Autism and self-injury are two concepts that frequently intersect in real life. People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more than three times as likely to self-harm as those who do not fall on the spectrum.
Although self-injury (or self-harm) in this context refers to non-suicidal behavior, it can still cause significant alarm to parents and caregivers. We’ll cover the important things you should know about autism and self-harm, including ways to support your loved one before, during, and after they engage in the behavior.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dialing or texting 988 at any time will connect you with someone at the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The Connection Between Self-Injurious Behaviors and Autism
A large percentage of autistic people—nearly half, according to some research—engage in self-injury at least once during their lives. It may be more likely to occur when people with autism are younger and lack effective coping mechanisms.
Specific actions that people with ASD may perform include:
- Slapping or hitting their heads or faces
- Banging their heads on walls
- Picking at their skin
- Pulling their hair
- Biting their hands or arms
The potential reasons for self-injury among autistic people are numerous.
For many autistic people, especially children, self-injury behaviors are their attempts at communicating something they feel unable to convey to those around them.
The frustration can build up and lead to their feeling that extreme actions such as hitting, slapping, biting, or pinching are the only outlets for them to relieve their emotional distress.
Closely related to that frustration is overwhelm, which affects many autistic people due to unique sensory needs.
Some describe self-harm as a grounding technique—albeit a maladaptive one—that temporarily helps regulate their nervous system. Others may injure themselves to obtain sensory stimuli they otherwise lack in the moment.
What to Do if Your Child or Loved One Begins to Self-Harm
Regardless of their reasons for self-injury behaviors, autistic people need and deserve the proper support before, during, and after they engage in self-harm. Here are some best practices for managing the behavior.
In the Moment
To de-escalate the situation as it’s happening, remember to:
- Remain calm. Reacting in an extreme way can add to their overwhelm.
- Speak concisely with a neutral tone. Reduce stimuli to the person engaging in self-harm.
- Remove your child from the trigger if the behavior is connected to a specific situation or object.
- Redirect to positive actions. Avoid saying “Stop that!” or “No!”
- Gently block the self-harm. You could lightly guide their hands away from their heads if they are hitting themselves, for instance.
- Praise positive actions. Let them know you approve when they stop the self-harm and do something else.
After the Behavior Has Ended
When your child becomes physically safe and able to verbalize their thoughts, it’s good to ask—non-judgmentally, of course—what they were feeling in that moment of self-harm. Identifying the root cause of the self-harm is the best way to reduce future instances of the behavior. It might also help to keep a journal to document patterns.
Don’t forget that, as the parent of an autistic child, you both deserve professional help to manage the condition. Be sure to mention episodes of self-harm to your child’s doctor. They may recommend medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of interventions.
Proper Supports for Autistic Individuals Extend to the California SDP
Ensuring your child or loved one avoids maladaptive coping mechanisms for their ASD also requires giving them a stable environment inside and outside the home. The Self-Determination Program (SDP) in California for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities offers participants flexible ways to meet their care needs and life goals.
To get the most out of the SDP, your loved one may need an independent facilitator. An independent facilitator, or IF, can help guide you through the enrollment process and advocate for your needs at every turn. NeuroNav has a team of experienced IFs who help both current and future SDP participants.
Schedule your free consultation with us to see how we can help your loved one achieve their hopes and dreams.
