Home-Based Video Modeling on Food Selectivity of Children With an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of video modeling - in the home setting - on food selectivity of three children with an autism spectrum disorder. Using a multiple baseline experimental design, the researcher implemented an in home video modeling intervention during dinner for all three participants. Intervention consisted of a video modeling condition, a video modeling plus reinforcement condition, and follow-up probes conducted for five months after the departure of the researcher. The video modeling alone resulted in an increased acceptance of food by participants. When reinforcement was added to the video modeling, a higher level of food acceptance occurred for all three participants. The results suggest that video modeling was effective in increasing food acceptance, but food acceptance was higher for all three participants when reinforcement was added. Follow-up probes conducted for five months after the departure of the researcher suggest that the video modeling intervention was responsible for the increased food acceptance.