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Using Shaping to Increase Foods Consumed by Children with Autism
Abby Hodges1, Tonya Davis2, Madison Crandall2
1Baylor University, One Bear Place #97031, Waco, TX, 76798-3701, USA. abby_hodges@baylor.edu.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|May 25, 2017
Summary
This study enhanced food acceptance in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using behavioral interventions. Applied behavior analysis techniques successfully increased the variety of foods consumed by participants with feeding inflexibility.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Nutrition
Background:
- Feeding inflexibility is a common challenge for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Limited dietary variety can negatively impact nutritional intake and overall health in children with ASD.
- Behavioral interventions offer a promising avenue for addressing feeding challenges in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of differential reinforcement and shaping in increasing food variety for children with ASD.
- To assess the impact of hierarchical food exposure on food acceptance.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a combined multiple baseline and changing criterion design in measuring intervention outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized differential reinforcement and shaping procedures to encourage acceptance of new foods.
- Implemented a hierarchical exposure protocol, gradually increasing demands for food interaction.
- Employed a combined multiple baseline and changing criterion design to track progress in food consumption.
Main Results:
- All participants demonstrated increased acceptance of targeted food items.
- The intervention successfully expanded the variety of foods consumed by each child.
- Significant improvements in feeding flexibility were observed across all participants.
Conclusions:
- Differential reinforcement and shaping are effective strategies for improving food variety in children with ASD.
- Hierarchical food exposure, combined with behavioral principles, can overcome significant feeding inflexibility.
- This approach offers a viable method for enhancing nutritional intake and quality of life for children with autism.
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