Nocturnal Headbanging as a Settling Habit: The Behavioural Treatment of a 4-Year-Old Boy

A healthy 4-year-old boy of normal intelligence demonstrating nocturnal head-banging was treated successfully using behavioural methods. The behaviour was conceptualized as an atypical settling habit which was maintaining a disturbed sleep pattern. The intervention consisted of mild aversion therapy combined with a reward programme. The importance of stress as a factor in maintaining this problem is highlighted. Parental confidence was essential to the outcome of this intervention.