Establishing compliance with liquid medication administration in a child with autism.

A mom wanted her preschooler with autism to take liquid medicine. The child always spat it out.

Trainers taught the mom to start with a tiny syringe near the lips. She gave praise and small toys for calm lips.

Each day the syringe moved a little closer, then a drop on the tongue, then a full spoon. The mom kept the reinforcers coming.

The child began to swallow the medicine without spitting. Soon the mom could pour a spoonful and he drank it alone.

Sessions stayed short and happy. No force was needed after the fade was done.

Kozlowski et al. (2024) later used the same fade idea to move from finger feeding to a real spoon. Their two kids with autism also gained acceptance without tears.

Laugeson et al. (2014) copied the syringe-to-cup fade for a child who clamped his teeth. They added solid food and got the same good result.

Silbaugh et al. (2020) looks different at first glance. They kept the cup at the lips until the child drank, no fade at all. Both studies worked, but the 2020 boy already took tiny sips. Fading fits kids who reject even a drop.

If you have a client who gags, spits, or bolts from medicine, try starting with a syringe and tiny drops. Pair each step with a quick reinforcer. Fade volume and utensil size across days. Parents can run the whole plan at home once you script it for them.