Feeding Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review
Focus on Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities
Ledford, J. R., & Gast, D. L. (2006).
Focus on Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities, 21(3), 153-166.
This literature review investigates the effects of feeding interventions on descreasing feeding problems (e.g., refusal to eat most foods) in children, 2-18 years old, on the autism spectrum.
Not stated
1994-2004
Peer-reviewed descriptive study designs (i.e., quantitative information with no experimental design); intervention study designs (i.e., quantitative information with an experimental design)
9 intervention studies
<p>All nine of the included studies reported successful decrease of feeding problems in children on the autism spectrum. The following treatment approaches were studied in isolation or in combination:</p>
<ul>
<li>simultaneous presentation;</li>
<li>sequential presentation;</li>
<li>differential reinforcement of acceptance;</li>
<li>stimulus fading;</li>
<li>escape extinction; and</li>
<li>appetite manipulation.</li>
</ul>
<p>"Overall, the results of these studies demonstrate the availability of a wide range of effective intervention strategies for treating feeding acceptance and consumption problems" (p. 162).</p>
