Although food selectivity is a common problem among children and youth who have autism, research has infrequently evaluated school-based feeding intervention. In this study an 18-year old girl with autism was taught to eat greater variety and quantity of previously rejected foods through a combination of antecedent intervention and positive reinforcement procedures that a teacher implemented during lunch meals. The study describes application of a changing criterion design to measure the effects of gradually increasing feeding expectations through food variation and portion control. We discuss the advantages of antecedent intervention for treating food selectivity in a school setting.
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