ABA for Hair Pulling in Autism

Hair pulling — whether your child is pulling their own hair or yanking someone else’s — is upsetting to see and can cause real physical harm. It often looks like it comes out of nowhere, but there is almost always a pattern underneath, and ABA is built to find it.

Why children pull hair

Hair pulling toward others is typically a form of aggression driven by the same functions as hitting: escaping demands, seeking a reaction, or expressing frustration. Hair pulling directed at oneself may be a form of self-injurious behavior with sensory or automatic reinforcement — meaning the sensation itself is what drives the behavior, not a social function. It can also be related to anxiety or dysregulation. A BCBA distinguishes between these possibilities carefully, because the treatment approach differs significantly depending on whether the pulling is automatic (sensory) or socially motivated. Related: self-injurious behavior.

How ABA addresses hair pulling

For hair pulling toward others, ABA teaches a safer replacement behavior that meets the same function — requesting attention, signaling distress, or communicating “no.” For self-directed hair pulling, treatment often involves competing sensory stimulation (an alternative that provides similar sensory input), habit-reversal strategies, and environmental modification to reduce antecedents. Safety is the first priority, and the plan is always individualized after a thorough functional assessment.

Frequently asked questions

This page is general educational information, not medical advice. Every child is different — a BCBA can assess your child’s specific needs. Autumn ABA serves families in all 21 NJ counties; see where we provide ABA therapy.

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