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.
College of Education, Lehigh University, 111 Research Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA. lek6@lehigh.edu
Lee
L
Kern
Deborah
D
Bailin
Joyce E
JE
Mauk
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