Using a fading procedure to increase fluid consumption in a child with feeding problems

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Pediatric Feeding Disorders
• Applied Behavior Analysis

Background:

• Feeding problems in children can lead to nutritional deficiencies and developmental issues.
• Behavioral interventions are crucial for addressing pediatric feeding disorders.
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offers effective strategies for modifying feeding behaviors.

Observation:

• A 6-year-old child exhibited significant feeding problems, specifically with fluid intake.
• The child would only drink plain water, limiting nutritional intake.
• Existing feeding strategies were insufficient for this child.

Findings:

• Combining stimulus fading with differential reinforcement and extinction successfully increased the child's intake of a calorie-dense fluid.
• The stimulus fading procedure involved gradually adding ingredients (Carnation Instant Breakfast, then milk) to water.
• This gradual introduction led to increased acceptance and consumption of the enriched fluid.

Implications:

• This combined behavioral intervention approach is effective for treating pediatric feeding problems.
• Stimulus fading offers a viable method for increasing the variety and nutritional density of fluids consumed by children with feeding difficulties.
• Further research can explore the adaptability of this intervention for other food-related challenges in children.