The Impact of Applied Behavior Analysis to Address Mealtime Behaviors of Concern Among Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Feeding difficulties among individuals with autism spectrum disorder are common. The science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) has been employed to address these difficulties. Ample publications exist that demonstrate that ABA is consistently effective in increasing the consumption of new foods and drinks, increasing chewing and swallowing behavior, decreasing problem behavior at mealtime, and improving skills such as self-feeding. This article details the application of the basic principles of ABA, reinforcement, extinction, and punishment to treat feeding difficulties.

Keywords: Applied behavior analysis; Autism; Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder; Food refusal; Food selectivity; Inappropriate mealtime behavior; Liquid refusal; Packing.