A further investigation regarding the efficacy of and preference for positive and corrective feedback.

Although feedback is a widely used intervention for improving performance, it is unclear what characteristics individuals prefer and what is necessary for it to be effective. The purpose of this study was to systematically extend Simonian and Brand (2022) by addressing the limitations of the study and adding a best-treatment phase. During an acquisition phase, participants received either positive, corrective, or no feedback upon task completion.

Decreasing Number of Food Portions Consumed by an Adolescent Female with Autism.

The current study evaluated the effectiveness of a treatment package including a behavior contract, brief portion selection training, and a food diary, to manage portion control in an adolescent female with autism. The behavior contract specified a reinforcement contingency for meeting a weekly goal that described how many servings the participant may consume but should not exceed during meals consisting of target foods. Results of the study demonstrated that the treatment package was successful in managing the number of portions the participant consumed across treatment and generalization sessions.

The Effects of a Self-Instruction Package and Group Training on Trial-Based Functional Analysis Administration.

This study examined the effects of a self-instruction package comprised of a task analysis data sheet, detailed written instructions, and a small group performance feedback training on the training of 12 undergraduate students to conduct trial-based functional analyses (TBFAs). In contrast to previous research, training omitted technical language and did not include didactic instruction on the principles of applied behavior analysis or the underlying rationale for functional analysis methodology. Although the self-instruction package produced significant increases in performance and reliable data collection on the targeted problem behavior, small group performance feedback training was necessary to achieve mastery across all trial types.

An Evaluation of Sequential Meal Presentation with Picky Eaters.

Results of previous research evaluating sequential presentation of nonpreferred (NP) and high-preferred (HP) foods have been mixed, and little is known about how preferences for foods and the manner in which they are presented impact consumption. In many households, NP and HP foods are presented together on the same plate (total meal presentation). This was true for the participants included in this study; thus, total meal presentation served as a baseline against which to compare the effects of an appetizer presentation method and subsequently sequential presentation (differential reinforcement).

Synthesis of Applied Behavior Analytic Interventions for Packing in Pediatric Feeding Disorders.

Packing, which consists of holding food in the mouth for an extended time during meals, is a form of disordered feeding associated with pediatric feeding disorders. The behavior can disrupt the pace and completion of a meal and lead to increased risk of choking, inadequate food and liquid intake, and elevated caregiver stress associated with mealtimes. Applied behavior analysis research has developed and evaluated behavioral interventions to improve feeding by reducing packing.