Effects of a topical anesthetic on non-socially maintained self-injurious behavior.
In the present study we hypothesized that the self-injurious behavior (SIB) of a 12-year-old male diagnosed as having autism and severe mental retardation was maintained by automatic reinforcement. Further, we hypothesized SIB served a sensory reinforcement function related to sensation at the skin surface. The participant engaged in high rates of SIB in the form of self-slapping. A functional analysis resulted in undifferentiated findings. Additional observations indicated that SIB occurred only to exposed skin surfaces. To test for a sensory function, we applied a topical anesthetic to the participant's skin. SIB was reduced by 20 to 60% after application of the dermal anesthetic. These results support an automatic reinforcement hypothesis. Implications for treatment are discussed.
Kern
Lee
L
College of Education, Lehigh University, 111 Research Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA. lek6@lehigh.edu
Bailin
Deborah
D
Mauk
Joyce E
JE
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D008297:Male; D011318:Prilocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D011318:Prilocaine; D008012:Lidocaine