A Behavior Analysis Approach Toward Chronic Food Refusal in Children with Gastrostomy-Tube Dependency

Abstract

This report describes a behavior analysis treatment approach to establish oral feeding in children with multiple developmental disabilities and gastrostomy-tube dependency. Pretreatment screening, functional assessment, and treatment components are reported as implemented within a behavioral consultation model. Various aspects of intervention are presented, including strategies to teach children to accept food orally, reinforce consumption, and gradually eliminate tube feedings. A clinical case study is presented to illustrate the sequence and methodology of oral feeding treatment. Critical features of the treatment approach are discussed.