We evaluated video modeling and reinforcement for teaching perspective-taking skills to 3 children with autism using a multiple baseline design. Video modeling and reinforcement were effective; however, only 2 children were able to pass an untrained task, indicating limited generalization. The findings suggest that video modeling may be an effective technology for teaching perspective taking if researchers can continue to develop strategies for enhancing the generalization of these new skills.

In the current investigation, we compared two methods of food presentation (simultaneous vs. sequential) to increase consumption of nonpreferred food for 3 children with food selectivity. In the simultaneous condition, preferred foods were presented at the same time as nonpreferred food (e.g., a piece of broccoli was presented on a chip). In the sequential condition, acceptance of the nonpreferred food resulted in presentation of the preferred food. Increases in consumption occurred immediately during the simultaneous condition for 2 of the 3 participants. For 1 participant, increases in consumption occurred in the simultaneous condition relative to the sequential condition, but only after physical guidance and re-presentation were added to treatment. Finally, consumption increased for 1 participant in the sequential condition, but only after several sessions. These results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms that may alter preferences for food (i.e., establishing operations, flavor-flavor conditioning).

The results provide directions for future research as well as the translation of pill swallowing interventions to primary care.

No abstract

Nine behavior-analytic studies, each reporting data for a single participant, have shown that bizarre speech can be maintained by social reinforcement. In the current study, we controlled for a possible referral bias in this literature by including nonreferred participants with dual diagnoses. Functional analyses identified attention functions for 2 participants and nonsocial functions for the others. Noncontingent reinforcement decreased the bizarre speech of both participants who displayed attention-maintained bizarre speech.

Objective: It is critical to address the behavioral health (BH) needs of youth given the high prevalence of diagnosable BH concerns prior to age 18 and the barriers for accessing BH services. To improve access, integration of BH services with primary care is increasing. The colocated model is one proposed method for increasing access to BH services for children. The current study sought to provide demonstration data for colocated BH services within the pediatric medical home. Method: A retrospective review of 694 new BH patient charts ranging from 1–18 years from 9 primary care clinics across three states participated. Data on number of sessions attended with a BH provider, report of homework completion (where relevant), clinician rating of adherence, and improvement ratings were collected. Results: Across all sites, 85% of referred patients attended their first appointment, and 84% of patients showed improvement over a 6-month period. Conclusions: This study is among the first to provide outcome data demonstrating the effectiveness of the colocated model for delivering BH services in primary care. Data provide information on the relationship between patient outcomes and adherence to recommendations delivered during colocated BH treatment. High attendance rates at initial appointment and overall improvement ratings were observed, suggesting the colocated BH model is a feasible model to improve access and outcomes in pediatric BH services.

When primary responsibility for Type 1 diabetes (DM1) treatment adherence transfers from parents to adolescents, glycemic control often suffers. Low rates of treatment adherence during this transition are possibly attributable to decreased parental involvement, disagreements between parents and children regarding treatment responsibilities, and increased family conflict. The current investigation assessed the relationships between each of these variables and glycemic control among youth diagnosed with DM1. Parent and child report questionnaires were completed by 64 parent-child dyads (ages 8-18) with a child diagnosed with DM1. HbA1c readings served as measures of glycemic control. Parental involvement in their children's treatment was reported to decline with age, however absolute levels of parent involvement were not significantly correlated with youth HbA1c levels. Parent-child agreement regarding treatment responsibility and reports of diabetes-related conflict were significant predictors of glycemic control. Results support previous findings implicating parent-child agreement regarding treatment responsibilities and family conflict as predictors of treatment adherence among youth with DM1. The current study found this relationship to be significant for a larger population of children for which past research has failed to find such an effect. Taken together, these findings suggest further research is warranted to identify effective methods for transferring treatment responsibilities from parents to children.

No abstract