An Evaluation of Contingent Gum Chewing on Rumination Exhibited by an Adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Cooper et al. (2023) worked with one autistic teen who brought food back up on purpose. They gave sugar-free gum in two ways: free all day or only after ruminant-free minutes. They tracked which schedule cut regurgitation more.

Both gum plans helped, but the teen rummaged least when gum came only after clean intervals. Contingent gum pushed rumination close to zero.

DeRosa et al. (2016) saw a 96 % drop when they paired free snacks with a mild face-cover punisher. Cooper kept things positive and still hit near-zero, showing gum alone can work without punishment.

Harkins et al. (2023) reviewed many chewing studies and said we still need to know which parts matter. Cooper’s single-case now joins that list and points to the delivery rule, not just the chew item.

Silverman et al. (1994) used a full feeding package for a similar teen. Their bundle worked, but Cooper proves a tiny, tasty reinforcer on a simple schedule can do the same job with less fuss.

If you run a classroom or clinic, keep sugar-free gum in your desk. Offer a piece only after the student keeps food down for a set time. Start with one minute, then stretch it out. You may see the same near-zero rumination without extra punishers, special diets, or long team meetings. One teen is not everyone, but the low-cost test is worth a try.