Reducing self-injury and corresponding self-restraint through the strategic use of protective clothing.

The team tested padded clothing on a client who hit his own face and held his arms to stop the blows. They tried two looks: helmet only, then helmet plus padded slippers.

Each outfit ran for short blocks while staff counted face punches, leg kicks, and how long the client froze his limbs to block them.

The helmet alone slashed face punching and arm self-restraint almost to zero. Adding the slippers also stopped leg kicking and the leg locking that went with it.

The client stayed calm; no extra drugs or restraints were needed.

McIntire et al. (1987) used the same fast-switch design with preschool dental patients. They swapped stickers and brief breaks for protective gear and still cut problem behavior below 15%.

Johnston et al. (2002) also used a wearable device—a personal stereo—to ease hallucinations. Both papers show a simple item worn on the body can drop a tough symptom without drugs.

Jason et al. (1985) looked at self-control to stop stuttering relapse. Their focus on self-restraint mirrors K et al.’s finding: once the injury risk is gone, the client no longer needs to hold himself back.

If a client’s self-injury is severe and quick, try a padded helmet or slippers first. You may see an instant drop in hits and the self-restraint that goes with them. Then you can shape safer play or teach replacement skills while the clothing keeps everyone safe.