Abstract
BackgroundSelf-injurious behaviours, such as head banging, hair pulling, skin picking and scratching, are common in individuals with autism. Despite high prevalence rates, there is a paucity of longitudinal research to refine models of risk and mechanism and inform service planning. In this longitudinal study, we investigated self-injury in a cohort of individuals with autism over 10 years to identify behavioural and demographic characteristics associated with persistent self-injury.MethodsCarers of 67 individuals with autism completed questionnaires relating to the presence of self-injury and relevant risk markers at T1 (mean [SD] age in years 13.4 [7.7]) and T3 (mean [SD] age in years 23.9 [7.7]) 10 years later. Forty-six of these also took part at T2 (3 years after initial participation). Analysis assessed demographic and behavioural risk markers for self-injury, as well as the predictive value of items assessed at T1and T2.ResultsSelf-injury was persistent in 44% of individuals over the 10-year period, with behavioural characteristics of impulsivity (p < .001) and overactivity (p = .002), identified as risk markers for persistence. A predictive model of self-injury was derived from LASSO analysis, with baseline impulsivity, interest and pleasure, stereotyped behaviour, social communication and adaptive functioning predicting self-injury over 10 years.ConclusionsIn this unique longitudinal investigation into the persistence of self-injury in a non-clinical sample of individuals with autism over a 10 year period, we have identified a novel, robust and stable profile of behavioural characteristics associated with persistent self-injury. Findings support an early intervention strategy targeted towards individuals identified to be at a higher risk of developing self-injurious behaviour.
Highlights
Self-injurious behaviours, such as head banging, hair pulling, skin picking and scratching, are common in individuals with autism
Demographic characteristics of the sample In order to ensure those who participated at T3 were representative of the original Time 1 data (T1) sample, comparisons were made between those who took part at T3 and those who declined on a range of demographic and behavioural characteristics from T1
The results show that self-injury was persistent in 44% of individuals over 10 years, with rates of self-injury significantly decreasing from T1
Summary
Self-injurious behaviours, such as head banging, hair pulling, skin picking and scratching, are common in individuals with autism. There is a paucity of longitudinal research to refine models of risk and mechanism and inform service planning. In this longitudinal study, we investigated selfinjury in a cohort of individuals with autism over 10 years to identify behavioural and demographic characteristics associated with persistent self-injury. Crosssectional data in people with intellectual disability contradicts the assumption of linear persistence, demonstrating a peak in SIB towards late adolescence before a fragmented decline with age [18]. Longitudinal research in autism is necessary to delineate purported age-related changes and describe the naturalistic developmental trajectory of SIB in a non-clinical sample
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
