---
title: "Autism and Hair Pulling or Twirling: Why it Happens & What it Means"
description: Autism and hair pulling are a relatively common combination for neurodivergent children. We have the tips you need to manage this behavior.
---

[Self-Determination-Blog](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog)

# [Autism and Hair Pulling or Twirling: Why it Happens & What it Means](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/autism-hair-pulling-twirling)

 Written by [NeuroNav Self-Determination Specialist](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/author/neuronav-self-determination-specialist) | Nov 5, 2026, 2:30:01 PM

One of the most common repetitive behaviors you’ll see autistic people do is twirling and pulling their hair. In many (if not most) circumstances, this is harmless, but it can become harmful or dangerous if your child does it excessively or aggressively.

Many parents wonder when hair pulling crosses from harmless to harmful behavior, and what they can do to help their child stop. We’ll explore the connection between autism and hair pulling and offer simple, actionable guidelines for safer alternatives.

## Autism and Hair Pulling: What Is Your Child Trying to Say?

Child psychologists and behavioral experts want parents to know that many children with autism pull at their hair to communicate something. People with autism often have speaking challenges and therefore use other outlets to communicate.

Below are three types of messages your child’s hair pulling may be trying to get across.

### “I Like the Way It Feels”

It’s extremely common for children with autism to [*stim*](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/understanding-different-stimming-behavior) frequently throughout the day. They find that their sensory needs are not being met like neurotypical individuals’ are, and so they need to do something extra to feel regulated. Running their fingers through their hair or lightly tugging at their scalp is a popular stimming activity.

*Note: Hair pulling can also include eyelashes, eyebrow hair, or other body hair.*

### “It Helps Me Calm Down”

When your child has big feelings, they feel a loss of control. The predictable sensations of hair pulling and twirling can be their way of grounding themselves or finding order in chaos.

### “I’ve Become Dependent on Pulling My Hair”

Over time, hair pulling can become an automatic, subconscious behavior. In a way, autistic children can become physically dependent on the sensations associated with hair pulling and twirling.

Doing it continuously can also signal that your child has either anxiety or obsessive-compulsive tendencies, which underscore the importance of comprehensive assessments by qualified medical professionals. The medical term for extreme and irresistible urges to pull on your own hair is called [trichotillomania](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trichotillomania/symptoms-causes/syc-20355188).

## When Does Hair Pulling Become Harmful or Dangerous?

The biggest red flag surrounding hair pulling is physical damage, which can come in the form of bald spots, active bleeding, scabs, and skin infections. It also becomes maladaptive when your child starts relying on it to manage distress.

## Advice for Redirecting Unwanted Hair Pulling Behavior

If your child’s hair pulling crosses the line from harmless to harmful, it’s important to identify the root cause. What makes them feel compelled to pick at their hair to the point of physical injury? Once you’ve identified the antecedent, you’re in a much better position to prevent hair-pulling urges before they happen.

While you work with your child to limit hair pulling, you’ll need to redirect their behavior when it happens. Here are some tips:

- Offer sensory toys such as fidget spinners, pop-its, or Silly Putty. Stress balls may also work well.
- Give them straightforward directions in a neutral voice.
- Provide language boards to help them communicate when they can’t find the right words.
- Give them praise when they make any kind of progress.

## Learn More About Life with Autism with NeuroNav

Hair pulling and other maladaptive behaviors may be more likely to happen when an autistic individual does not have the right supports and services. They might need better occupational therapy or more community integration.

Many Californians with autism are considered to have a disability, which may qualify them for the Self-Determination Program (SDP). The SDP gives participants funds each year to receive services from caring vendors and staff members. It offers a more flexible way to spend regional center funds.

NeuroNav has a highly experienced, knowledgeable team of [independent facilitators](https://neuronav.org/families) with a long track record of advocating for SDP participants and their families. Schedule a [consultation](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation-main) to see how we can help your child or loved one achieve their loftiest dreams.

[View full post](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/autism-hair-pulling-twirling)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "NeuroNav Self-Determination Specialist"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-11-05T14:30:01.036Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-11-05T14:30:01Z",
  "headline" : "Autism and Hair Pulling or Twirling: Why it Happens & What it Means",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 1366,
    "url" : "https://24357923.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hubfs/24357923/171.jpg",
    "width" : 2048
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/autism-hair-pulling-twirling",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "Self-Determination-Blog"
  }
}
```