Training appropriate eating behavior in a pediatric rehabilitation setting: case study

The study demonstrates an effective operant conditioning treatment technique to train appropriate eating behavior in a child with brain damage. The child, a 7-year-old boy, received the training during brief hospitalization in a pediatric rehabilitation unit. The principal treatment modality consisted of verbal commands, praise, and manual guidance. During 2 baseline meals the child ate appropriately on the average of 21% of the time. Rapid improvement in correct eating responses occurred during the first week of treatment, reaching a level of 100% in 2 of the last 4 training meals. Following withdrawal of treatment, correct responses decreased to an average of 69%. When treatment was resumed the child reached a correct eating response level of more than 90% on the fifth meal. This level of performance was maintained when hospital staff and the child's mother were introduced into the program. The child's teacher was trained in the technique prior to his discharge from the hospital. School follow-up of more than 15 weeks indicated proper performance had been maintained at more than 90%. High levels of appropriate eating behavior can be learned in the hospital and generalized to the home and school if parents and teachers are actively engaged in rehabilitation efforts.