Cutoff scores, norms and patterns of feeding problems for the Screening Tool of fEeding Problems (STEP) for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Use the STEP with the new adult-ID norms to quickly flag feeding problems that warrant further assessment or referral.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Matson et al. (2008) built the first adult norms for the STEP feeding screener.
They tested adults with intellectual disability living in group homes and day centers.
The team set cutoff scores so staff can quickly spot who needs a full feeding evaluation.
What they found
The study gave BCBAs clear numbers to trust.
A short checklist now tells you if an adult’s feeding issue is mild, moderate, or severe.
How this fits with other research
Gal et al. (2011) extended the same tool to children. They showed feeding problems are almost universal in kids with IDD and get worse as cognitive level drops.
Firth et al. (2001) had already mapped picky eating in autistic children but had no norms. The 2008 adult norms fill that gap for the older age group.
Hove (2004) and Hsieh et al. (2014) found high obesity and underweight in adults with ID. STEP can now flag the feeding behaviors driving those weight extremes.
Why it matters
You now have a 5-minute screen that is normed for adults with ID. Use it during intake, annual reviews, or when weight shifts. Any score above the cutoff earns a referral to a feeding specialist, dietitian, or physician. Quick data, quicker help.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Independent living is a goal for everyone, but often persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) have major challenges in this respect. In fact, deficits in daily living skills are a hallmark of the condition. One of the most serious and potentially problematic of the independent living skills is difficulties or irregularities in eating. These problems can not only effect independence but they can result in more restrictive living conditions, poor nutrition, choking, aspiration, or even death. Given the serious nature of the disorder, it points to the need for adequate screening and diagnosis of such problems. The present study reports on the STEP and the development of cutoff scores and norms for the scale. Possible applications of these data for real world problems of person with ID are discussed.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2008 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2007.06.001