Children diagnosed with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) may present with comorbid oral-motor delays that often contribute to their failure to consume an adequate volume and/or variety of foods. Once the food enters the mouth, these children may exhibit additional problematic behavior such as expulsion and packing that further averts oral intake. Previous research has evaluated the impact of modified-bolus placement methods, including flipped spoon and NUK® brush, in comparison to upright spoon on expulsion and packing. Whether responses are due to performance or skill deficits, researchers hypothesize that modified-bolus placement may assist with reducing the response effort associated with swallowing. This retrospective consecutive controlled case series assessed the clinical application of an additional modified-bolus placement method, underspoon, to increase food consumption and decrease problematic behavior that interfere with mouth clean for children with PFD or ARFID.
Keywords: ARFID; bite presentation; expulsion; modified-bolus placement; packing; pediatric feeding disorder; underspoon; utensil manipulation.