Self-harm or self-injurious behaviour can be defined as any behaviour that is initiated by the
\nindividual and results in physical harm to that individual. Such behaviour in autism is
\nsometimes a way to self-soothe and communicate their needs and demands. Several
\nexamples of self-injurious behaviour are head banging, scratching, pinching, hair pulling,
\nskin pulling, arm or hand biting.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Difficulties in processing sensory information
\n\u2022 Medical problems such as headache, fever, infection or pain in
\nother body parts
\n\u2022 Mental health problems such as depression or anxiety
\n\u2022 Attempts at communicating
\n\u2022 Attempts at seeking attention
\n\u2022 The child is being abused or bullied
\n\u2022 Lack of control within their living environment
\n\u2022 Exposure to inappropriate interventions<\/p>\n
There are several interventions, forms of support and strategies that can help overcome and
\nreduce self-injurious behaviour in children with autism.
\n\u2022\u00a0Providing an effective way to communicate. Using picture cards or sign language can
\nbe helpful.
\n\u2022\u00a0A structured and routine schedule in order to avoid boredom and thereby
\nminimizing opportunities for self-harm.
\n\u2022\u00a0Providing breaks in between tasks
\n\u2022\u00a0Giving simple and short instructions for any task
\n\u2022\u00a0Providing alternative sensory experiences
\n\u2022\u00a0Using noise-dampening headphones to block out excessive noise
\n\u2022\u00a0Providing treatment for medical problems such as infection, fever or headache
\n\u2022\u00a0Giving the individual what they want (e.g snack or toy) if they agree to behave in a
\ndesirable way and not injure themselves
\n\u2022\u00a0Encouraging the individual to take up vigorous physical activities such as swimming
\n\u2022\u00a0Prescription of anti-psychotics if the self-injurious behaviour is pervasive, long
\nstanding and\/or severe.<\/p>\n
Understanding your child\u2019s needs and demands are core to avoiding and minimizing self-
\ninjurious behaviour in autism. The interventions and strategies mentioned above also
\nsignificantly help in reducing and avoiding self-injurious behaviour in children with autism. In
\nthe case of severe and pervasive self-injurious behaviour medicinal intervention (anti-
\npsychotics) along with psychosocial intervention has proven to provide maximum benefit.<\/p>\n
Essential Guide to Self Injurious Behaviour and Autism[Pdf]. (2016, March). London:
\nResearch Autism.<\/p>\n
Hobbs, K. G. (n.d.). Why do Autistic children hit themselves? [Web log post]. Retrieved
\nfrom https:\/\/www.autismparentingmagazine.com\/autism-self-harm\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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