Validity Of The Environment, Attitudes, Temperament, And Sensory Feeding Assessment For Effectively Addressing Sensory-Based Feeding

Feeding is a complex, learned occupation for which children may receive rehabilitative services. This research outlines the third phase of research, which sought to determine the discriminant validity of the Environment, Attitudes, Temperament, and Sensory (EATS) Feeding Assessment. The current study aimed to answer the question, “Do EATS Feeding Assessment scores significantly differ between children with and without feeding difficulties?” This quantitative study consisted of a caregiver survey that was initiated after receiving approval from the institutional review board. Convenience sampling through social media flyers recruited parents and caregivers of children who were typically and atypically developing. The revised EATS Feeding Assessment (third version) questions were entered into an anonymous online survey. The assessment was submitted to parents and caregivers of children with and without feeding difficulties between the ages of 24 months to 10 years 11 months. Data from the EATS assessment illustrated the ability of the assessment to differentiate those with and without feeding difficulties. After statistical analysis, the findings were significant, and the EATS Feeding Assessment was determined to have discriminant validity. The assessment should now undergo testing to determine if the EATS Feeding Assessment is appropriate as an outcome measure.