A Retrospective Analysis of the Sequential Oral Sensory Feeding Approach in Children with Feeding Difficulties

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of the sequential oral sensory (SOS) approach in children with feeding dysfunction. This study had a retrospective repeated-measures within-subject design. Each child served as his or her own control, and there was no target behavior. The existing records of 34 children who received feeding intervention were reviewed; 56% of the children were male and 44% female. Ages ranged from 30 to 92 months. Diagnoses included autism spectrum disorder (38%), cerebral palsy (12%), neurological impairment (38%), and unspecified (12%). Results indicate there was no statistically significant difference in outcomes related to age (p = .487), no significant relationship between diagnosis and the indication of a positive trend (p = .116), and that gender (male) is significantly related to a positive trend. The data suggest the SOS program is beneficial for children with neurological impairment who demonstrate a consistent response to intervention. They also suggest that children with little to no drink difficulties may demonstrate readiness for progression to the next level of development.

Keywords:

• Feeding
• sensory processing
• SOS

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