Faculty Collaboration Database

Behavioral conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of pediatric feeding disorders. Semin Speech Lang 2007 Aug;28(3):223-31

Date

07/25/2007

Pubmed ID

17647134

DOI

10.1055/s-2007-984728

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-34548075607 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   21 Citations

Abstract

Families of children with feeding disorders frequently present to primary care settings. Although providers are often knowledgeable about medical and developmental etiologies, behavioral etiologies may go unidentified and untreated. In this article, the authors review a biobehavioral approach for the assessment and treatment of feeding disorders. First, factors that affect the development of feeding behaviors are described including sensitive developmental periods for acquiring feeding skills and the effects of interpersonal relationships on feeding. Second, behavioral assessment and conceptualization strategies are discussed including the use of feeding questionnaires, caregiver interviews, and the use of feeding observations. Third, behavioral treatment strategies are described including the uses of feeding structure, manipulation of hunger, contingency management, shaping, and parent training. Finally, consideration of various behavioral treatment options are considered including the integration of psychology as part of an interdisciplinary team and the use of intensive behavioral treatment protocols that include inpatient behavioral programs.

Author List

Fischer E, Silverman A

Authors

Elizabeth Fischer PhD Assistant Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Alan Silverman PhD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Behavior Therapy
Child, Preschool
Deglutition Disorders
Feeding Behavior
Humans
Interdisciplinary Communication
Surveys and Questionnaires