Modifying the self-injurious behavior of an infant with spina bifida and diminished pain sensitivity.

This clinical case study extends the literature on behavioral treatment of self-injury to an intellectually normal infant with spina bifida and diminished sensitivity to pain. After treatment by attention-play periods plus an aversive tasting substance applied to the injured finger, severe biting of the index finger was eliminated and the finger healed. Follow-up inquiries 2 months, 2 and 3 yr later revealed no biting and no substantial tissue damage.