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Naturalistic Inquiry and Treatment of Coprophagia in One Individual

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Abstract

Coprophagia refers to the deliberate ingestion of one's fecal matter. This brief report details the naturalistic inquiry, assessment, and treatment of coprophagia in an adult with developmental disabilities and autism. An assessment was completed which identified self-stimulation as the function of the behavior. The intervention consisted of providing highly spiced, flavorful foods with meals and snacks for the person. Frequency of coprophagia decreased, but by a variable amount, for the first 6 months following initiation of the intervention, and then reduced to zero instances for a period of 26 months.

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Correspondence to Daniel J. Baker.

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Baker, D.J., Valenzuela, S. & Wieseler, N.A. Naturalistic Inquiry and Treatment of Coprophagia in One Individual. J Dev Phys Disabil 17, 361–367 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-005-6619-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-005-6619-2

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