I have a great nephew that was diagnosed with Autism about 6 1/2 yrs ago. For the last 18 months he has been having episodes where he tries to hurt himself by banging his head on a hard service, biting himself, scratching, pinching himself, as well as anyone trying to stop him. Are the episodes typical with children with Autism? He is strong as an ox during an episode. It takes 3-4 adults to hold him down until he is calm again, to keep him from hurting himself.