Head burrowing, head pressing, or rubbing against surfaces involves a child pushing their head or face firmly into a surface, such as a pillow, a parent’s shoulder, or the floor. This behavior often causes parental concern, especially since online searches frequently associate it with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, head pressing is not a primary or stand-alone diagnostic criterion for ASD. Understanding this behavior requires clarifying its actual causes, which range from common self-soothing methods to a need for sensory input.
Head Pressing as a Sensory Seeking Behavior
The nervous system uses specialized receptors throughout the body to understand the body’s position in space, a sense known as proprioception. When a child presses their head or body firmly against a surface, they seek deep pressure input that stimulates receptors located in the muscles and joints. This deep touch pressure provides a calming and organizing message to the central nervous system, helping the child feel regulated. Many children find this pressure soothing, particularly when transitioning to sleep or feeling overwhelmed. This intense input helps a child feel more grounded and aware of their body’s boundaries. This search for deep pressure is a biologically driven mechanism for self-regulation.
Is This Action a Diagnostic Sign of Autism
Head burrowing or pressing is not listed as a definitive symptom in the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The behavior is instead understood as one possible manifestation of sensory processing differences, which are frequently experienced by individuals with ASD. Children on the spectrum may be either hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to certain sensory stimuli. For a hyposensitive child, deep pressure seeking can be a form of self-stimulatory behavior, often called stimming, used to meet an unmet sensory need. An evaluation for ASD focuses on a combination of persistent traits, including deficits in social-emotional reciprocity and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior. Therefore, a diagnosis requires considering head pressing within the broader context of other co-occurring behaviors and developmental markers.
Other Common Reasons for Head Burrowing
In typically developing infants and toddlers, head pressing or rubbing is a common self-soothing technique. This rhythmic motion often starts around six months of age and usually peaks between 18 and 24 months, with most children outgrowing it by age five. They may engage in this rhythmic activity, sometimes called head banging or body rocking, to relax themselves while falling asleep or when waking up during the night.
The behavior can also be a physical response to discomfort, such as referred pain from teething or an ear infection. Since young children lack the vocabulary to express pain precisely, they may press or rub the side of their head or face to relieve pressure or create a distraction. Additionally, a child who is frustrated or seeking a parent’s attention may resort to this behavior because it reliably elicits a reaction.
When to Consult a Pediatrician
While head burrowing is usually a benign self-soothing or sensory behavior, parents should know the signs that suggest a medical concern. A consultation with a pediatrician is warranted if the head pressing begins suddenly and is accompanied by symptoms indicating pain or a neurological issue. Parents should also seek medical advice if the child appears distressed, such as pressing their head into a hard surface without seeking comfort, or if the behavior causes injury.
Other concerning signs that require immediate medical evaluation include:
- A stiff neck, vomiting, or a high fever, which may signal a serious infection.
- A sudden increase in the frequency or intensity of the action.
- Lethargy or confusion.
- Difficulty waking the child.