ehcp assessment in progress, awaiting ASD assessment too. He has regular breaks away form the classroom, visits to the sensory room at school etc. One of the main issues we are dealing with since going back after Christmas is hair pulling. For example today another child said no to playing with him he then pulled their hair and another child’s who was standing close by hair out of frustration/big feelings/poor impulse control.

I am asking if there is any sensory toys or tools that anyone can recommend to try, I’m thinking if there’s something you’ve had success with which he can use which gives him the pulling feeling without hurting anyone?

Social stories around social times/pulling hair/ kind hands and asking school to teach him and practise with him when he is calm what he can do when frustrated so he hopefully does that instead.

Some find slime/putty works. Others find a stretch Armstrong toy or sensory toy like this helps. Has DS had a sensory OT assessment as part of the EHCNA?

What support with emotional regulation is the school providing?

Some pull hair because they like the other person’s reaction, do you think that might apply to DS?