As a parent, caretaker, teacher, or family member of a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can be especially distressing to witness a child harming themself.
Self-destructive or self-injurious behavior (SIB), such as head banging, biting, skin-picking, or hair pulling, causes physical harm and are more common in children with ASD than they are in neurotypical children.
Fortunately, with the help of professionals, some strategies can alleviate this type of frustrating and scary behavior. Applied Behavioral Therapy (ABA), a research-based approach that is one of the most widely accepted treatments for ASD, is a valuable tool to reduce or eliminate self-injurious behaviors by improving language and communication skills.
Why do children with ASD engage in self-destructive behaviors?
To understand how ABA therapy treats self-destructive behaviors, it is useful to know why children with ASD engage in these behaviors. For example, some children with ASD are unable to communicate or interact with other people as effectively as those who are neurotypical. These communication difficulties can sometimes result in SIB. In other words, self-destructive behaviors are often exhibited by individuals with ASD to make themselves heard.
Functional communication training can treat self-destructive behaviors
Functional communication is a strategy that therapists employ as part of ABA therapy for ASD. This method teaches individuals with autism how to replace self-destructive behaviors with a more socially appropriate means of communication.
To employ this process a therapist first uses data to gain a thorough understanding of what situations trigger your child to engage in self-destructive behavior. For example, are they overstimulated because their environment is too loud? Are they trying to gain attention from you or their peers?
Once the therapist has identified the precipitating situation, they will provide an alternative mode of communication that provides the child with their desired result. For example, if your child is engaging in SIB because they are overwhelmed by a social situation, the therapist will teach them a more socially appropriate way to communicate: “I need to leave.”
The new method of communication may not be verbal. ABA therapy professionals can provide children with other ways to communicate depending on their individual needs and abilities. Other effective techniques can include picture cards, sign language, or speech-generating devices.
The last step is to practice the new behavior with your child in their everyday environment, such as at home or in their classroom. For example, your child’s classroom teacher could introduce a situation that has triggered self-destructive behavior in the past, such as a loud learning environment. Or at home, you might intentionally place a favorite toy out of reach. You or their teacher would then use a “prompt” to encourage your child to use the other communication approach. As your child becomes more independent and adept at using the new communication method, you, their teacher, or their therapist can slowly eliminate the prompt. Working with a trained ABA professional is highly recommended.
How GBC Autism Services can help
At GBC Autism Services, we provide ABA therapy to children with autism in the areas of Chicagoland, Peoria, Normal, Rockford, Springfield, Dekalb, and North-West Indiana. Our services include in-home and clinic-based ABA therapy, early intervention services, school consultations, and social skills groups.
The team at GBC doesn’t only focus on the behaviors that might be seen as weaknesses in children with autism. We accept and appreciate each child’s unique abilities and incorporate them into our programming. In fact, we love to learn about each child’s interests and strengths and only look to help them navigate the world better.
Click here to learn more about autism, ABA therapy, and how it can help your family.
