Steps for Self-injury
1. When the student bangs objects on the wall or floor, place a disrupting object (e.g., pillow, carpet square) between the object he is banging with and the surface he is banging on. Step back and give as little eye and physical contact as possible. Ensure his safety by removing any objects nearby that may cause harm (e.g., chairs). Tell him one time to calm down. Remove eye contact and step back two steps. If he is working at his workstation, his caregiver should move their chair behind him to prevent caregiver injury and remove eye contact while maintaining control.
(a) After the self-injury has stopped, wait fifteen seconds return eye contact and tell the student “Use your words to tell me what is wrong”. If it is at all possible honor his request. If it is not possible offer an alternative. Praise him for using a quiet voice to tell you what he wanted or what was wrong. Remind him of what reward he is “working for” and what he must do to get it.
(b) Immediately return to the activity or action that was disrupted by the behavior. Never allow him to stop an undesired activity, person or action as a result of physical aggression. This will reinforce future aggression to escape undesired tasks or people. Never allow him to gain a desired action, person or activity by engaging in self-injury.
(c) Constantly praise the student when he is engaging in desired behaviors (e.g., good hands down, good quiet talking, good sitting, good walking etc.,).
2. If the student is in an area or a situation that could cause harm to himself or others (e.g., playground, parking lot) physically escort him to the closest safe area. Ensure his safety before removing direct eye contact. Complete steps a-c.
1. When the student bangs objects on the wall or floor, place a disrupting object (e.g., pillow, carpet square) between the object he is banging with and the surface he is banging on. Step back and give as little eye and physical contact as possible. Ensure his safety by removing any objects nearby that may cause harm (e.g., chairs). Tell him one time to calm down. Remove eye contact and step back two steps. If he is working at his workstation, his caregiver should move their chair behind him to prevent caregiver injury and remove eye contact while maintaining control.
(a) After the self-injury has stopped, wait fifteen seconds return eye contact and tell the student “Use your words to tell me what is wrong”. If it is at all possible honor his request. If it is not possible offer an alternative. Praise him for using a quiet voice to tell you what he wanted or what was wrong. Remind him of what reward he is “working for” and what he must do to get it.
(b) Immediately return to the activity or action that was disrupted by the behavior. Never allow him to stop an undesired activity, person or action as a result of physical aggression. This will reinforce future aggression to escape undesired tasks or people. Never allow him to gain a desired action, person or activity by engaging in self-injury.
(c) Constantly praise the student when he is engaging in desired behaviors (e.g., good hands down, good quiet talking, good sitting, good walking etc.,).
2. If the student is in an area or a situation that could cause harm to himself or others (e.g., playground, parking lot) physically escort him to the closest safe area. Ensure his safety before removing direct eye contact. Complete steps a-c.