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Reducing Rapid Eating In Adults With An Intellectual Disability
by Francia Echeverria March 2011
Master or Arts
Department of Child and Family Studies
College of Behavioral and Community Sciences
University of South Florida
Abstract
Rapid eating is a frequent problem among individuals with developmental disabilities that can pose a threat to health. The following study sought to reduce the rate of eating behaviors in two adults diagnosed with moderate intellectual disability.
Assessment of eating rate took place in the participants’ group homes during lunch or dinner meals. Procedures included the use of vibrating pagers with and without verbal prompts to prompt eating and prevent rapid eating behaviors. Results demonstrate a clear reduction in rate of eating when using vibrating pagers and verbal prompts for both participants.