About this course

Taste is more than just preference—and “picky eating” may be more complex than it appears. In this CEU podcast episode, we explore the gustatory sensory system and its relevance to behavior-analytic practice. We’ll examine how taste, sensory sensitivity, learning history, reinforcement, and conditioned aversions can influence food selectivity and mealtime behavior, particularly for autistic individuals. Through an ABA lens, we’ll discuss behavioral assessment and intervention strategies while highlighting assent, client autonomy, compassionate care, and interdisciplinary collaboration with occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, and medical professionals. Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of how BCBAs can address feeding-related concerns while staying within their scope of competence and creating safer, more meaningful experiences around food.