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ASK PINNACLE · QUESTIONS, EXPLANATIONS & NEXT STEPS

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Explore explanations, everyday questions and next steps connected with 220e71dc40ba.

3 published answers · English

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Therapy & support

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Therapy & support

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My child hurts themselves on purpose — should I be worried?

Self-injury in children is usually a signal — of big feelings, sensory needs, frustration, pain or unmet communication needs — rather than a sign something is fundamentally wrong. Calm attention helps more than panic. Seek help promptly if it is frequent, intense, increasing, causes injury, or accompanies low mood. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

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What does it mean if my child hurts themselves on purpose?

When a child hurts themselves on purpose it is usually a way of communicating an unmet need or coping with an overwhelming feeling — through frustration, sensory overload, hidden pain or big emotions — not bad behaviour. With understanding and the right support these behaviours can almost always be reduced. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

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What should I do if my child hurts themselves on purpose?

If your child hurts themselves on purpose, stay calm, keep them safe, and treat it as communication of an unmet need rather than naughtiness. Respond gently, reduce triggers, and arrange a developmental and emotional check to understand the cause. Developmental measurement supports care planning; diagnosis requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. under qualified clinician care; seek urgent medical help if injuries are severe.

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