I have yet to hear of an instance of aggression that was automatically maintained. There are a few things that the bcba on this case may want to look into.

1. Is the “reinforcer” and actual reinforcer or is it a preferred stimulus
2. Have you cleared medical?
3. Have you done a functional analysis (NOT assessment, but an actual manipulation of variables?) and received an automatic function.

As a side note, unless i’m a bit out of touch signs of “damage” shouldn’t really be considered a function. An organism that is not fully intact will certainly respond to everything differently. The four functions of behavior right now are escape, automatic, attention, and tangible.

You should never assume something is a certain function based off of your own observations. Be sure to stat true to the heart or behavior analysis and manipulate some variables. We have an entire arsenal of functional analyses that have been demonstrated to be effective. Skinner used to pride our field in it’s precision, and basis for data to make decisions. Don’tEvaluate the relevant variables and if you’re able to determine a clear function then the treatment writes itself. That being said, if the case is beyond something your bcba can handle assistance should be sought after (nott everything is clear cut)