Autism One - Free Feeding Disorders Presentation and Workshop

[Guest guest]

Dear Listmates:

I am very pleased to announce the following addition to the Autism

One 2008 Conference in Chicago (www.autismone.org):

FREE FEEDING DISORDERS PRESENTATION AND WORKSHOP

(open to the public – no registration necessary)

We have added an extended 4-hour Feeding Disorders presentation and

workshop on Thursday, May 22 presented by Katharine A. Gutshall, MA,

BCBA of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD)

Specialized Outpatient Services in Tarzana, CA. The title of this

special session is: 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, including total food refusal,

selectivity by type (e.g. carbohydrates only), and selectivity by

texture, and presentation specificity. It is estimated that up to

80% of children with developmental disabilities display feeding

problems. Feeding problems seen can range from minor inconveniences

(such as always having to use the same utensils) to large

complications (such as full blown tantrums during meals or bottle

dependency) to medical problems (such as the need for enteral feeding

via G-tube). Families with children with feeding disorders often

find themselves isolated from friends and family, as they refrain

from trying to feed their children in the community. Although the

exact etiology of pediatric feeding disorders is unknown, there are

several theories as to their origins. Development of the disorder

can be attributed to medical complications or behavioral

considerations (i.e. inappropriate consequences provided for mealtime

behavior). 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.

Katharine A. Gutshall, MA, BCBA

Ms. Gutshall is a Supervisor at CARD Specialized Outpatient Services

in Tarzana, CA. Her interests include bringing the best research

practices within ABA to the outpatient setting. Her current clientele

include children with and without developmental disorders who present

with challenging behaviors, including feeding disorders, aggression,

and cooperation with medical procedures. Kate has presented at

numerous national conferences and has been published in the field of

Applied Behavior Analysis.

Best,

Teri Arranga

Director

Autism One

www.autismone.org