75. The Taboo Topic of Self-Injurious Behaviors

Yes, we are talking about it again because you still have
questions and so I'm going to dive in a little bit more.
 While self-harming behaviors look different for our
children with autism and individuals without autism, they are
very prevalent in the autistic population. You may have heard
them referred to as SIB for short.


For most individuals on the spectrum, these behaviors are
happening in a very rhythmic or repetitive way and that then
leads us to believe that they could be using them to meet a
specific need. It could be head-banging, hand-biting, hitting
themselves with their fists, skin picking, or pulling their hair
out.  


It might be that they are finding them soothing or stimulating
and these types of reasons are definitely more unique to those
with autism than individuals who are not on the spectrum.


The first thing to consider is what is the behavior providing
them and that in itself is another one of those mysteries that we
often find ourselves unable to understand or uncover.
 Whatever steps you decide to take it is critically
important that all of it is coming from a place of love and a
willingness to help them figure it out and find a way to
re-direct that behavior to one that is more positive.


While many autistics engage in self-injurious behaviors, it is
not just a "part of autism" and it generally won't just go away
on its own. 


If your child is exhibiting self-injurious behaviors, trust in
your professionals and physicians to navigate you in the right
direction.  


You can also go back and listen to episode #64 for more
information on this topic.  


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