Applied behavior analysis (ABA) involves the study of human behavior and typically uses human data collectors to observe and measure behavior. Recent developments in technology have introduced various automated data-collection apparatuses that can measure human behavioral data useful to applied behavior-analysts. However, there have been very little extant literature on the use of automated data-collections in applied behavior-analytic research. The current review investigated the extent to which the field of ABA incorporates automated data-collection from selected ABA journals between 2010 to 2019. Of the 2,155 data-based articles selected for the current review, 9.74% (n = 207) used automated data-collection. Among these, 48.31% (n = 100) were coded as being applied research. Limitations and future research for automated data-collection in ABA are also discussed.
Packing (holding food in the mouth) is a problematic mealtime behavior displayed by children with feeding disorders that may cause prolonged meal durations and decreased caloric intake (Gulotta et al., 2005). Placement of the bolus directly on the tongue using flipped-spoon or Nuk presentation and redistribution of packed food have support as treatments to reduce packing. In our clinic's typical treatment progression, we often first conduct an assessment comparing methods to place the bolus on the tongue (e.g., upright to flipped-spoon or Nuk presentation) if packing emerges. If packing persists, we then add redistribution. The intervals researchers have evaluated most often are redistribution 15 or 30 s after bite deposit. We aimed to determine whether implementing redistribution at both 15 s and 30 s was more effective than implementing redistribution only at 30 s to reduce packing for three children with severe oral-motorskill deficits. We compared the effects of flipped-spoon presentation for Jacob and Nuk presentation for Mary combined with 15-and 30-s redistribution versus 30-s redistribution. For Whitney, we compared upright-spoon presentation to the two redistribution conditions. The results of this preliminary study showed that the 15-and 30-s redistribution procedure produced marginal reductions in packing for Jacob and Whitney and lower levels of packing for Mary.
Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate symptoms of pediatric feeding disorder in a sample of individuals with 3q29 deletion syndrome (3q29Del). Previous research has found that individuals with 3q29Del may experience elevated feeding concerns in early childhood; however, the specificity of these feeding concerns is not well understood. Methods: We compared individuals with 3q29Del (N 5 83) with controls (N 5 59) using an 11-item survey that assessed commonly reported symptoms associated with pediatric feeding disorders. An exploratory analysis also examined individuals with 3q29Del with and without a comorbid global developmental delay (GDD) or an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Results: Caregivers of 3q29Del cases reported higher incidences of feeding concerns on 10 of the 11 items included in the survey. This included statistically significant differences in food refusal behaviors, rejection of 1 or more food groups, and a history of failure to thrive. Parents of children with comorbid GDD were more likely to report concerns regarding food selectivity and problem behaviors during mealtime.
Conclusion:The results suggest individuals with 3q29Del experience increased symptoms of pediatric feeding disorder that may require targeted evaluation and intervention for optimal outcomes. Future research should include a more thorough multidisciplinary evaluation to further elucidate symptom severity and optimal treatment strategies.
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