Self-injurious and aggressive behaviour
Self-injurious behaviour refers to non-accidental behaviours that have the potential to cause damage, such as reddening of the skin, bruising, bleeding, hair loss, etc. Self-injurious behaviour is common in individuals with CdLS and includes behaviours such as self-hitting, head banging or self-biting, although it is not an inevitable consequence of the syndrome.
Some behaviours shown in CdLS can be identical to self-injurious behaviour but do not cause any bodily damage. These behaviours may develop into self-injurious behaviour over time.
Recommendation(s)
Self-injurious and aggressive behaviour
R54
To identify the cause of self-injurious behaviour in individuals with CdLS, medical assessment, specifically looking for sources of pain, should be followed by behavioural assessment of self-restraint then functional analysis.
R55
Treatment of self-injurious behaviour should include both medical and behavioural strategies.
Our publications
Ear problems often associated with Self Injurious Behaviour
INTERVENTIONS FOR SELF-INJURIOUS BEHAVIOUR
Self-injury and aggression
Eye problems often associated with Self Injurous Behaviour
Self-injurious behaviour in people with intellectual disability
Dental related medical problems that might be associated with self-injurious behaviour
Intellectual disability as relevant to self-injurious behaviour
Causes of self-injurious behaviour in Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
Stereotyped behaviour
Assessment of the causes of self-injurious behaviour
Bone and joint problems often associated with self injurious behaviour
Gastro-intestinal disorders often associated with self injurious behaviour
SELF-INJURIOUS BEHAVIOUR IN CORNELIA DE LANGE SYNDROME, A Guide for Parents and Carers
Features of Cornelia de Lange Syndrome relevant to self-injury
Self-injurious and aggressive behaviours
Self-injurious behaviour in Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
Communication
