A comparison of differential reinforcement and noncontingent reinforcement to treat food selectivity in a child with autism

J Appl Behav Anal. 2012 Fall;45(3):613-7. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2012.45-613.

Abstract

We compared differential reinforcement plus escape extinction to noncontingent reinforcement plus escape extinction to treat food selectivity exhibited by a young child with autism. The interventions were equally effective for increasing bite acceptance and decreasing problem behaviors. However, a social validity measure suggested that noncontingent reinforcement was preferred by the child's caregiver.

Keywords: autism; differential reinforcement; escape extinction; food selectivity; noncontingent reinforcement.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / complications
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology*
  • Autistic Disorder / rehabilitation*
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Child Behavior Disorders / etiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Escape Reaction
  • Extinction, Psychological
  • Food Preferences*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Reinforcement, Psychology*
  • Reproducibility of Results