Understanding and Treating Self-Injurious Behavior in Autism: A Multi-Disciplinary Perspective

by Stephen M. Edelson (Editor), Jane Botsford Johnson (Editor), Margaret L. Bauman (Contribution by), Paul Millard Hardy (Contribution by), Lucy Jane Miller (Contribution by)

Overview

Self-injurious behavior occurs in almost half of those with autism and is one of the most devastating and challenging-to-treat behaviors. There are many different forms of self-injury, such as head banging, hand biting, hair pulling, excessive scratching, and much more. With contributions from the leading experts in research and treatment, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of self-injurious behavior (SIB) in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or related developmental disabilities, and the different methods available to treat them.
Medical and behavioral researchers have studied SIB for over 50 years, but many practitioners and parents are still unfamiliar with the wide range of contributing causes and treatment options. Beginning with an explanation of SIB and its various forms, the contributors outline the many possible underlying causes of self-injury, such as seizures, hormonal imbalance in teenagers, gastrointestinal conditions, allergies, and stress, and show how a multi-disciplinary approach when uncovering the causes of self-injury can lead to successful treatment strategies. They explain the treatment options available for SIB, including nutritional, medical, psychiatric, sensory, and behavioral approaches, and show how an integrative approach to treating self-injury may be effective for many individuals.
The book will be an invaluable addition to the bookshelves of any practitioner working with people with an ASD or related condition, as well as parents and direct care providers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781849057417
Publisher:	Kingsley, Jessica Publishers
Publication date:	05/05/2016
Series:	Understanding and Treating in Autism
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.80(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

June Groden Ph.D. has been Director of the Groden Center, an educational and treatment facility for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in Providence, Rhode Island, since 1976. Dr. Groden is an adjunct professor at Salve Regina and the University of Rhode Island and is on the Panel of Professional Advisors of the Autism Society of America. She has written many books, chapters and journal articles on autism, and is well known for her work in stress and anxiety in the population with autism.

Kelly McCracken Barnhill is Clinical Nutritionist and Director of Clinical Care at The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development. She has over a decade of experience working with nutrition in children with autism and related disorders and is Nutrition Director for the Autism Research Institute. Her son acquired post-viral dysautonomia at the age of 12. She is based in Austin, Texas.

Cooper R. Woodard Ph.D. is Director of Clinical Services and Training at the Groden Center, a visiting professor at the University of Rhode Island, a visiting professor at Wheaton College, Norton, MA, and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.

Table of Contents

1. Self-Injurious Behavior: A Multi-Causal, Challenging-to-Treat Set of Behaviors. Stephen M. Edelson, Autism Research Institute, United States. 2. Targeted Medical Therapies and Self-Injury. Mary Coleman, Foundation for Autism Research, United States. 3. Self-Injurious Behavior and Aggressive Behaviors in Autism: Looking Below the Surface. Margaret L. Bauman, Boston University School of Medicine, United States. 4. Self-Injurious Behavior, Aggression and Epilepsy in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Manuel F. Casanova and Emily Casanova, University of South Carolina, Greenville, United States. 5. A Neuropsychiatric Model for Evaluating and Treating Self-Injurious Behavior in Autism. Paul Millard Hardy, Autism Research Institute, United States. 6. Examining the Impact of Medication Side Effects on Problem Behavior. Jamie D. Bleiweiss, Hunter College, United States. 7. Self-Injurious Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Impact of Allergic Diseases. Harumi Jyonouchi, Saint Peter's University Hospital (NJ), United States. 8. Medical and Nutritional Approaches to Treating Self-Injurious Behavior and Aggression in Autism Spectrum Disorders: 15 Case Studies. John Green, Evergreen Center (OR), United States and Nancy O'Hara, Center for Integrative Health (CT), United States. 9. Dietary and Nutrition Intervention to Address Self-Injurious Behavior in Autism: Thoughts from 5 Years of Clinical Care. Kelly M. Barnhill, The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development (TX), United States. 10. Sensory Processing Disorder and Self-Injurious Behaviors. Lucy Jane Miller and Karen Misher, Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, United States. 11. Assessment and Intervention for Self-Injurious Behavior Using Positive Behavior Support. Lauren J. Moskowitz, St. John's University, United States, Caitlin E. Walsh, University of Colorado School of Medicine, United States and V. Mark Durand, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, United States. 12. Using Functional Communication Training to Treat Self-Injurious Behavior. V. Mark Durand, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, United States, and Lauren J. Moskowitz, St. John's University, United States. 13. Assessment and Intervention for Self-Injurious Behavior Related to Anxiety. Lauren J. Moskowitz and Alexis B. Ritter, St. John's University, United States. 14. A Stress-Reduction Approach to Addressing Self-Injurious Behavior in Individuals with Autism. June Groden, Leslie Weidenman, and Cooper R. Woodard, The Groden Centre (RI), United States.

Editorial Reviews

This is a "must read" book for all practitioners who interact with families affected by autism. Many of the authors whom Dr. Edelson has brought together in this impressive volume have dedicated much of their adult lives to the treatment of people with autism, and they know just how devastating and difficult to treat self-injurious behavior can be. While it is important to study the causes of ASD, it is equally important to identify and treat co-occurring conditions that jeopardize the longevity and quality of life of affected individuals. This is an important step in bringing awareness to the larger community about self-injurious behavior as a critical issue in ASD.

David G. Amaral

Self-injurious behaviors, a not-uncommon family of conditions in autism, vary in severity and are sometimes very damaging to the body. Typically, they are difficult to treat. Understanding and Treating Self-Injurious Behavior in Autism, edited by Dr. Stephen M. Edelson and Jane Botsford Johnson, is an important effort to advance knowledge regarding these poorly understood and challenging behaviors that receive inadequate scholarly attention. In this volume, Edelson and Johnson insightfully bring together experts from diverse clinical and research backgrounds who discuss general medical, neurological, genetic, and pharmacological issues that can contribute to causation of self-injurious behaviors, as well as different therapeutic approaches that may be useful in specific clinical contexts. This work communicates current knowledge regarding self-injurious behaviors and advances our understanding in this important area of medicine. Understanding and Treating Self-Injurious Behavior in Autism is highly recommended for clinicians who care for persons with such behaviors and for researchers interested in learning diverse perspectives on the field.

Marvin Natowicz

This immensely valuable book guides us through multiple potential target etiologies of self-injurious behavior for effective treatment. Thoughtfully assembled and edited, it represents a much-needed practical and integrative handbook of use to every practitioner who works with individuals with autism spectrum and related disorders. I whole-heartedly recommend it!

Robert L. Hendren

The root of self-injurious behaviour can be different for each person on the autism spectrum. An individualized approach, considering all options and combinations of treatments, provides the best chance for a healthy and happy life. This book is long overdue.

Laurie Mawlam

An essential resource for parents, teachers, and health care providers who work with individuals with self-injurious behavior.

Temple Grandin