Motivating children with feeding disorders to self‐feed: An evaluation of using differential reinforcement and manipulation of establishing operations to increase self‐feeding

Abstract

AbstractSelf‐feeding is a behavioral cusp vital to independence, growth, and development. Previous studies demonstrate that interventions like escape extinction in the form of physical guidance are effective at increasing self‐feeding in children with feeding disorders. However, these interventions may not be effective for all children. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of a treatment package that involved increasing the quality of feeder attention and access to tangibles to decrease the comparative value of escape from the self‐feeding demand for two children with feeding disorders using a nonconcurrent multiple baseline design. Despite demonstrating the skills to self‐feed preferred foods and consume target foods, neither child self‐fed target foods independently. Following differential reinforcement with the manipulation of establishing operations, both children demonstrated improvement in self‐feeding bites of target foods. In addition, caregivers were trained to implement the protocol with high procedural integrity.