Utilizing Antecedent Manipulations and Reinforcement in the Treatment of Food Selectivity by Texture

Food selectivity by texture is relatively common in children. Treatments for food selectivity by texture have included components such as stimulus fading, reinforcement, and escape extinction. The purpose of the current study was to attempt to treat food selectivity by texture utilizing antecedent manipulations and reinforcement in the absence of escape extinction. The current study utilized texture fading and simultaneous presentation to treat food selectivity by texture in a young boy with autism. Experimenters successfully increased the boy's food consumption using this treatment package in a clinical setting. Then, the boy's parents were trained to implement procedures both in the clinical and home settings.