title: Translational evaluation of a lag schedule and variability in food consumed by a boy with autism and food selectivity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of a lag schedule of positive reinforcement on variability in food consumed by a boy with autism and food selectivity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using single-subject experimental design methodology, an ABAB design was employed. During lag 0 (condition A), high-preferred toys were delivered contingent on consumption of any food. During lag 1 (condition B), high-preferred toys were delivered contingent on consumption of different foods within session.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Higher levels of variability in within-session consumption were observed during lag 1 conditions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The lag 1 schedule of reinforcement increased variability in food consumed. This finding adds to the literature by demonstrating a novel experimental arrangement that may be used in applied studies to evaluate the clinical utility of differentially reinforcing variability in the treatment of food selectivity associated with autism.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Special Education , University of Texas , Austin , TX , USA.
authors.forename: Bryant C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Silbaugh
authors.affiliation: a Department of Special Education , University of Texas , Austin , TX , USA.
authors.forename: Terry S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Falcomata
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005518:Food Preferences; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule
keywords: Autism; food selectivity; lag schedules; translational; variability