Treated persistent ruminative vomiting of a 15-year-old boy with autism using a multicomponent behavioral medicine program within a residential facility. Preceding intervention the boy had lost 15 pounds associated with high-rate ruminating. The treatment program included a combination of dietary, nutritional, and behavioral procedures that emphasized food restrictions, satiation, and setting condition manipulations. Ruminative vomiting was reduced to near-zero levels and weight gain was achieved following treatment implementation. These therapeutic gains were sustained during a maintenance programming phase and at 1- through 4-month follow-up assessments. Issues related to functional assessment and treatment formulation in behavioral medicine intervention for ruminative vomiting are discussed.
Thanks are extended to classroom and residence staff for their skilled participation in this project. The authors also express appreciation to Robert F. Littleton, Jr., Executive Director, Evergreen Center, Inc., for his continued support for, and contributions towards, applied research.