Using a Teleconsultation-Enhanced Treatment for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder in an Adolescent Male

Abstract

Abstract Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new diagnosis in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Considering the recency of ARFID’s recognition as a formal diagnosis, much is still unknown regarding ARFID treatment. This study evaluated teleconsultation as a means to enhance a home-based, parent-delivered behavior program to a 17-year-old Latino adolescent male with ARFID, autism spectrum disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder. Treatment included parent-delivered differential reinforcement and contingency management procedures, and consultant-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy. Results indicated increases in food consumption for all target foods. Treatment outcomes and practical recommendations are discussed for the remote delivery of home-based feeding programs.