ORCID ID
Graduation Date
Summer 8-6-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Programs
Applied Behavior Analysis
First Advisor
Bethany Hansen
Abstract
Feeding difficulties are pervasive for children with autism. The present study investigated the effects of a pairing intervention on cooperation with demands/acceptance of new foods, inappropriate behaviors, proximity to therapist, and indices of happiness for three children with autism and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. When the pairing intervention alone was not effective to decrease inappropriate behaviors and increase acceptance of new foods, we implemented shaping procedures. Shaping was effective to increase acceptance of four new foods for two participants. For the third participant, we ultimately implemented nonremoval of the spoon procedures to decrease inappropriate behaviors and increase acceptance of new foods. The researchers sought to fill a gap in the literature by investigating the effects of an intervention package that did not require restrictive seating or nonremoval of the spoon and assess caregiver acceptability throughout procedures. Results have important implications for the conditions under which interventions other than nonremoval of the spoon may increase acceptance of new foods for children with autism and feeding difficulties, and how efficacy and efficiency may impact caregiver acceptability.
Recommended Citation
Demchuk, Nicole C., "A Stepwise Evaluation of Pairing, Shaping, and Nonremoval of the Spoon for Children with Autism and Feeding Difficulties" (2024). Theses & Dissertations. 863.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/etd/863