Managing Self-Injurious Behaviors

Response Interruption & Redirection for Safer, Supportive Intervention

Response Interruption and Redirection (RIR) is a gentle, evidence-based way to interrupt head-banging, self-biting, skin-picking, or mouthing inedible objects and immediately guide the learner to a safer form of sensory input or communication. By pairing quick physical or gestural interruption with a replacement action that meets the same need, BCBAs, special-education teachers, and parents can reduce injury risk while teaching healthier self-regulation skills.

Why use Response Interruption & Redirection?

• Rapid reduction of repetitive self-injury. Controlled studies show RIR can cut the frequency of sensory-maintained self-injury by 50–80 % when paired with function-matched alternatives.
• Supports trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming care. Calm, non-punitive redirection preserves trust and emotional safety while still protecting the learner’s well-being.
• Builds functional replacement skills. Teaching a sensory or communicative alternative (e.g., deep-pressure squeezes, requesting a break) replaces harmful behavior with a constructive option that meets the same need.