8 year old son with autism self-harming

Hello Kidzaware - not sure if I can help - but I can empathise. We have found this has got better with time and our son's own understanding. Also as he has got older he has developed his understanding of his emotional response. That said - we do still have issues and where he used to hit out at family members he does direct anxiety outbursts to himself as he gets older. Does your son head bang, bite himself, seek sensory feedback in anxiety/high arousal? Without knowing how verbal, sensory seeking  etc your son is it is hard to be specific, but trying to direct his physical need to something less harmful (like a punchbag - that didnt work for us!) is what some advise. Some manage to get their kids to move from themselves to bashing cushions but we found that didn't go down at all well!. How much is anxiety exhibiting with aggressive actions and how much is sensory seeking? We found sensory changers a massive help - spent a lot of time with cold water bowls, flour, theraputty (can carry around), sand pit, being outside in calm space (like woods), and time in a swing (and other vestibular stuff like trampolines, hammock), baths/showers at funny times of the day, music, all helped. What calms your son? Our best thing ever has been a Southpaw Airwalker(google it) - very expensive- doesn't look special,
 but worth every penny if your house allows it. Not sure if this helps as it can be so child specific! Good luck and I am sure it will get better.