Home-Based Behavioural Intervention across Skill Domains for a Child with Tube Dependency

Abstract

Prolonged tube feeding has a multitude of negative outcomes. The transition to oral feeding is essential for child and family quality of life. Behaviour-analytic interventions are effective for paediatric feeding disorders, but information is lacking regarding the treatment process and outcomes. This study evaluated a home-based behavioural intervention for a 19-month-old child dependent on tube feeding. An intensive period was followed by caregiver support to advance feeding skills. We applied differential reinforcement and volume fading within a multiple probe design. Results showed clinically significant behavioural and nutritional outcomes, the cessation of tube feeding, and a process valued by the family.

Keywords:

• Paediatric feeding disorder
• tube dependency
• early intervention
• parent training

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The study reported in this paper was conducted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology awarded to Caitlin Mann at The University of Auckland. The authors express their gratitude to the study participants.