Autism, Self Injurious Behavioral Interventions

[Champ675]

I KNOW FIRST HAND WHAT SELF INJURY IS ABOUT

[DavidAPyles]

Behavioral treatment works for OCD symptoms as well, in fact, the research shows it works better than medication. The stereotyped, ritualistic behaviors that occur in some people with autism are usually part and parcel of the diagnosis . I'd suggest finding a competent, well trained behavior analyst to help with this. Depending on where you are, I might be able to refer you to someone. I've worked successfully with a lot of these cases.

[kgaccount]

@DavidAPyles HI David. Behavioral therapy is not very effective for autistics who have multiple antecedents which fluctuate daily. We have found that the majority of SIB occurs when he's in discomfort. The problem is in his brain: the way he perceives pain and environment around him. Improving brain function, I believe, has been the most helpful for us. Only after improving brain function will you see a better response to behavioral therapies. Nicotine patch therapy has currently helped our son

[danielismiracle]

We had the same issue. We did the FBA and FA. After identifing the function of the behavior, and followed by the treatment for the alternative and desired behavior (after 6months or so) the frequency is zero across enviornment. The antecedent was changed as well as the consquences- using visual schedule and pecs and lots of strong reinforcers.

The boy seems to be similar age as my son.

Good luck!

[kgaccount]

@danielismiracle I really, really, really would LOVE for behavioral plans to stop this behavior. Sadly, they haven't because his behavior is more OCD, so until we find right combo of least aversive medications to atleast reduce the Obsessive compulsive habit of hitting himself for 55 different reasons, he won't respond to conventional behavioral interventions. It's like he's "stuck" in this horrible self abusive world and he can't get out. We're working with neurologist and psychiatrists again..

[Seattlecarnut]

Another thing I'm curious about is the diapers. I've seen videos where he's wearing a diaper. Does he have difficulty getting to the toilet when he needs to pee?

[Seattlecarnut]

It's a wonder the poor guy doesn't get a serious concussion from hitting himself all the time in the head.

[kgaccount]

@Seattlecarnut I'm sure he's had several mild concussions, which then FUEL the self abuse. It becomes a vicious cycle. Hence, I'm advocating more and more for PAIN control as first line of treatment in extreme self abusive meltdowns, because so long as PAIN persists, the SIB will continue. Behaviorally fragile autistics like my son get "stuck" in the pain. They must feel no pain for at least a day, so their brain can calm down and get OUT of SIB mode. That's my theory.

[Seattlecarnut]

@kgaccount I'm not familiar with Autism. I have a second cousin who has Autism, but it's fairly mild by comparison. A couple things I'm curious about. First, the headset he's wearing. They look like hearing protection one wears when he's operating loud machinery.

[Shoes454]

Does he usually wear a bandana around his neck? Why does he wear a bandana around his neck for??

[kgaccount]

@Shoes454 For hypersecretions caused by poor digestion or his stereotypy "slurping". We have found something that helps this lately, that is famotidine PRN (as needed) as well as limiting foods that cause hypersecretions. So, basically it's just a cooler way to wear something to catch the drool, if needed.

[baaker1]

Not

[baaker1]

That's why he wants Pain To Get His Autism Out of his Brain

[missnikki199]

Mom, bless you for being so patient with your son. I worked as an ABA therapist with a severely autistic child for 9 months and it was the most difficult and trying job I ever had. I cannot imagine living with this on a daily basis. Stay strong and know there are people out there praying and pulling for you. xo

[sidandmoi]

Why didnt you put his helmet on now?

[kjvacts238]

You need to look into SCIP intervention training. It's safer, and much more effective than your methods of restraint.

[d2pelleg]

As a behavior analyst, I'm concerned with this footage. It seems that every time he engages in SIB, it results in attention from mom. The concept of reinforcement says that when a behavior is reinforced, it will increase. Even if the attention he receives contingent on SIB is negative, it still may serve as reinforcing.

[kgaccount]

@d2pelleg. Keep in mind extinction method was tried on my son. It left him with a shattered face. That was advice of top behavioral expert in San Diego: "ignore him as to not re-inforce behavior." We did. He never stopped hitting himself. He'll outlast anyone. That's the challenge. It's habitual. Once he gets going, it's like a song on a record player that keeps skipping and until you nudge the recorder, it won't play normally again. We have to intervene for safety purposes

[Dimples216]

@kgaccount I agree with you...the boy I worked with.....they told us about reinforcement also. It works differently for different cases. It got to a point where when he would hit himself the father and the mother would put him in the pantry or somewhere enclosed..(not to be abusive) but to show him that hurting himself distanced people. He would stop. And become more concerned with where everyone went. But that worked for HIM. It really does depend on the situation.

[missy794]

@kgaccount

my son is the same way only he is also blind, I was wondering where you got his gloves?

[vsheehan]

You are an amazing parent. Most of us could not deal with what you deal with and still look good. :) I hope you understand what a better place this world is with your family in it.

[BTC141]

Hi, I work with autistic clients in a group home and there is one guy in particular that is quite challenging. I have tried everything from taking him bowling, going to the zoo, walking in the park and finger painting but he isn't really responding to much outside of food. He is obsessed with eating food constantly. He is non-verbal but he understands language. Anything you can suggested? Thanks.

[kgaccount]

Sorry, I didn't see this question earlier..the most critical thing in NON VERBAL autistics (or any other challenge) with behaviors is to eliminate the possiblity of underlying medical pain triggering behaviors. Ie...an ulcer, infections, hair line fractures, cavities, ear aches, etc...because they can't tell us.we must investigate. Once this is eliminated, you can deduce it's most likely behavioral or, in the case of OCD like eating behavior, may serve as a comfort or sensory issue....

[BTC141]

I'm going to be taking him to see a dentist very soon and I have set a date to meet with an occupational therapist to write up a behavioural support plan around his sensory program. Food could be a sensory stimulation for him but I'm not sure. He appears to be healthy otherwise but it's always hard to say.

[professorice25]

For the people who are making fun of the child.all I have to say is to Stop!

[bunnyz324]

thats not making fun of your child accept the right thing to tell your child to stop

[papergunpsycho]

this is a littld funny (in my opinion)

[kgaccount]

Well, I agree. It is quite ironic I'm sitting in a house with my 20 yr. old son as he's smashing his fists into his head. I guess it's better to laugh at it sometimes than fall on the floor and cry....

[sammbah]

Hey Kim ,, im still keepin an eye on your vids, thanks... xx much love to you.. still have'nt figured out why April is self harmin, but its damage limitation, helmet.. and carbamazapine seems to have her less distressed,,, keep strong...xx

[IntoTheDarkWood]

@papergunpsycho It's not funny, not in the least.

[papergunpsycho]

i love kristen stewart

[papergunpsycho]

is he ok with the dog in your house?

[kgaccount]

Yes, he totally LOVES our dogs...if he didnt they'd be outta there...

[sammbah]

are you ok??

[iamacoolkorean]

why hes in a wheelchair?

[kgaccount]

For when he has self injurious meltdowns while out in public and we need to keep him secured in one place to protect him. Also, because he has become attached to chair as his "personal chair" where he kicks back and giggles as he stares outside at the trees and dogs. It also gives a chance to quickly contain and move him to safer areas if needed, for example if there were a fire and he refused to walk, we could strap him in wheelchair and get him out of house...