9 year old slapping his face,how do I... - CHADD's ADHD Pare...

CHADD's ADHD Parents Together

23,972 members6,312 posts

9 year old slapping his face,how do I make him stop...??

dianam123 profile image
7 Replies

My son 9 year old (not medicated) ADHD,ADD,anxiety, started slapping his face ,(not angry when slapping.)

I constantly tell him to stop but replies with I have too...

Dont know where that came from..

Is that a new thing ??

Written by
dianam123 profile image
dianam123
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
7 Replies
Onthemove1971 profile image
Onthemove1971

Dianam13-

This like many other odd behaviors happen with our kids. I would try to predict when it is going to happen and then distract him with something he can hold in his hands ( fidget spinner, Rubix. cube, counter) not sure if this is from stress, behavior.. etc, but I always try to change the negative behavior into something else without discussing it with our son. That way I am not making a big deal out of it. I am hopeful this to will pass, until there is something else.

Best of luck.

dianam123 profile image
dianam123 in reply to Onthemove1971

Will do,Thanks !!!

Pennywink profile image
Pennywink

Though unusual, this actually sounds more like a tic to me. I would consider bringing it up to the pediatrician, along with another other odd behaviors you have noticed over the years (my son started with grunting, then lip licking, followed by finger flicking and finger sniffing along with humming. Now he has teeth grinding and sometimes siren noises. Just to give you some examples of things that may be tic-like behaviors.)

If it is a tic, it will probably need to be handled differently than more voluntary behaviors.

dianam123 profile image
dianam123 in reply to Pennywink

He has a couple tics, I guess I will add that to list.

Thanks!!

Pennywink profile image
Pennywink in reply to dianam123

You’re welcome! If it’s a tic, telling him to stop may just make him more stressed / make it worse. Though if it is bothering him / disrupting his life, the non-stimulant ADHD drugs are actually the first choice for helping tic disorders, and actually can work really well in conjunction with the stimulants to help both conditions.

Elijah1 profile image
Elijah1

If it is a tic, CBIT (cognitive behavioral intervention for tics), also called habit reversal therapy, is a non-medication treatment with proven effect. If desired, ask pediatrician for a referral to a therapist/psychologist who teaches this intervention.

Have you asked him why he is doing this to himself? I find I have to try rephrase things constantly in order to get to answers. It can be a real challenge for me trying to get to the bottom of things. My 5 year old has problems connecting things. Really don't understand consequences, problem solving or actions period. We have not gotten to connecting dots. it has been tough. Seems like others have given you some good advice and I will be taken some of that away myself. I hope things get easier for you both. I am always trying to look outside the box to find answers. ((XX))

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Concerta for 9 year old

My 9 1/2 year old daughter was prescribed Concerta today. 18mg to start. Any other parents out...

9 year old son is explosive

Our 9 year old son is challenging to say the least. We have grown children and adopted him when he...

Help with 9 year old with ADHD

I’m new here and struggling with my 9 year old with severe ADHD. He is currently on 50 mg vyvanse...

ADHD + ODD 9 year old. Distinct behaviors in different settings

Our son has always struggled with behavior in school but when he is home or with me or my husband...

9 year old is a good liar!!

Son is a compulsive and believable liar! I worry every time he goes to school or any appointment:(