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Modifying the self-injurious behavior of an infant with spina bifida and diminished pain sensitivity
Insights
This case study shows behavioral treatment effectively stopped self-injurious finger biting in an infant with spina bifida. The treatment involved attention and an unpleasant taste, leading to healing and long-term behavioral change.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Clinical Case Studies
Background:
- Self-injury is a complex behavior with various treatment approaches.
- Infants with spina bifida may present unique challenges in behavioral interventions.
- Diminished pain sensitivity can complicate the management of self-harm behaviors.
Observation:
- A case study involved an infant with spina bifida and reduced pain sensation exhibiting severe index finger biting.
- The infant's self-injury led to significant tissue damage.
- Standard behavioral interventions were considered in the context of the infant's specific condition.
Findings:
- A combined treatment of attention-play periods and an aversive tasting substance applied to the injured finger was implemented.
- Severe self-injurious biting of the index finger was successfully eliminated.
- The infant's finger healed, with no recurrence of biting or substantial tissue damage observed at 2 months, 2 years, and 3 years post-treatment.
Implications:
- Behavioral interventions can be effective for self-injury in infants with specific medical conditions like spina bifida.
- The study highlights the successful application of positive reinforcement (attention-play) and aversion therapy in this population.
- Findings suggest long-term efficacy of this combined behavioral approach for managing self-harm in vulnerable infants.
Abstract:
This clinical case study extends the literature on behavioral treatment of self-injury to an intellectually normal infant with spina bifida and diminished sensitivity to pain. After treatment by attention-play periods plus an aversive tasting substance applied to the injured finger, severe biting of the index finger was eliminated and the finger healed. Follow-up inquiries 2 months, 2 and 3 yr later revealed no biting and no substantial tissue damage.