Association for Behavior Analysis International

The Association for Behavior Analysis International® (ABAI) is a nonprofit membership organization with the mission to contribute to the well-being of society by developing, enhancing, and supporting the growth and vitality of the science of behavior analysis through research, education, and practice.

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34th Annual Convention; Chicago, IL; 2008

Event Details


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Symposium #509
CE Offered: BACB
Evaluations of Treatments for Food Selectivity
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
9:00 AM–10:20 AM
Boulevard B
Area: CBM; Domain: Applied Research
Chair: Adel C. Najdowski (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.)
Discussant: Meeta R. Patel (Clinic 4 Kidz)
CE Instructor: Adel C. Najdowski, Ph.D.
Abstract:

The papers in this symposium cover a number of interesting topics related to behavior analytic intervention for food selectivity. The first presentation will show data comparing the use of simultaneous versus sequential presentation in the treatment of food selectivity and their effects on generalization and maintenance. From this presentation, attendees will learn which intervention appeared most promising. The second presentation will show results of a component analysis of differential reinforcement and nonremoval of the spoon when used in isolation and combined during a treatment involving a paired-choice presentation of foods. From this presentation, attendees will learn about a possible intervention that can be used for children wherein choices may facilitate compliance and what components of the intervention appeared to be most necessary for the participant in this evaluation. The third presentation will show data from a case study wherein a childs progression through treatment is outlined. Interventions evaluated include differential reinforcement, escape extinction, demand fading, and high-probability/low-probability. From this presentation, attendees will see the progression of treatment of food selectivity in the real world and be supplied with one example of the clinical obstacles and considerations that are commonly encountered.

 
A Comparison of Simultaneous versus Sequential Presentation of Novel Foods in the Treatment of Food Selectivity.
BECKY PENROD (California State University, Sacramento), Kate H. Perry (California State University, Sacramento), Lisa Byrne (California State University, Sacramento)
Abstract: Simultaneous presentation of a highly preferred food and a non-preferred food has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for food selectivity in several empirical studies (e.g., Ahearn, 2003; Buckley & Newchok, 2005; Kern & Marder, 1996; Piazza et al., 2002; & Mueller et al., 2004). The above-mentioned studies suggest that the acquisition of food consumption occurs more rapidly when non-preferred foods are presented simultaneously with high-preferred foods, as opposed to when high-preferred foods are delivered as a consequence for acceptance or consumption of non-preferred foods (i.e., sequential presentation). However, it is not possible to determine which presentation method is superior, given that studies utilizing simultaneous presentation have not assessed maintenance of food consumption in the absence of the high preferred food. This study addresses the limitations of previous research by conducting a comparison of sequential and simultaneous food presentation in the treatment of food selectivity and assessing generalization and maintenance of food consumption under a lean schedule of reinforcement (sequential condition) and in the absence of the high- preferred food (simultaneous condition). Results indicate that sequential presentation is the preferred method for two participants; a nonremoval of the spoon procedure was required for both participants.
 
Utilizing Paired-Choice Presentation to Increase Food Consumption.
KATHARINE GUTSHALL (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), Taira Lanagan (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), John Galle (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.)
Abstract: The treatment of feeding disorders can take various forms. For instance the use of differential reinforcement, escape extinction, and antecedent manipulations have all been shown to improve food acceptance (Piazza et al, 2003, Patel et al, 2002, Cooper et al, 1995). If one were to conceptualize the acceptance of food as a task for the child, research suggests that the choice of tasks would result in higher compliance (Bambara et al., 1994). In the current investigation, a component analysis was conducted for a child who displayed food selectivity. During all sessions, a paired-choice presentation was utilized in which the child could pick the food to be consumed. The effects of differential reinforcement and escape extinction were seen in isolation and combined. Reliability data were collected for all treatment assessment and averaged above 80%. The case study is shown in its entirety to emphasize the fact that although first efforts may not be successful, feeding disorders can be treated through various interventions at an outpatient facility.
 
Treatment of a Feeding Disorder in the Real World: A Case Study.
KATHARINE GUTSHALL (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), Taira Lanagan (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), Rachel S. F. Tarbox (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.)
Abstract: Feeding disorders are characterized by eating or drinking an inadequate amount of food or liquid (Cooper, et al., 1995). These disorders can take the form of partial or total food refusal and food selectivity by type, texture or presentation. Feeding disorders are commonly accompanied by gagging, vomiting, and inappropriate mealtime behaviors. Numerous studies have demonstrated various techniques to eliminate/minimize pediatric feeding disorders (Gulotta, et al., 2005, Reed, et al., 2004, Dawson, et al., 2003, Piazza, et al., 2003). As informative as peer-reviewed articles are, they can often lead the service provider to believe that successful treatment is found on the first attempt. In the current investigation, a child’s entire progress is shown. Treatment evaluations include differential reinforcement, escape extinction, demand fading, and high-probability/low-probability evaluations. Reliability data were collected for all treatment assessment and averaged above 80%. The case study is shown in its entirety to emphasize the fact that although first efforts may not be successful, feeding disorders can be treated through various interventions at an outpatient facility.
 

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