Perspectives on Complex Behaviours: Understanding and Supporting Children with Self-Injurious Behaviour

Complex behaviours, including severe Self-Injurious Behaviours (SIB), in children with developmental disabilities can be challenging to manage and support. Medical professionals typically do not have much experience with severe SIB, and families can struggle to find adequate resources and specialists to help. In this series of interviews, we explore the perspectives of a parent, a pediatrician, and a behaviour analyst who are all connected to the Self-Injurious Clinic at BC Women and Children’s Hospital and the Family Support Institute of BC in Vancouver, British Columbia. 

Our first video is with Farnoush Davoudi, M.D. Here she shares her family’s journey with her daughter’s severe SIB.

Our second interview is with Anamaria Richardson, M.D. and Clinical Assistant Professor. Dr. Richardson shares her experiences as one of the few pediatricians in BC who specializes in treating children with severe SIB.

Our final video is with Katie Allen, M.S. BCBA. Here she discusses how she determines what is behind a child’s severe SIB and how families can work with clinical teams to best support their child.