Multiple Behavioral Effects of the Use of Lemon Juice with a Ruminating Toddler-Age Child

Abstract

Long-standing rumination in a profoundly retarded girl was treated using lemon juice as a consequence of the rumination. Rumination was nearly eliminated and weight was increased as a function of the use of lemon juice while the child was in a daycare center. Concurrent with treatment, positive and negative behaviors were observed to occur. Six-month follow-up in the home found a maintenance of the reduced rate of rumination, negative behaviors decreased or "disappeared," while socially desirable behaviors were maintained or continued to increase, even though none was systematically treated.