Date of Award
Spring 12-17-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
February 2026
Department
Exceptional Student Education
College Granting Degree
College of Education
Department Granting Degree
Special Education
Degree Name
Master of Education (MEd)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Jack Scott
Abstract
Reinforcers create opportunities to increase behaviors in applied behavioral analysis, with healthy and unhealthy foods offering high reinforcing value. The use of food raises ethical and health concerns, so researchers and behavior analysts often avoid food reinforcement altogether. Kronfli et al. (2024) indicate healthy food alternatives bring about similar rates of responding as snack foods, potentially reducing ethical and health concerns. This research presents the question: To what degree are food reinforcers used in behavioral interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder? This review analyzes behavioral research articles containing the words “food,” “edible,” “autism,” and “children” in the context of behavioral intervention. The researcher used this evidence to formulate an online survey that measures the use of food reinforcement among behavioral interventionists and their perception of food reinforcement efficacy. Those responses provide the basis for guidelines and policy recommendations for the use of food in interventions for children with autism.
Recommended Citation
Rogers, Christopher, "BEHAVIOR ANALYTIC FOOD REINFORCEMENT USE AND GUIDELINES IN INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 338.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/338