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Review
. 2017 Oct 26;7(11):140.
doi: 10.3390/brainsci7110140.

Self-Injury in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability: Exploring the Role of Reactivity to Pain and Sensory Input

Jane Summers  1   2 , Ali Shahrami  3 , Stefanie Cali  4 , Chantelle D'Mello  5 , Milena Kako  6 , Andjelka Palikucin-Reljin  7 , Melissa Savage  8 , Olivia Shaw  9 , Yona Lunsky  10   11
Affiliations
Review

Self-Injury in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability: Exploring the Role of Reactivity to Pain and Sensory Input

Jane Summers et al. Brain Sci. .

Abstract

This paper provides information about the prevalence and topography of self-injurious behavior in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Dominant models regarding the etiology of self-injury in this population are reviewed, with a focus on the role of reactivity to pain and sensory input. Neuroimaging studies are presented and suggestions are offered for future research.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; intellectual disability; pain; self-injury; sensory processing abnormalities.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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