Actually a lot of autistic kids are self-harmers. It's a big sign due to the very real frustration of these kids. Often they are violent too. That's why so many Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) kids get slapped with a bipolar label.
I don't know how the Australian health care system works, but I'd try to find a professional who understands autism in children because until he is getting interventions I don't know how you can really tell if anything else is going on. My Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) son used to slam his head on the floor and wall, bite himself, bite us, throw his time-out chair, spit at us, etc. (the fun never ended) and he got a bipolar diagnosis, but once his interventions kicked in, his behavior scaled back so dramatically that he clearly was reacting to the frustration of his lack of understanding of the world. At any rate, I think Meg can help you more than us, since our health care system is sooooooooooo different. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) CAN get better. These kids usually improve as they learn more about the world and how to "get" it. If there is more going on, you'll eventually know it, although I understand they won't diagnose childhood bipolar in Austrailia...good luck, and try to fight for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) type help!!! :wink:
