家庭本位之正向行為支持方案對自閉症幼童拒食行為之介入成效

A Family-centered Positive Behavior Support Approach to Intervene Food Refusal Behavior for a Child with Autism

研究上指出，自閉症幼兒經常在用餐時出現拒食或偏食行為。本研究旨在評估，藉由家庭為本位的正向行為支持以改善自閉症幼童拒食行為之成效。使用功能性評量的結果，研究人員與家長共同合作、評估、設計、以及執行居家介入方案。根據個案家庭需求，本研究選擇晚餐時間為研究情境，並採以單一受試法之實驗設計探究四個依變項之改變成效。研究結果顯示，幼童嘗試不喜愛食物的比例增高，用餐時間的行為問題也明顯降低。社會效度、家庭品質量表、以及家庭關係量表均顯示正向結果。

Empirical research revealed that positive behavior support technique can promote meaningful lifestyle changes across a wide spectrum of persons with disabilities and settings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a family-centered positive behavior support approach in the treatment of extreme food refusal behavior in a child with autism spectrum disorders. This single subject study used multiple measurement procedures to monitor the dependent variables and to document implementation of independent variable (i.e., intervention procedure). The researcher served as the primary interventionist throughout the study and collaborated with the family on intervention development and implementation activities. The dinner routine was selected for assessment and intervention. Four dependent variables were measured, and observation data were gathered across baseline, intervention, maintenance, and follow-up phases. The results showed improvement in aberrant behaviors, the increase of acceptance of bite consumption, and successful participation in targeted meal routine from baseline to intervention phases. Further evidence of efficacy of this support approach was found in the modest improvement in social validity, family quality of life, and parental stress. The findings of this investigation indicated that the ecological behavior intervention provided through parent-professional collaboration was acceptable and affective. Moreover, family-professional collaboration provides appropriate frameworks for planning, designing, and implementing positive behavioral support intervention, and for documenting its impact, specifically in the context of early intervention.