Self-injurious behavior in infancy and young childhood

Self-injurious behavior is a complex clinical phenomenon with multiple etiologies. Topographies are quite varied and may be related to etiology, especially for genetic conditions. This article reviews the clinical literature regarding self-injurious behavior in infants and young children with particular emphasis on the developmental aspects of the behavior. It also discusses ways that the behavior is identified, methods of clinical assessment, and appropriate clinical interventions. The final section addresses unmet clinical and research needs regarding self-injurious behavior.