Through These Autistic Eyes
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1/17/2016

SAB

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SAB stands for self-abusive behaviors. This can be anything from cutting one self to banging ones head on a hard surface to even biting one self to the point of bleeding. These kind of behaviors are found in a good portion of people on the Spectrum. Like all behaviors, there is a reason for the specific behavior.
The two causes for SAB, in my opinion, are to:
a.) replace complex emotions and feelings of ones environment by producing a feeling and emotion that one can relate to, and that is pain.
This is the one I consider to be the more prevalent of the causes of SAB. I say that because, during a few years in middle school and high school when hormones were raging and I was having some difficulty navigating the social worlds of school life and family life, I punched things. I punched walls( interior and exterior), lockers, and even metal poles. All just to get to a simpler understanding that I knew if I punched something hard, it would hurt and could even make me bleed. I also knew that when I punched something that I did not need to try to figure out what someone else was trying to convey to me through communication and end up guessing wrong and being told so. My SAB fails in comparison, when it comes to destructive capabilities, to many others who use SAB in this fashion. However I was blessed to be able to be dealing with a lot of nuero-typical problems during the time and knew how it would be looked on if I did anything worse.
The other cause of SAB is:
b.) To get attention any way possible regarding how one physically feels.
This cause is a lot less common considering I have only encountered it once and very recently. One of the kids I work with has numerous SAB's caused by this. Whether it be, that this kids skin is itchy or if the kids sinuses are acting up. The kid has learned early on that if I cause pain one place it will at least cease in another place for the time being. I have been successful in being able to advocate for this kids needs thus far and the kid has been making tremendous strides in this area.

​I know this example is vague, but due to certain rules and guidelines that I must adhere to for my job, this is all I am willing to share to keep the kids information as safe as can it can be.  
SAB is not something a lot of people can see or talk about, but it is a prevalent topic when talking about people on the Spectrum. We just need to remember that all behavior is communicating something, no matter how gross or hurtful it may be.

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6 Comments
Morgan
1/18/2016 06:28:22 pm

This is a topic most are scared to talk about. I admire your courage and honesty and openness in writing on this topic. Thank you.

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Annie link
1/19/2016 08:46:51 am

Sure wish you were around to work with my child. He is so special and has so many issues. We are loosing the battle.

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Mark
1/19/2016 01:22:15 pm

Do not know how much help I could be from distance, but if you would like to message me via either Facebook or email I would be glad to try to help

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Annie link
1/19/2016 03:47:14 pm

How can I talk to you and not have the info on here?

Faye garcia
1/27/2016 09:03:02 pm

Wow! I wish you where in Southern California. I would pay you to get together with my 17 year old.
He is handsome and so smart, he also can write well. He aspergers or whatever they call it now. ASD .
He would sure learn a lot from you and maybe not be so negative about himself. He feels like a failure and SAB
I have a bother near Tampa. We visit once a year or so.
Can we find you next time we get over there?

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Mark
1/28/2016 11:43:07 am

Yes I'd love to meet and talk to him. Just email me at mefleming@crimson.ua.edu when you are heading to the area so I can set aside some free time to meet.

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