A systematic review of social-validity assessments in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis: 2010-2020.

We conducted a systematic review of studies published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis between 2010 and 2020 to identify reports of social validity. A total of 160 studies (17.60%) published during this time included a measure of social validity. For each study, we extracted data on (a) the dimensions of social validity, (b) the methods used for collecting social-validity data, (c) the respondents, and (d) when social-validity data were collected. Most social-validity assessments measured the acceptability of intervention procedures and outcomes, with fewer evaluating goals. The most common method for collecting social validity data was Likert-type rating scales, followed by non-Likert-type questionnaires. In most studies, the direct recipients of the intervention provided feedback on social validity. Social-validity assessment data were often collected at the conclusion of the study. We provide examples of social-validity measurement methods, discuss their strengths and limitations, and provide recommendations for improving the future collection and reporting of social-validity data.

Parent Teleconsultation to Increase Bites Consumed: A Demonstration Across Foods for a Child With ARFID and ASD.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience feeding dysfunction at a substantially higher proportion than their neurotypical peers. Feeding concerns can provide considerable challenges for parents, and as such, helping parents of children with ASD provide effective mealtime interventions for interfering behavior is critical, especially if parents have individual circumstances that affect their ability to effectively implement these feeding interventions. This study contributes to the parent-implemented feeding-intervention literature by demonstrating that a parent with ASD can implement a pediatric feeding intervention in the home with their child with ASD, despite contributing mental health factors. To address family needs, we developed a socially valid and individualized intervention, which we delivered over telehealth. The intervention resulted in an increase in the consumption of previously nonpreferred foods, while the caregiver maintained adequate levels of procedural fidelity. Practical considerations and implications are discussed.

Treatment of Food Selectivity in a Child with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Through Parent Teleconsultation.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a diagnosis for those who display impaired and distressing eating behaviors and symptoms. Behavioral feeding strategies have been shown to be effective at improving food variety and decrease problematic mealtime behaviors in children and adolescents. This study examined the use of teleconsultation for the implementation of a behavioral feeding intervention to increase food variety with a child with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. A series of changing criterion designs across foods and food groups was used. Results show that there was an increase in the frequency of bites of nonpreferred foods consumed following successive increases in the criteria. High levels of acceptability of the intervention and technology process were also noted. Additionally, high levels of interobserver agreement, high levels of consultant procedural integrity, and high levels of parent treatment integrity were observed.

A comparison of problem identification interviews conducted face-to-face and via videoconferencing using the consultation analysis record.

School psychologists who experience challenges delivering face-to-face consultation may utilize videoconferencing to facilitate their consultation activities. Videoconferencing has been found to be an effective method of service delivery in related fields and emerging research suggests that it may be effective for providing teacher training and support in school settings. In this exploratory investigation, we used the Consultation Analysis Record (Bergan & Tombari, 1975) and its four indices to assess the effectiveness of conducting problem identification interviews via videoconferencing versus face-to-face. Overall, findings indicated significant differences across these two conditions, with videoconference interviews coded as having higher indices of content relevance, process effectiveness, and message control, but lower content focus, compared to face-to-face interviews. As these indices have been positively associated with favorable consultation outcomes, the results provide initial support for the effectiveness of consultation delivered via videoconferencing.