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Functional analysis and treatment of self-injurious behavior in young children a summary of 30 cases

Patricia F Kurtz1, Michelle D Chin, John M Huete

  • 1Kennedy Krieger Institute, Neurobehavioral Unit/OP Clinic, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. kurtz@kennedykrieger.org

Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|July 16, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Early intervention for self-injurious behavior (SIB) is crucial. This study used modified functional analyses in young children, identifying reinforcement sources and guiding function-based treatments like functional communication training.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Behavioral Analysis
  • Pediatric Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is a significant concern in child development.
  • Existing research on SIB assessment and treatment is extensive, but early intervention remains understudied.
  • Identifying the early onset and common forms of SIB in young children is critical for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess early-stage self-injurious behavior (SIB) and problem behaviors in young children (10 months to 4 years 11 months).
  • To identify the sources of reinforcement maintaining SIB and problem behaviors.
  • To develop and evaluate function-based treatments for early-stage SIB.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted modified functional analyses in an outpatient clinic setting with 30 children.
  • Assessed self-injurious behavior (SIB) and problem behavior in its early stages.
  • Developed function-based treatments, with a focus on functional communication training.

Main Results:

  • The mean age of SIB onset was 17 months, with head banging being the most frequent topography.
  • Functional analyses identified reinforcement sources for SIB in 62.1% of cases and for all problem behaviors in 87.5% of cases.
  • Function-based treatments were developed for 24 children, with functional communication training used in 70.8% of these cases.

Conclusions:

  • Modified functional analyses are effective for assessing early-stage self-injurious behavior (SIB) in young children.
  • Identifying the function of SIB is key to developing effective, individualized treatments.
  • Findings support the development of early intervention programs for SIB, emphasizing functional communication training.

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