BACKGROUND: Study about deliberate self-harm (DSH) in children with different types of disabilities was scarce. This study compared the incidence and patterns of DSH between children with and without disabilities aged 6–17 years using a matched case-control study in Beijing.

METHODS: A total of 650 pairs of children with and without disabilities were surveyed. Characteristics of latest episode of self-harm within the 12 months were compared. Associations between disability status, sociodemographic factors, smoking, drinking, sleep problems, and self-harm were examined.

RESULTS: Children with disabilities showed significant higher incidence of DSH than children without disabilities. Two groups differed significantly in terms of self-harm methods, body parts injured, premeditation, wishing to be known by others and helpseeking behavior. The adjusted OR for self-harm was 4.76 (2.99–7.55) for children with disabilities compared with children without disabilities. Children who slept fewer than 6 h per night, had difficulty falling asleep at night sometimes/often, and went to sleep after midnight 1 to 3 nights per month or at least once a week were at elevated risk of self-harm.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights a strong relationship between disability, sleep problems, and DSH. Interventions to reduce selfharm should target disability and sleep problems as important risk factors.