Feeding Clinic
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and related disabilities often present with issues related to feeding, including:
- Food Selectivity
- Food Refusal
- Oral-Motor Deficits
In order to meet the unique needs of these children, The Center for Children with Special Needs has developed a Feeding Clinic that integrates behavioral and oral-motor approaches.
Diagnostic Evaluation
Prior to beginning any intervention we complete a comprehensive evaluation to determine variables that interfere with eating
- Assessment of Mealtime Behavior - An evaluation utilizing observational methods and data collection systems to identify environmental conditions that affect behavior during mealtime
- Oral-Motor Evaluation - Assess potential oral-motor deficits that interfere with feeding
- Food Log - Record of foods eaten over a designated period of time to assess variety of foods presented and amount accepted
- Texture Inventory - Parental report of taste, texture and temperature preference
- Clinical Observation - Evaluation of other physiological and social influences that could compromise successful feeding
- Preference and Reinforcer Assessment - Systematic evaluation of potential reinforcers to use during treatment including preferred edible items, play and leisure items or activities
Program Development
- Program development based on individual needs identified through the diagnostic evaluation.
- Programs will address behavioral issues, oral-motor issues or both
- Weekly clinic treatment targeting:
a) Skill development
b) Parent training
c) Modification of program elements
d) Treatment integrity across settings
- Treatment procedures carried out throughout the week by parents, school personnel and other caregivers
- All program components are supervised by the team at the Center for Children with Special Needs
Collaboration
Consultation with other settings is imperative in order to ensure consistency and to facilitate generalization of skills. Settings for consultation include:
- School
- Day care center
- Extended family
Our Team
Kristen M. Powers, OTR/L
Mark J. Palmieri, Psy.D., BCBA-D
Collaboration with Pediatrician and/or Nutritionist as needed
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