A Retrospective Analysis of the Sequential Oral Sensory Feeding Approach in Children with Feeding Difficulties

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of the sequential oral sensory (SOS) approach in children with feeding dysfunction. This study had a retrospective repeated-measures within-subject design. Each child served as his or her own control, and there was no target behavior. The existing records of 34 children who received feeding intervention were reviewed; 56% of the children were male and 44% female. Ages ranged from 30 to 92 months. Diagnoses included autism spectrum disorder (38%), cerebral palsy (12%), neurological impairment (38%), and unspecified (12%). Results indicate there was no statistically significant difference in outcomes related to age (p = .487), no significant relationship between diagnosis and the indication of a positive trend (p = .116), and that gender (male) is significantly related to a positive trend. The data suggest the SOS program is beneficial for children with neurological impairment who demonstrate a consistent response to intervention. They also suggest that children with little to no drink difficulties may demonstrate readiness for progression to the next level of development.

Pilot Study of the Just Right Challenge Feeding Protocol for Treatment of Food Selectivity in Children

“…Systematic desensitization has been used successfully to decrease a child's overresponse to sensation (e.g., auditory) (Koegel et al, 2004). The JRCFP is not the first to use systematic desensitization as a primary element for food selectivity (Benson et al, 2013;Boyd, 2007;Peterson et al, 2016). However, the JRCFP is unique in that it combines the use of systematic desensitization with behavior elements.…”

“…In one treatment for food selectivity that includes systematic desensitization, children are encouraged to use a food interaction hierarchy, or what Kay Toomey calls "steps to eating" (e.g., tolerate, touch, taste) (Toomey, 2010). This is done in a playful context to reduce the child's anxiety and sensitivity to refused foods (Benson et al, 2013;Boyd, 2007). This type of treatment appears to provide the optimal conditions for the development of the feeding relationship and for building a child's skills to tackle eating (Boyd, 2007).…”

Multicomponent Treatment for Food Selectivity in Children

“…For some children with non‐life‐threatening food selectivity, this emerging approach may provide a cost‐effective alternative to the intensive and often invasive treatment protocols that center on escape extinction, requiring the child to immediately eat nonpreferred foods before leaving the feeding situation 21 . Also, adding the behavioral modification elements (positive reinforcement and escape extinction from a just‐right challenge food interaction goal) may facilitate food acceptance faster than an approach that uses systematic desensitization alone 24 …”

“…Simultaneously, they reflected on the sensory experience of eating to reduce the anxiety response. For example, over a series of sessions, first the child may be challenged to accept a nonpreferred food on his or her plate, then to touch the food with his or her finger, then to kiss the food goodbye, and then finally eat the food 24 , 25 , 33 . During this process, children are asked to label each food with age‐appropriate language (eg, Is the food sweet or salty?…”

“…One such alternate approach is described in a retrospective chart review by Benson and colleagues 24 . They reviewed records for 34 clients who had received the “Sequential Oral Sensory Feeding” approach in an outpatient clinic 25 .…”