Childhood feeding difficulties and parent stress: Outcomes from the help study RCT

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) was to compare two therapy approaches for children with feeding difficulties. Outcomes of interest included difficult mealtime behaviors and parental stress. Method(s): Two groups of children aged 2-6 years were recruited: children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and children with a non-medically complex (NMC) history. Feeding difficulties were confirmed via clinical assessment. Participants were randomized to receive 10 sessions of therapy utilizing either operant conditioning or systematic desensitization techniques. Immersive parent education was delivered across both arms. A 3-month review was provided to measure outcomes. Result(s): In total, 68 participants completed the study. Favorable results were observed across both intervention arms for both etiological groups. Across the combined sample, significant reductions in difficult mealtime behaviors were observed at 3 months post-treatment (p<0.01). Parents of children in both arms reported reductions in stress levels, and parents of children in the ASD group transitioned to being below the cut-score for clinically significant stress. Conclusions (Including Clinical Relevance): Results suggest that, when delivered to a protocol by experienced therapists and coupled with parent education, both operant conditioning and systematic desensitization can be effective in addressing childhood feeding difficulties and reducing parent stress. Possible benefits of one therapy approach over the other need to be explored in a replicated study with a longer follow-up time.L6139718612017-01-11 <br />