My son Clay has shown no self-injurious behavior. I have had students who show this and it is quite disturbing to say the least...so...my heart goes out.

In regards to a course of action, try to look at the accuser as someone who may be able to help out in the situation. If I as a teacher do not become concerned over a child coming in with bruises or other out of the ordinary markings, I am not doing my duty (as a human being). The reason DSS is called is to safeguard the child. I don't know what the situation is, but maybe Mom and Dad really need some intervention help at home. What is this self-injurious behavior communicating?
I once had a family which I was close to and there son said some things which raised the red flag of concern. That was a very tough call home to let them know what was happening. There was no rush to judgement though, they worked there way through it and the problem was solved. If I did not follow through because he has autism and says things out of context.....the questions would remain...and a serious situation may have been going on.
The key as far as I am concerned is to be as candid, open and willing to solve the problems that are arising. Don't take things personal, stay away from the victim mentality and look deeply at the problem of why the boys hurt themselves.

No answer, but a question...I have 2 precious grandsons who have autism. There have been problems with self injury being misconstrued as child abuse in the home. What do you suggest as a course of action?

I really appreciate your comment about staying away from victim mentality. My daughter always gets pretty upset and is afraid the boys will be taken away. She's really a good autism mom. Around their house they have a saying, "Hitting is not ok" because the boys, esp the older one, have a problem with hitting. He even said it to me once when I smacked his little bottom...lol (I'm learning, too!!!) They lived with us or a couple of years, so I know she's not a hitter. My grandson even admitted that he hurt himself after he had an fight with his friend. They both have a tendency to self-injure when they get frustrated. The younger one bangs his head on the floor, and the older one pulls his ears. The bruises caused by that ear-pulling are what precipitated this latest altercation with the school. We just found out that the "charges" were dropped (Woo-Hoooo!), but this is an ongoing problem. I just want to help her get all her ducks in a row in the event of a repeat of this situation.