Evaluation of the Effect of a Psychological Program for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Feeding Difficulties

The program focuses on parent training. Additionally, intervention on sensory integration is implemented directly with children. The program is made up of 12 sessions, which are held weekly, combining group (1.5 hour parent training and child sensory desensitization) with individual sessions. Parent training group sessions (1,3,4,5,7,8), are focused on teaching strategies based on the principles of behavior intervention and specific techniques related to eating. Strategies involve functional behavioral assessment, antecedent-based interventions, extinction of disruptive behaviors, positive reinforcement, modeling and visual supports. Additionally, parents were trained in methods of introducing new foods, such as modifying food presentation or textures. Simultaneously, children attend a group session in a separate room to target sensory issues and receive oral-facial stimulation. Individual sessions (2,6,9) are focused on specific characteristics of each child.