Date of Award
Fall 12-13-2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Ryan Speelman, rspeelman@pittstate.edu
Second Advisor
Dr. Julie Allison, jallison@pittstate.edu
Third Advisor
Dr. Jamie Wood, jwood@pittstate.edu
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Brian Sims, bsims@pittstate.edu
Keywords
food selectivity, feeding difficulties, parent training, feeding therapy
Abstract
Feeding problems are five times more likely to occur in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than in typically developing peers (Sharp, et al., 2013). Though behavior analytic protocols have demonstrated efficacy, less research has investigated methods to transfer technology to non–professional caregivers. This study utilized a behavioral skills training (BST) procedure to increase generalization of treatment methods from the clinic to the home environment for three parent-child dyads. Meal observations were conducted prior to treatment to determine baseline rates of behavior, specifics of the child’s food refusal, oral motor deficits, and nutritional needs. Baseline observations were used to develop an individualized treatment protocol for each child and a multiple baseline design was used to demonstrate the effects of behavioral skills training on increased treatment fidelity and generalization effects of feeding strategies. Results indicate that behavioral skills training may be used to increase treatment fidelity and generalization effects for caregivers implementing behavioral feeding strategies with their children who display severe food selectivity.
Recommended Citation
Stiffler, Melissa, "Behavior Skills Training to Improve Parent Treatment Fidelity and Generalization in a Feeding Program" (2019). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 354.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/354
