In vivo desensitization in the management of self-injurious behavior

In vivo desensitization procedures were used successfully to manage self-injurious face slapping in a 10 yr old retarded boy. Face slapping had increased and persisted at self-injurious intensity following a surgical dental evaluation and had initially been prevented by the use of a hockey helmet. Parent's efforts to remove the helmet resulted in increased agitation, severe self-injurious behavior, and repeated efforts by the child to replace …