How to know if your nonverbal autistic child has a headache
Most headaches pass with water, a quieter room, and rest. But some signs point to something medical that a story cannot fix. Seek urgent medical care if you see:
- Unresponsive to their name for more than 10–15 minutes
- Stiffening, rhythmic jerking, or twitching (possible seizure)
- Eyes rolled back, or a long blank stare with no response
- Changed breathing — irregular, laboured, noisy, or very shallow
- Blue or grey tint around lips or fingernails
- Loss of bladder or bowel control during the episode (if not typical for them)
- Confusion, slurred speech, or not recognising you afterwards
- First time you have seen this, or unusually long or severe for your child
- Any head injury, fever, or medicine change in the hours before
Autism overlaps with epilepsy, migraine, and sensory conditions that look like each other. When in doubt, call your pediatrician or your local emergency number. You are not overreacting.
Your child has been touching their head all evening, maybe pressing their palms against their temples or rubbing their forehead. They seem uncomfortable, maybe more irritable than usual, but they can't tell you what's wrong. You're left guessing - is it a headache, or something else entirely?
This uncertainty is exhausting. You want to help, but you're playing detective with limited clues, wondering if you should give medication or just wait it out.
Print, watch, or load into your AAC device.
Why headaches are harder to spot in nonverbal autistic children
Autistic children often have different interoception - their ability to sense what's happening inside their body. Research shows many autistic people struggle to identify and locate internal sensations like pain. Your child might feel something is wrong but can't pinpoint that it's their head hurting.
Sensory processing differences make this trickier. Some autistic children are hyposensitive to pain and might not react to a headache the way you'd expect. Others are hypersensitive and might experience a mild headache as overwhelming.
Communication barriers mean your child can't just say "my head hurts." They might show distress but lack the words or AAC symbols to explain where or how they're feeling pain.
Many autistic children also experience more frequent headaches due to sensory overload, tension from masking, or conditions like migraines that run higher in autistic populations.
What to look for right now
- Head touching or pressing - Repeated touching, rubbing, or pressing hands against head, temples, or forehead. This often happens because pressure can temporarily reduce pain.
- Light sensitivity - Suddenly avoiding bright lights, covering eyes, or wanting curtains closed. Photophobia is a classic headache sign that doesn't need words.
- Sound sensitivity - Getting upset by normal household sounds they usually tolerate, or seeking very quiet spaces. Noise can make headaches worse.
- Changes in movement - Moving more carefully, lying down more than usual, or avoiding activities that involve bending over or quick movements. These can worsen head pain.
- Appetite changes - Refusing favourite foods or eating less. Nausea often comes with headaches and affects eating.
- Sleep disruption - Having trouble falling asleep or waking up more frequently. Pain interferes with normal sleep patterns.
- Increased stimming around the head - More head-focused repetitive behaviours, or changes in usual stimming patterns. This might be self-soothing.
- General irritability - Less tolerance for usual activities, more meltdowns, or seeming "off" without obvious triggers. Pain affects mood and coping.
Teaching headache communication ahead of time
Social stories work because they give your child words and concepts before they need them in distress. When children understand what a headache is and have ways to communicate about it, they're more likely to show you these signs intentionally rather than just reacting to discomfort.
Create a simple story with photos of your child touching their head and AAC symbols for "head," "hurt," "dark room," "quiet," "water," and "rest." Read it when they're feeling well, so the concepts are familiar when they need them.
What not to do
Don't assume they're just being difficult - Increased irritability might be your only clue to hidden pain.
Don't wait for obvious pain behaviours - Some autistic children don't cry or dramatically react to headaches.
Don't dismiss head-touching as just stimming - New or increased head-focused behaviours often signal discomfort.
Don't force activities in bright lights - If they're seeking darkness, respect that need while you figure out what's wrong.
Don't give medication without other supporting signs - One behaviour alone isn't enough, but multiple signs together paint a clearer picture.
You're doing your best
Reading your child's non-verbal cues for pain is one of the hardest parts of parenting a nonverbal autistic child. Your child is doing their best to show you what they need, even when they can't use words. Trust your instincts - you know your child better than anyone. With time and the right tools, communication about pain gets easier for both of you.
Parents also ask
How can I tell the difference between a headache and sensory overload?
Headaches often come with head-touching, light sensitivity, and seeking quiet dark spaces. Sensory overload usually involves trying to escape the overwhelming input (covering ears, leaving the room) rather than specifically targeting the head area.
Should I give paracetamol if I think my child has a headache?
Only give medication if you see multiple signs pointing to headache (head-touching, light sensitivity, changes in behaviour). Consult your paediatrician about appropriate dosing and when to seek medical help.
Can my AAC device help with headache communication?
Yes - programme symbols for "head," "hurt," "medicine," "dark," "quiet," and "better." Practice using these when your child is well, so they know these options exist during discomfort.
Why does my autistic child get headaches more often?
Autistic children often experience more headaches due to sensory processing challenges, stress from daily demands, changes in routine, and higher rates of migraine conditions. Identifying triggers can help prevent some headaches.
What should I do if head-touching behaviour is new?
New or sudden changes in behaviour warrant attention. Document when it happens, what seems to help, and any other symptoms. If it persists or worsens, consult your child's paediatrician to rule out underlying issues.
More in Body sensations
See all Body sensations stories →
A wrong AAC symbol, a tile that confuses your child, clinical guidance that doesn't match your therapist's advice — tell us and we'll fix it within a week. This library gets better when families push back.
We send one short new social story + printable per week, written for families of nonverbal kids. No filler.