An Evaluation of Chewing and Swallowing for a Child Diagnosed with Autism

Pediatric feeding disorders comprise a range of developmental and behavioral disorders. To date, chewing and swallowing has not received as much clinical or research focus as other aspects of pediatric feeding disorders (e.g., acceptance, inappropriate mealtime behavior). The current analysis was conducted to increase the consumption of non-preferred target foods in a child diagnosed with autism. An initial chewing assessment was conducted to increase his compliance with chewing the target foods and a subsequent assessment was conducted to increase swallowing. Results are discussed in terms of the use of behavioral interventions to address chewing and swallowing.