Blog post 9: Self Harm and Autism

Self Injurious Behavior (SIB) are displayed by individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. This kind of behavior includes repetitive physical harming to one's own body. I was genuinely intrigued by this new added information that self harming cannot only function as a way to cope with stress or a way to pleasure one's self (masochism) but also as a biological disability or illness.

I have read this article entitled Introduction to Self-Injurious Behavior by Gary Heffner. He enlisted some typical forms of Self Injurious behaviors an autistic child or adult may engage in namely: hitting oneself with hands or other body parts, head banging, biting oneself, picking at skin or sores, and scratching or rubbing oneself  repeatedly. However, he said the cause of self injurious behaviors remains a mystery just like autism. The possible causes can be chemical imbalance, sinus problems, head aches, attention-seeking, seizures, ear infection, frustration, seeking sensory stimulation/input, sound sensitivity, and/or to escape or avoid a task. He also said that less noticeable self harm may be more dangerous than explicit self injuries. Bleeding wounds or bruises are going to heal when given treatment but repetitive behaviors such as lightly  banging the head or rubbing the skin can have serious even life-threatening consequences over time. 

One important passage written by Mr. Heffner is, "The danger of repetitive rubbing or tapping can also cause tissue damage over time and, if the head is involved, may even cause brain damage over many years. The point is, all forms of self-injurious behavior should be treated as soon as it is noticed" If you notice a relative or even a friend of yours who likes to engage on such activities that hurts or injures them self, you should inform their parents or a counselor or anyone who can be knowledgeable for these kind of things.

I have also researched about how you should treat or cure a person who exhibits self injurious behavior due to autism. I came to find this article by Dr. Stephen Edelson entitled Understanding and Treating Self Injurious Behavior, the first step is the Functional Analysis. In Functional Analysis, you should obtain the information on how the person who exhibits self injurious behavior harms himself. You should also analyze and assess the possible Psychological causes on why the self harmer harms them self whether it is from biochemical, seizures, genetic, arousal, pain, sensory, and/or frustration; Or Social causes such as: communication, social attention, obtained tangibles, and/or avoidance or escape. 

I would like to quote this vital statement written by Dr. Edelson, "It is important to understand that there are different reasons why individuals engage in self-injurious behavior...Research has also shown that aversives may reduce or eliminate self-injurious behavior by training the person to inhibit his/her behavior." For parents who saw self injurious behaviors on their child do not worry. Training your child not to harm himself/herself should do the trick preventing them not to bite their hands or giving them a toy for distraction may help. If their behavior still persisted, it is better to consult a doctor who has in depth knowledge about self injurious behaviors.