The prevalence and phenomenology of self-injurious and aggressive behaviour in genetic syndromes.

Leung et al. (2011) ran a large survey. They asked caregivers about self-injury and aggression in people with seven genetic syndromes. CdCS, CdLS, FXS, PWS, LS, SMS, and AS were included. The team counted how often each behavior showed up in each syndrome.

Some syndromes carry much higher risk than others. CdCS, CdLS, FXS, PWS, LS, and SMS all showed elevated self-injury. SMS and AS also showed elevated aggression. The numbers tell you where to focus your early-screening efforts.

Fovel et al. (1989) did an earlier survey inside one institution. They found self-injury plus self-restraint together. Leung et al. (2011) widened the lens to many syndromes and confirmed that self-injury is common, but they did not track self-restraint. The two studies line up: self-injury is frequent; self-restraint may ride along.

Pitchford et al. (2019) reviewed treatment studies from 2001-2016. They warn that automatically maintained self-injury is now more common and slightly harder to treat. Leung et al. (2011) give you the prevalence map that explains why: more cases arrive already at high severity, so plan for tougher functions.

Davies et al. (2014) caution that we still lack proof that challenging behaviors equal depression in ID. Leung et al. (2011) add detail: the behaviors vary by syndrome, so a single depression proxy is even less likely to fit all groups.

Use the syndrome list as a quick-risk screener. If a new client has CdLS or SMS, start assessment for self-injury on day one. Pair this with Pitchford et al. (2019): expect automatic function and prepare more powerful reinforcement. Do not assume depression as the cause; Davies et al. (2014) show the evidence is too thin. Instead, run a full FA and use the syndrome profile to set realistic severity benchmarks.