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Behavioural treatment of severe food refusal in five toddlers with developmental disabilities

J de Moor1, R Didden, H Korzilius

  • 1Department of Special Education, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. J.deMoor@pwo.ru.nl

Child: Care, Health and Development
|October 20, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Behavioral treatment effectively established oral food intake in young children with developmental disabilities, leading to the discontinuation of tube feeding and improved health. These positive outcomes were maintained long-term.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Behavioral Therapy

Background:

  • Young children with developmental disabilities often experience food refusal.
  • Severe food refusal necessitates alternative feeding methods like nasal or gastrostomy tubes.
  • Behavioral interventions show promise for establishing oral food intake.

Observation:

  • A behavioral treatment package was applied to five toddlers with developmental disabilities experiencing severe food refusal.
  • Treatment was administered in an outpatient setting and principles were extended to parents for home implementation.

Findings:

  • All children achieved oral acceptance of diverse food items.
  • Treatment effects generalized to the home environment and were sustained for 3-12 months.
  • Tube feeding was successfully discontinued for all participants, with concurrent improvements in their health status.

Implications:

  • Behavioral treatment is a highly effective strategy for establishing oral food intake in children with developmental disabilities, excluding organic causes.
  • This intervention can lead to the cessation of tube feeding and enhance overall child health.
  • Parental generalization of treatment principles is crucial for sustained success.
Abstract

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