Self-injurious behavior

Self-injurious behavior is intentional actions by the child that cause physical harm: hitting head and body with hands or objects, biting oneself, scratching, head-banging, pulling out hair. It is most often seen in ASD, intellectual disability, and severe forms of sensory dysregulation. Causes vary: inability to express discomfort or a need due to absent speech, a way to cope with sensory overload, a response to intense anxiety, sometimes physical pain (for example, due to GI issues) that the child cannot otherwise communicate. Understanding the function of self-injury for the specific child is an essential part of the work.

At the Hanshi NeuroLife International Rehabilitation Center (Shangrao), the program for self-injurious behavior is built holistically. ABA systematically shapes alternative ways to express and regulate through positive reinforcement and data tracking. Sensory integration addresses sensory overload — providing the child with the needed sensory input in an adaptive form. Sandplay and play therapy open nonverbal channels for expressing inner states. DIR/Floortime builds on interest and emotional connection. Pediatric acupuncture and Tui Na massage complement the program. In severe cases, medication support may be considered — strictly per the physician's decision, with regular reassessment and no self-medication. For comorbid GI issues, the biomedical track (microbiota regulation) is engaged — this can remove the somatic component of the trigger.

What parents should know

Self-injury is a serious condition, and working with it requires professional support. Severe forms posing a threat to the child's safety are listed among the center's contraindications — in such cases, medical stabilization at a specialized clinic is required first. After stabilization, transition to the rehabilitation program is possible, with systematic work on causes and behavior.