Analysis of heart rate and self-injury with and without restraint in an individual with autism

▶ The relation between self-injury and heart rate was analyzed. ▶ The presence of restraint was manipulated. ▶ With restraint present, heart rate was in the resting heart rate range. ▶ Without restraint, heart rate increased dramatically. ▶ A physical activity control ruled out physical exertion as...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Research in autism spectrum disorders 2011-07, Vol.5 (3), p.1110-1118
Main Authors: Jennett, Heather, Hagopian, Louis P., Beaulieu, Lauren
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anxiety
Autism
Correlation
Heart rate
Injuries
Measures (Individuals)
Metabolism
Physiological measurement
Restraint
Safety
Self Destructive Behavior
Self-injury
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Summary:▶ The relation between self-injury and heart rate was analyzed. ▶ The presence of restraint was manipulated. ▶ With restraint present, heart rate was in the resting heart rate range. ▶ Without restraint, heart rate increased dramatically. ▶ A physical activity control ruled out physical exertion as the cause of increase. The relation between self-injury and heart rate was analyzed for an individual who appeared anxious while engaging in self-injury. The analysis involved manipulating the presence or absence of restraint while simultaneously measuring heart rate. The following findings were obtained and replicated: (a) when some form of restraint was applied, heart rate was typically within or close to the range of resting heart rate; (b) when restraint was removed or signaled to be removed, heart rate increased dramatically within a short time period; and (c) when restraint was re-applied, heart rate decreased and eventually returned to resting range within a couple of minutes. Recommendations for the assessment of anxiety in individuals with limited verbal skills are discussed.
ISSN:1750-9467
1878-0237
DOI:10.1016/j.rasd.2010.12.007