ABSTRACT
Objectives: To find the prevalence as well as to identify the predictors as protective and risk factors of non-Suicidal Self-Injury [NSSI] among children with autism spectrum disorder [ASD]. Hods: In this analytical cross sectional survey 83 children with ASD age range from 8 to 18 years were ected through convenient sampling technique from five special schools of Lahore city. The Urdu form of a standardized tool was used to assess NSSI
Methods: Statistical analysis indicated overall point prevalence of NSSI was 33%. Moreover bangfngise ceating [47%], scratching [38], pinching [35%], picking scabs [33%], self-biting [32%], pulling hair [30%] and rubbing skin [19%] emerged as common forms of challenging behavior. Further regression analysis showed that age B[1.68*, P<0.05], gender B[3.72, P<0.001] and severity level of ASD B[1.85***, p<0.0001] as risk factors/positive predictors of NSSI. However early intervention [-0.66***, P<0.0001] and involvement of parents in counselling [-2.66*, P<0.05] emerged as protective factors/negative predictors of NSSI among children with ASD
Conclusion: Non-suicidal self-injury is a serious challenge among children with ASD. Early intervention, counselling and parental involvement in managing the children with ASD will not only prevent but reduce the challenging behaviors