Self-injurious behavior is frequently noted in institutionalized persons. Several treatment techniques have been attempted including medication, timeout, shock, aromatic ammonia, and adaptive clothing. Several authors have suggested extinction as an alternative technique. One problem with this technique is that self-injury may occur during the extinction period. The present study suggests that staff attention may maintain self-abusive behavior and withdrawal of this attention resulted in a rapid reduction of this behavior in a retarded individual.
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