Remediation of Behavior-Related Eating Problems: A Preliminary Investigation

Abstract

Twenty severely handicapped children who refused to eat solid foods were randomly assigned to two treatment methods. Both methods included prefeeding desensitization techniques and manual jaw and lip control. One method involved presenting solid food only and not attending to attempts to avoid the food or oral manipulation. The contrast method involved gradually increasing food textures as each child's tolerance improved and withdrawing oral manipulation procedures avoided by the children. During the 15 consecutive meals of treatment, the children receiving solid food only were observed to become increasingly cooperative and independent eaters; however, the children in the contrast group appeared to maintain a stable level of resistance and to become more dependent. After the 15 meals, the proportion of children accepting solid food was greater among those who had received the first method. Ratings 4 weeks later showed continued superiority of the first method. Because each method included several variables, the reasons for the success of the first method are not conclusive.