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| An Overview of Assessing, Classifying and Treating Feeding Difficulties in Children with Developmental Disabilities |
| Friday, May 27, 2005 |
| 6:00 PM–9:00 PM |
| 4M (4th floor) |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Basic Research |
| CE Instructor: Tracey G. Galiatsatos, M.S. |
| TRACEY G. GALIATSATOS (New England Center for Children), WILLIAM H. AHEARN (New England Center for Children) |
| Description: Feeding problems are common among children diagnosed with developmental disabilities. The feeding difficulties of these children stem from and are maintained by, numerous biological and environmental factors. This workshop will begin by providing an overview of factors which may trigger feeding difficulties. Biological factors, such as dysfunction of the GI system, and environmental factors, such as child-feeder interactions, will be discussed. The workshop will also address feeding evaluations and the role of a comprehensive feeding team. The classification and assessment of feeding difficulties becomes a critical issue in providing appropriate treatment for these behaviors. Participants will learn to classify feeding difficulties. Emphasis will be placed on behavior interventions of three topographical categories: insufficient food intake (i.e. food-type selectivity, food-texture selectivity, insufficient caloric intake), specific skill deficits (i.e. self-feeding, chewing skills), and disruptive behavior emitted during meal times (i.e. crying, food expulsion). Case studies of each category will be discussed. Behavioral interventions that will be reviewed include: food exposure, simultaneous presentation, positive reinforcement, and escape prevention. |
| Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this workshop, the participant will be able to: - Identify the biological and environmental factors which may cause feeding difficulties - Identify common variables that are related to the development of feeding problems - Describe assessment tools which may be used to conduct feeding assessments - Categorize and prioritize feeding needs given a hypothetical case - Describe environmental factors that occasion and maintain feeding problems - Identify common behavior principles (e.g. reinforcement, prompting, extinction) used to address feeding difficulties |
| Activities: Through the use of didactic presentation, handouts, and case illustrations, workshop participants will develop an understanding of feeding difficulties and possible behavioral treatment options. |
| Audience: This workshop is targeted for clinicians and therapists who have a basic understanding of behavior analytic terms and theory. |
| Content Area: Theory |
| Instruction Level: Intermediate |