Autism, Self Injurious Behavioral Interventions

Autistic adult self-abusing wears protective gloves. Mother intervenes and re-directs behavior. Successful attempt.

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• Help

[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]

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.

[Champ675]

I KNOW FIRST HAND WHAT SELF INJURY IS ABOUT

[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]

@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.

[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.