Graduation Year
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
M.S.
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
Degree Granting Department
Child and Family Studies
Major Professor
Kimberly Crosland, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Sarah Bloom, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Meka McCammon, Ph.D.
Keywords
choice, feeding task analysis, contingent reinforcement, food refusal
Abstract
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities are often likely to develop feeding disorders and certain food selectivity (Wood et al., 2009). Various approaches have been taken to assess food selectivity in children with ASD to increase food consumption. Koegel et al. (2012) found that participants were more likely to try new foods when provided with contingent reinforcement with the choice of their preferred item or toy along with hierarchical exposure to novel foods. The purpose of this study was to extend the findings from Koegel et al. (2012) and assess the effects of using hierarchical exposure to novel foods combined with contingent reinforcement, with the addition of providing choice in selecting which foods become targets for the feeding trials for children diagnosed with ASD. A multiple baseline design across children was utilized to examine these effects. The results indicated an increase in overall food consumption and a decrease in food refusal behaviors when presented with novel foods.
Scholar Commons Citation
Robles, Julissa, "Evaluation of a Treatment Package to Increase Food Variety for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder with Food Selectivity" (2024). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/10238
