14.1 Phenomenology and Management of Self-Injurious Behavior in ASD

Abstract

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) in ASD is among the most difficult behaviors to manage. It occurs across a variety of comorbid diagnoses and genetic syndromes associated with ASD. The phenomenology of SIB for the individual can be remarkably stable and persistent across the life span. A functional behavioral analysis of symptoms is essential because sensory needs, communication abilities, social drive, and environmental circumstances are key to understanding the predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors that are essential to developing a case formulation and intervention plan.