Self-injurious behavior

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is any behavior a person does that can hurt their own body. Common forms include head banging, hitting oneself, biting, scratching and skin picking. It's more common in autistic children than in other children, even those with other developmental disabilities. Per a 2020 review of 37 studies, about 42 percent of autistic people in them showed self-injury. That figure depends on how each study defined and counted it.

The behavior usually does something for the child. It can get attention, end a demand, get an item or create its own sensation. It can also come with strong emotion. One research team found that about a quarter of SIB keeps going because of the sensation it creates.

See your child's doctor about any injury, and about self-injury that's new or getting worse. A medical check is part of the assessment. Next, a behavior analyst does a functional behavior assessment (FBA) to find what the behavior gets or avoids for your child. The plan then teaches safer ways to meet the same need.

A doctor may also treat self-injury with medicine, says the National Institute of Mental Health. For a child with autism, self-injury can be part of being overwhelmed. So calming and communication supports, like those used for meltdowns, often belong in the plan.

• Safety now: Ask your Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) how the plan keeps your child safe right now.
• The new skill: Ask which skill will replace the behavior and meet the same need.
• At home: Ask whether parent training covers what to do at home when self-injury happens.