Self injury in children with CP

I am currently treating children at a home for children with Cerebral palsy. There are a few children who are engaging in behaviour which is self destructive, namely biting themselves (especially their hands & fingers). We also see a few children who are eating anything (their buggy trays, clothing, building blocks).

Is there some way of discouraging the behaviour? It does not seem to be due to underlying medical conditions (e.g. thyroid dysfunction). Please assist.

Thank you.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The interventions that are likely to make the most difference involve behavior modification. Each child should be assessed by a clinician who has expertise in applied behavior analysis. Pica (ingesting non-food items) requires very close supervision in addition to behavioral interventions.