Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD's) are a group of disorders in which communication and socialization deficits are present (most commonly Autism Spectrum Disorder). Over the last few years I have worked with many children and young adults with PDD's and have seen countless acts of self-injury. After reading and commenting on Sam's entry about the self-injuries exhibited in Manic I began to wonder why people with PDD's have similar behaviors.
http://www.autism.com/families/problems/selfinjury.htm
The most common self-injuries I have seen include hand biting, banging of the head, and scratching. These can be pretty serious and often times need immediate medical attention. The website above gives a general overview of the behavior and some possible causes. Some include biochemical (neurotransmitters) imbalances that may be associated with the disorders. Another possible reason, which I agree with the most, is for arousal. So many people with autism are incredibly sensory oriented that they may need intense stimulation in order to be calmed down. Extreme anxiety is often the cause for self-injury to occur in the people I have worked with, so it would be logical for extreme self-stimulation to settle these emotions.
Similar to the teens in Manic who abuse themselves due to lack of control, people with PDD's may self abuse for the same reason. When all control is lost, cutting or head banging may be the only way to regain power over something. Do you agree or disagree? Do you see the relationship between the two, or do you think they have completely different causes?
http://www.autism.com/families/problems/selfinjury.htm
The most common self-injuries I have seen include hand biting, banging of the head, and scratching. These can be pretty serious and often times need immediate medical attention. The website above gives a general overview of the behavior and some possible causes. Some include biochemical (neurotransmitters) imbalances that may be associated with the disorders. Another possible reason, which I agree with the most, is for arousal. So many people with autism are incredibly sensory oriented that they may need intense stimulation in order to be calmed down. Extreme anxiety is often the cause for self-injury to occur in the people I have worked with, so it would be logical for extreme self-stimulation to settle these emotions.
Similar to the teens in Manic who abuse themselves due to lack of control, people with PDD's may self abuse for the same reason. When all control is lost, cutting or head banging may be the only way to regain power over something. Do you agree or disagree? Do you see the relationship between the two, or do you think they have completely different causes?
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