Behavior-Analytic Treatment Progression for a Child With Tube Dependence: Reaching Age-Typical Feeding

Abstract

The current case study outlines a behavior-analytic treatment progression for a child with a pediatric feeding disorder and tube dependence. The child participated in an intensive day-treatment program for 8 weeks where she transitioned from tube feedings to oral feedings. She successfully transitioned to a less intensive, telehealth outpatient model for follow-up care where she continued to progress to age-typical feeding. Following a systematic and gradual reduction in follow-up appointments, she consumed all meals of age-appropriate foods in both home and school environments. Another important contribution of the case study is that it demonstrated the importance of follow-up services that occur in the child’s natural environment while highlighting the utility of rubrics. With rubrics, caregivers effectively and efficiently progressed toward treatment goals independently. This case study also discusses the importance of ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration and the unique contributions of each team member in employing effective interventions while ensuring client safety.