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Effects of a topical anesthetic on non-socially maintained self-injurious behavior

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 October 2003

Lee Kern ,
Deborah Bailin  and
Joyce E Mauk
Lee Kern
Affiliation:
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA.
Deborah Bailin
Affiliation:
Friends School, USA.
Joyce E Mauk
Affiliation:
Child Study Center of Fort Worth and the University of North Texas, USA.
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Abstract

In the present study we hypothesized that the self-injurious behavior (SIB) of a 12-year-old male diagnosed as having autism and severe mental retardation was maintained by automatic reinforcement. Further, we hypothesized SIB served a sensory reinforcement function related to sensation at the skin surface. The participant engaged in high rates of SIB in the form of self-slapping. A functional analysis resulted in undifferentiated findings. Additional observations indicated that SIB occurred only to exposed skin surfaces. To test for a sensory function, we applied a topical anesthetic to the participant's skin. SIB was reduced by 20 to 60% after application of the dermal anesthetic. These results support an automatic reinforcement hypothesis. Implications for treatment are discussed.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology , Volume 45 , Issue 11 , November 2003 , pp. 769 - 771
Copyright
© 2003 Mac Keith Press

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