Self-Injurious Behavior in Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities: From Research to Practice 09/22/23 | WEBINAR

Self-injurious behavior is commonly defined as deliberate self-harm resulting in tissue damage. It occurs in about 10-20% of children and adults with developmental disabilities such as autism and intellectual disabilities (ID). It is most common in individuals with severe / profound ID, those with limited communication skills and sensory disabilities and seizure disorders and is characteristic of certain genetic syndromes. Research indicates that behavioral treatments are highly effective when based on a functional behavior assessment / analysis. Evidence-based treatments include functional communication training, extinction, differential reinforcement, and positive punishment. Treatment packages based on functional assessment / analysis often have somewhat larger effect sizes. Some non-ABA treatments such as behavior modification may also be effective. Translating research into practice is challenging. Challenges include: conducting a competent functional behavior assessment / analysis; translating the functional assessment / analysis into a behavior support plan with adequate skills training; caregiver training and long-term management; and ethical practice. 

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Define self-injurious behavior SIB

2. Describe 2 examples of social and non-social forms of SIB

3. Describe three evidence-based practices to treat SIB

4. Describe the clinical issues in the design, implementation and management of SIB using applied behavior analysis