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Self-injurious and aggressive behaviour


        For parents, caregivers, health care providers, and teachers, concerns and questions often arise regarding the care and well-being of individuals with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. 

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.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

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