Many times, the most frightening of situations for parents with children who have autism is self-injury. You may be able to protect your child from many things, but shielding them from this type of behavior is difficult. Understanding self-injurious behavior is not simple, either. For those who have children with autism engaging in this behavior, it is critical to seek out autism treatment like individual therapy. Our team at EMIT Therapeutics in New Jersey may be able to help you. Contact us today at 844.983.0240 for more information.
What Is Self-Injurious Behavior and Why Does It Happen?
Not all children with autism engage in this type of behavioral pattern. However, self-injurious behavior can occur in many people with developmental disabilities. This behavior may include activities such as excessive rubbing or scratching. Other times it is biting or head-banging. When this happens, it may be due to some reaction to the environment around them. Other times, it is due to a lack of being able to communicate. Sometimes, it is not clear what causes this behavior to happen.
Determining Why Self-Injurious Behavior Is Happening and How to Help
Collecting data is one of the tools therapists will use to understand what is happening when they engage in this type of behavior. They will try to look at things occurring at that time to piece together the puzzle. Some of the factors that may shed light include:
- The environment
- The type of lighting present
- The sounds that are present
- Specific people who are around at the time
- The time of the day
- Any potential for biochemical factors
- Seizure activity
What can you do to help children with autism engaging in this type of behavior? When self-injurious behavior is present, a therapist will work to understand the cause, if possible. Then he or she can work to eliminate factors that may be causing the reaction. Once removed, introducing those things again, such as light or noise, at a staggered, slow pace may be possible. Other times, that’s not feasible.
Often, this behavior needs to be understood. For example, a child engaging in rubbing may be suffering from some pain that needs treatment. Other times, he or she needs to communicate and cannot do so. They may be feeling intense frustration that may also lead to a need to express something.
When you notice this type of behavior occurring, it means something in most situations. Finding out what that is in children with autism takes working with a professional. Our team can provide assistance to New Jersey residents.
Autism Treatment May Help Improve Outcomes
Children with autism need treatment as a way not only to stop this type of behavior but also to increase communication so they can reach their highest level of quality of life. Autism treatment can provide strategies and tools for your child to allow for better response, function, and behavior.
With a wide range of therapy options available, EMIT Therapeutics can give your child the best opportunity to communicate what’s happening to avoid self-injurious behavior whenever it is possible to do so. Learn more about our autism treatment and solutions, including:
- Applied behavior analysis
- Telehealth treatment program
- Early intervention program
- Numerous autism resources
Call EMIT Therapeutics Today
If your child is engaging in self-injurious behavior, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure how to get them the help they need. Autism treatment can help. Children with autism may learn and develop new communication skills that may limit this type of behavior. Our team at EMIT Therapeutics may be able to help. To learn more about our autism treatment in New Jersey, call 844.983.0240 or reach out to us online now.
