Self-Injury in Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD), with Caroline Roberts

<p>Up to 1 in 5 (20%) individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and about 3 in 7 (42%) individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) engage in self-injurious behavior (SIB). Common forms of SIB include repetitive head banging, head-hitting, self-biting, self-hitting, eye-poking, skin-picking, and trichotillomania (hair pulling), among other forms of self-harm.</p><p>In this episode, Caroline Roberts from the University of Minnesota and Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain discusses the differences and similarities between SIB and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and how we can bridge the gap between NSSI research and clinical practice, and SIB among those with IDD. She also shares 4 key topics from her interviews with experts in SIB and NSSI: (1) case ascertainment, (2) perceptions of causal variables, (3) pathways to treatment, and (4) treatment goals and outcomes. </p><p>Learn more about the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain and their interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and improving SIB workgroup <a href="https://teleoutreach.umn.edu/projects/interdisciplinary-connections" target="_blank">here</a>. Follow Caroline on Twitter/X at <a href="https://twitter.com/clrobz" target="_blank">@clrobz</a>. Below are one of her papers and other research referenced in today's episode:</p><ol><li>Roberts, C. L., Avina, A. H., & Symons, F. J. (2023). <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19315864.2023.2223546" target="_blank">A qualitative analysis of family caregiver experiences accessing treatment for self-injurious behavior in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities</a>. <i>Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities</i>.</li><li>Dimian, A. F., & Symons, F. J. (2022). <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35580423/" target="_blank">A systematic review of risk for the development and  persistence of self-injurious behavior in intellectual and developmental disabilities.</a> <i>Clinical Psychology Review, 94</i>, 10215