title: Modifying the self-injurious behavior of an infant with spina bifida and diminished pain sensitivity.
abstract: This clinical case study extends the literature on behavioral treatment of self-injury to an intellectually normal infant with spina bifida and diminished sensitivity to pain. After treatment by attention-play periods plus an aversive tasting substance applied to the injured finger, severe biting of the index finger was eliminated and the finger healed. Follow-up inquiries 2 months, 2 and 3 yr later revealed no biting and no substantial tissue damage.
mesh_terms: D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000150:complications*; D000699:Pain Insensitivity, Congenital / Q000150:complications*; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*