Sensory question regarding pain

[CarolineJ]

My son has said himself that he likes pain. It's not that he craves it, but he puts himself in situations where he knows he's going to feel pain and seems to relish it i.e. rough wrestling with his daddy or sisters. We've never seen him inflict pain on himself, but I worry that he might come to that. Does anyone know if it's likely?

[caz2007]

i not sure on this but i hope somebody can come along and help you out.

take care

caroline

[warrenpenalver]

what aspect of pain does he like??? the actual pain or the after effect?? the after effect is a chemical response and can be addictive. It is similar to what happens with self harmers.

 

It is definitely worth mentioning it to any carers or specialists you see for him.

 

maybe try exercise as the chemical effect afterwards can be similar??

[Mumble]

It could be sensory (as I think you're eluding to in your title). He may, at times, by hypo (under) - sensitive to tactile stimulation and therefore seeks this?

[oxgirl]

I think there can be quite a fine line sometimes between pain and pleasure, like when you have an ulcer or something and you have to keep poking at it with your tongue even though it hurts, that kind of thing. We used to ping each other with rolled up tea towels and give each other chinese burns, etc. and the pain could be quite exquisite at times but very funny and almost addictive, so I do know what he means to a certain extent. It's making sure it doesn't go too far, I suppose.

 

~ Mel ~

[Flora]

Hi Caroline,

 

This may be way off the mark, but with my son, if he is overwhelmed by something sensory (smell, noise, etc) he will inflict pain on himself as a way of getting rid of the uncomfortable reaction to the sensory experience. I'm not sure if this could be deemed as liking the pain, but where there is difficulty with verbalising things that may be a way of describing it! Hope this makes sense, I know what I mean but it may not be clear in the way I've described it.

 

flora

[av16]

My son doesn't seem to feel pain as much and has said he likes it. He has encouraged other children to hit or kick him at school which is very worrying, he also doesn't realise that other people feel pain far more than him and he has hurt people as he doesn't understand this - it's better now than it was a few years ago.

No-one has addressed this even though it's on the statement and we told CAHMS etc. so sorry no advice for you. It's hard to deal with.

AV

[lynne]

My son also does not feel pain. However, when he is anxious or having an austistic episode than he will continually bang his head on the floor for at least 20 minutes or longer if he is disturbed.

 

It sounds awful but if you try to intervene than the session will go on longer. This would last 20 minutes but could last up to 4 hours if he is disturbed.

 

Apparently my child has said its a way of him reducing his sensory overload. Once his sensory levels come down than he stops the repeated head banging.

 

Lyn