Behavioral interventions for feeding difficulties and stereotypic behaviors in adults with developmental disabilities

Stereotypi in Motor-, Vocal- and Feeding Behaviors: Novel Extensions to Adults

Not applicable Interventional Oslo University Hospital · NCT06920615

This study tests whether special techniques can help adults with developmental disabilities and autism eat better and reduce challenging behaviors to improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment8 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOslo University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Oslo, Oslo)
Trial IDNCT06920615 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of behavioral interventions aimed at addressing feeding difficulties and harmful stereotypic behaviors in adults with developmental disabilities and autism. It involves a series of interventions designed to enhance functional skills and promote independence while mitigating challenging behaviors. The approach includes techniques such as fading and chaining combined with differential reinforcement, which have shown promise in previous studies. The goal is to improve the quality of life for participants by reducing problematic behaviors that hinder their community involvement and overall well-being.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with developmental disabilities or autism spectrum disorder who are referred to specialist habilitation services.

Not a fit: Patients with medical causes for their behavioral problems or those receiving inadequate communal care services may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the quality of life for adults with developmental disabilities by reducing feeding difficulties and harmful behaviors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown some success with behavioral interventions for similar issues in children, but there is limited evidence for adults, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants will be recruited through referrals at the Department of Neurohabilitation, or from other hospitals in the Oslo Region.
* be 18 years or older,
* have a DD, autism spectrum disorder or a PDD-NOS diagnosis
* and be referred to the specialist habilitation service for adults.

Exclusion Criteria:

* If there are medical causes of the participant's behavioral problem or
* a reasonable possibility that the referred problem is caused by medical variables
* if the client participant receives communal care services and if those are not in accordance with Norwegian standards of services for individuals with DD.
* This could include inappropriate staff-to-client ratio,
* lack of stimulating activities,
* or if on-site training is insufficient.
* the exclusion criteria do not exclude health care from The Oslo University Hospital.

Where this trial is running

Oslo, Oslo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Harmful StereotypiesFeeding DifficultiesFeeding difficulties, stereotypic behavior, challenging behavior, autism, developmental disabilities
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.