Chewing gum as a treatment for rumination in a child with autism.
Rumination involves regurgitation of previously ingested food, rechewing the food, and reswallowing it. In the current study, a child with autism displayed chronic rumination, resulting in the decay and subsequent removal of several teeth. After several treatments failed, including thickened liquids and starch satiation, the participant was taught to chew gum. His rumination decreased significantly when gum was made available. Results suggest that access to chewing gum may be an effective treatment for rumination in some individuals.
Rhine
Denise
D
Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Tarzana, California 91356, USA.
Tarbox
Jonathan
J
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002638:Chewing Gum; D002648:Child; D019959:Feeding and Eating Disorders of Childhood / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male
D002638:Chewing Gum