Parent-Implemented Procedural Modification of Escape Extinction in the Treatment of Food Selectivity in a Young Child with Autism

Abstract

Fool selectivity is characterized by the consumption of an inadequate variety of foods. The effectiveness of behavioral treatment procedures, particularly nonremoval of the spoon, is well validated by research. The role of parents in the treatment of feeding disorders and the feasibility of behavioral procedures for parent implementation in the home has not been investigated extensively. In this study, a procedural variation of escape extinction was used to treat the food selectivity of a young child with autism. Treatment occurred in the child’s home and all procedures were implemented by his mother. At the conclusion of treatment, the child independently consumed all foods presented in regular family meals within an appropriate time period. DESCRIPTORS autism, food selectivity, parent training, pediatric feeding disorders