Reducing rapid eating in adults with Down syndrome: Using token reinforcement to increase interresponse time between bites.

Abstract

Individuals with developmental disabilities are more likely to eat rapidly. Rapid eating is correlated with choking, vomiting, aspiration, overeating, and obesity, all of which negatively affect quality of life. Behavioral strategies have been used to slow eating pace but often require invasive techniques, such as response blocking, to achieve clinically important reductions. The current study extended previous research by implementing a treatment package that included the use of a timer, differential reinforcement of low rates of behavior, and token reinforcement system to reduce rapid eating exhibited by three adults with Down syndrome residing in an independent supported living facility. The results demonstrated that this treatment package increased the interresponse time between bites to criteria for all three participants.

Pediatric dental care in patients with down syndrome: a literature review

“…Distraction uses attractive stimuli to divert attention from aversive elements. Play therapy incorporates the use of toys to facilitate learning and reduce anxiety (BARGAGNA et al, 2019;MAY & CATRONE, 2021).…”

An introduction to the special issue on behavior analysis in health, sport, and fitness.

“…The objective of this Special Issue on behavior analysis in health, sport, and fitness is to highlight works that offer new or innovative perspectives on the role behavior analysis plays in growing this area of research and practice via (a) informing health and fitness behavior change; (b) designing and evaluating interventions to support health-behavior change or improve fitness and sport performance; and (c) identifying opportunities and recommendations to advance research and inform practice in the areas of health, sport, and fitness. The special issue is composed of empirical studies that evaluated interventions to increase exercise and physical activity among children and adults (Batchelder & Donlin Washington, 2021; Courtemanche et al, 2021; Hanashiro-Parson & Miltenberger, 2021; Krebs & Nyein, 2021; Rosado et al, 2021; Van Camp et al, 2021), reduce rapid eating behavior (May & Catrone, 2021), and improve sports performance technique (Mulqueen et al, 2021); a review of behavioral interventions to increase physical activity of those with intellectual disabilities (Page et al, 2021); and commentary on considerations related to certification, scope of practice, scope of competence, and unique ethical situations for practitioners (Holland & Slowiak, 2021).…”