Empirically derived consequences to treat rumination

Abstract

We evaluated a contingent oral hygiene procedure on rumination emitted by a 9-year-old boy with autism. Results of a functional analysis screening suggested rumination was maintained by automatic reinforcement. We conducted a stimulus avoidance assessment to identify a hierarchy of potential consequences to be used in treatment. During treatment, contingent toothbrushing resulted in a 97% decrease in rumination. Finally, we transitioned to a less intrusive intervention (i.e., contingent mouthwash spray) and rumination remained at near-zero levels. Treatment effects generalized to different settings and caregivers and maintained over a 4-year period.

Examining the reliability of the stimulus avoidance assessment.

“…Although the punisher assessment described by Verriden and Roscoe (2019) is an emerging line of research, to date, the stimulus avoidance assessment guides much of the published literature related to identifying punishers (e.g., Kurtz et al, 2003; Migan-Gandonou & Leon, 2020; Mitteer et al, 2015; Toole et al, 2004). Despite this, no studies have examined the reliability of the stimulus avoidance assessment since its inception 25 years ago.…”

A Multicomponent Evaluation of Food Properties Affecting Rumination in an Adult with Intellectual Disabilities

“…Researchers have conducted extended observations when evaluating dietary manipulation procedures Johnston et al, 1991;& Masalsky & Luiselli, 1998). However, some analyses have relied on briefer windows of observation following (e.g., Carroll et al, 2011;Woods et al, 2013;Wilder & Neve, 2018;& Migan-Gandonou & Leon, 2020). Although the duration of rumination may vary across participants, this analysis demonstrates the utility of extended observations in better capturing occurrences of rumination.…”

“…Researchers have also found similar results when using other forms of functional assessment. For example, Dominguez et al (2014) and Migan-Gandonou & Leon (2020) completed the Functional Analysis Screening Tool (Querim et al, 2013), which indicated rumination persisted in the absence of social contingencies.…”