Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and related disabilities often present with issues related to feeding, including:

• Food Selectivity
• Food Refusal
• Oral-Motor Deficits

In order to meet the unique needs of these children, The Center for Children with Special Needs has developed a Feeding Clinic that integrates behavioral and oral-motor approaches.

Services Provided

Diagnostic Evaluation

Prior to beginning any intervention and comprehensive evaluation of those variables that interfere with eating

• Assessment of Mealtime Behavior — An evaluation utilizing observational methods and data collection systems to identify environmental conditions that affect behavior during mealtime

• Oral-Motor Evaluation — Assess potential oral-motor deficits that interfere with feeding

• Food Log — Record of foods eaten over a designated period of time to assess variety of foods presented and amount accepted

• Texture Inventory — Parental report of taste, texture and temperature preference

• Clinical Observation — Evaluation of other physiological and social influences that could compromise successful feeding

• Preference and Reinforcer Assessment — Systematic evaluation of potential reinforcers to use during treatment including preferred edible items, play and leisure items or activities

Program Development

• Program development based on individual needs identified through the diagnostic evaluation.
• Programs will address behavioral issues, oral-motor issues or both
• Weekly clinic treatment targeting:
     a) Skill development
     b) Parent training
     c) Modification of program elements
     d) Treatment integrity across settings
• Treatment procedures carried out throughout the week by parents, school personnel and other caregivers
• All program components are supervised by the team at the Center for Children with Special Needs

Collaboration

Consult with other settings to program elements:
• School
• Day care center
• Extended family

Our Team

Kristen M. Powers, OTR/L
Mark J. Palmieri, Psy.D., BCBA
Collaboration with Pediatrician and/or Nutritionist as needed