Feeding Workshop
John Galle
Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (C.A.R.D.), Tarzana, CA (USA)
John Galle is a a CARD Workshop Supervisor. He travels around the US and to Dubai to provide treatment plans to children with an autism spectrum disorder.
Abstract
What to do when a child won't eat: Feeding Disorders and Developmental Delays
Pediatric feeding disorders are characterized by a child's inability to take in the appropriate amount of food and liquid necessary to maintain growth. Feeding disorders are displayed in many forms.
Development of the disorder can be attributed to medical complications or behavioral considerations. However, it is most likely that an interaction of two or more factors produce the feeding problems. Through the application of behavior analytic principles, successful treatment can be reached. The ultimate goal is for the child to have age appropriate eating skills, generalize treatment gains to home, school, and community, and to train all caregivers to correctly implement the child's protocol.
The feeding workshop is designed for parents as well as therapists and educators. The 4 hour workshop will include an overview of ABA and the assessment of various challenging behaviors as they are related to feeding difficulties. Specifically, it will focus on diagnosis, reasons for concern, medical and behavioral interventions, modifying environments, motivation, introducing new foods, self feeding, making lasting changes and why interventions can fail. Additionally, the workshop will include hands-on exercises in small groups. It is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of people so that someone without any knowledge or background in ABA and feeding plus therapists and educators can benefit from it.