Overcoming the oral aspects of -self-mutilation: description of a method.

Background/aim: Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is a serious and chronic condition frequently seen in special needs populations, affecting 10% to 17% of individuals diagnosed with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. A 2.5-year-old infant with SIB, whose presenting symptoms were severe tongue and lip lacerations accompanied by much hemorrhage, is presented here to illustrate the problem and to show how this may be prevented.