Behavioral Alterations in Adolescents and Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Hospitalization Unit: An Analysis of Self-Injury.

This study looked at self-harming behaviors in 50 young autistic people (ages 14-27) who were in hospital. Researchers found that self-harm was strongly linked to different reasons like managing emotions, seeking sensations, and showing distress. They also found that young people who were more sensitive to sensory input (sounds, textures, etc.) were more likely to engage in self-harm, especially when trying to avoid emotional situations.

This cross-sectional study examined self-injurious behaviors in 50 hospitalized adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (aged 14-27 years). Using standardized assessment tools including ADOS-2, ADI-R, and the Inventory of Statements About Self-injury (ISAS), researchers investigated relationships between self-injury, depression, anxiety, and sensory processing. Results revealed strong positive correlations between overall self-injury levels and specific dimensions including self-regulation (ρ = 0.861), manifestation of distress (ρ = 0.828), and sensation seeking (ρ = 0.767). The study also identified a positive relationship between self-harm levels and sensory defensiveness, particularly in emotion avoidance profiles.

These findings highlight the complex multifaceted nature of self-injurious behaviors in autistic individuals and their connection to sensory processing difficulties.

Findings suggest self-injurious behaviors in autistic individuals serve multiple functions including emotional regulation and sensory seeking. Clinicians should assess sensory processing patterns and emotional regulation skills when developing intervention plans. The strong correlation with sensory defensiveness indicates sensory-based interventions may be beneficial for reducing self-harm risk.

Single-center study with small sample size (n=50) limits generalizability. Study focused on hospitalized individuals, potentially representing more severe cases. Cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences. Abstract lacks details about control groups, methodology specifics, and potential confounding variables.

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), may present with behavioral disturbances, difficulties dealing with change, restricted interests and/or sensory disturbances. Among their characteristic behaviors are self-injurious behaviors that tend to be compulsive, unplanned, rhythmic and repetitive. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-injurious behaviors in hospitalized adolescents with ASD, depression and anxiety. The sample included 50 patients with ASD, aged between 14 and 27 years.

These patients were assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS-2), the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), the Trait-State Anxiety Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and the Inventory of Statements About Self-injury (ISAS). The results revealed significant and positive correlations between the level of self-injury and its dimensions: self-regulation (ρ = 0.861), sensation seeking and strength (ρ = 0.767), suicide avoidance (ρ = 0.732), revenge (ρ = 0.643), self-control (ρ = 0.700), manifestation of distress (ρ = 0.828) and blunting (ρ = 0.702). There is evidence of a positive relationship between levels of self-harm and sensory defensiveness, specifically in the emotion avoidance profile.