Hair twirling help?
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| Thu, 11-03-2005 - 3:30pm |
Over the summer, Eric started twirling his hair and sometimes pulling it out. Now he has a bald spot about the size of a half dollar and is starting to look like Friar Tuck!
He does it absent-mindedly, usually when he watching tv, riding in the car, laying down. He does not do it if he is engaged in something. At first I cut his hair short, but it only needs to grow out a half inch or so and he's at it again. When I see him doing it, I put a cush ball in his hand and that helps a little. He is also doing this sometimes at school, they say.
This has been going on for months now and I don't know what to do. It does not appear that he has any allergy, irritant etc. on his scalp that is making him do it. If you try to stop him he gets very upset. I asked how it makes him feel and he says, "calm."
Do I ask the pediatrician about it? Or his neuro? Our neuro is sort of our team captain, autism is his specialty and we see him about every 3-4 mos. We have an appointment Nov. 30 and I'll bring this up then, but I wondered if there are any other things people have tried.
Thanks for any ideas.
Katherine

Instead of substituting a cush ball, have you thought of giving him something more 'hair like'? It may be the feeling of hair sliding through his fingers that he enjoys.
What about some tassels that go on curtain tie backs? I can play with one of them for hours! Make sure that it's got a nice satin feel and isn't too nylonish. If you buy a small one, he can keep it in his pocket.
Thanks!
That is a great idea. It is the silky feel of the hair he likes. I thought about a doll with long hair, but he has never really even liked stuffed animals. Plus, um, he's a boy and DH would not approve!
The tassle is a great idea! Thank you so much. I hope it works. If it doesn't I think I may have to consult a behaviorist, which I am not looking forward to doing.