Authors

  1. Taylor, Tessa PhD, BCBA-D

Abstract

Research has shown effectiveness of redistribution procedures for decreasing packing and increasing swallowing. Redistribution has been done using lower manipulated-texture foods on an infant gum brush in specialized U.S. hospitals. We extended this by using regular texture bites of food in a short-term (1-2 weeks) home-based program in Australia, showing decreased then absent use of the procedure, and following up. Two children with autism spectrum disorder participated. We used a modified withdrawal/reversal design. Latency to swallow decreased. Participants increased variety to 90 and 122 regular texture foods across food groups. All goals were met including increasing independence in self-feeding. Both parents were trained. Gains maintained to 6 months and redistribution was no longer needed.