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SOS OPC ARFIDSOS Feeding Approach and Occupational Performance Coaching for Children with ARFID

Study Aim

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the SOS Feeding Approach and Occupational Performance Coaching in improving feeding behaviors and sensory processing abilities in children with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

What is being tested

Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding Approach

+ SOS + Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC)

Behavioral

Who is being recruted

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder+3

+ Feeding and Eating Disorders

+ Mental Disorders

From 3 to 8 Years

+17 Eligibility Criteria

See all eligibility criteria

How is the trial designed

Supportive Care Study

Interventional

Study Start: January 2026

See protocol details

Summary

Principal SponsorHacettepe University

Study ContactEzginur Gündoğmuş, MScMore contacts

Last updated: February 5, 2026

Sourced from a government-validated database.Claim as a partner

Study start date: January 15, 2026

Actual date on which the first participant was enrolled.

This study focuses on Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a serious condition related to feeding behavior. ARFID is characterized by significant weight loss, marked nutritional deficiencies, dependence on feeding tubes or supplements, and impaired psychosocial functioning. It affects approximately 3.2% of the general pediatric population and is often associated with comorbid psychiatric and/or medical conditions. This study seeks to address the lack of sensory- and behaviorally-oriented feeding interventions for ARFID by evaluating the effects of the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding Approach and Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) on feeding problems and behaviors of children with ARFID, as well as on parental feeding attitudes and mealtime behaviors. The Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding Approach is a structured intervention that supports sensory-motor skills related to feeding and aims to develop a positive relationship with food. By gradually increasing interaction with food, the SOS approach aims to reduce sensory sensitivities and improve feeding behaviors. Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) is a structured, problem-solving, guidance, and empowerment-based approach designed to help parents support their children's daily life performance. This randomized controlled single-blind study will measure the effects of these interventions using the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Scale, Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), Sensory Eating Problems Scale, and Sensory Profile. The study aims to make an original contribution to the development of applicable and effective intervention models for children and families dealing with ARFID.

Official TitleEffects of the Sequential Oral Sensory Feeding Approach and Occupational Performance Coaching in Children With Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): A Randomized Controlled Trial

NCT07385469

Principal SponsorHacettepe University

Study ContactEzginur Gündoğmuş, MScMore contacts

Last updated: February 5, 2026

Sourced from a government-validated database.Claim as a partner

Protocol

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

Design Details

45 patients to be enrolled

Total number of participants that the clinical trial aims to recruit.

Supportive Care Study

These studies explore ways to improve comfort and daily life for people living with a condition. They may focus on easing symptoms, reducing treatment side effects, or supporting overall well-being.

Eligibility

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria: person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Conditions

Criteria

Any sex

Biological sex of participants that are eligible to enroll.

From 3 to 8 Years

Range of ages for which participants are eligible to join.

Healthy volunteers not allowed

If individuals who are healthy and do not have the condition being studied can participate.

Conditions

Pathology

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake DisorderFeeding and Eating DisordersMental DisordersSigns and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms, DigestivePathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Criteria

9 inclusion criteria required to participate

Being medically stable for outpatient treatment.

Having no conditions (visual, auditory, cognitive, or chewing) that would prevent participation in treatment.

Being the child's primary caregiver and living with the mother.

Having at least a primary school diploma and possessing Turkish reading and comprehension proficiency.

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8 exclusion criteria prevent from participating

Significant family or environmental constraints that would prevent regular attendance

Severe hearing, vision, or cognitive impairment

Child concurrent participation in another intervention program (dietician, psychotherapy, group education, etc.) related to feeding behaviors

Presence of a chronic health condition (e.g., neurological, psychiatric, orthopedic, oncological, etc.) that would prevent regular attendance at the intervention

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Study Plan

Find out more about all the medication administered in this study, their detailed description and what they involve.

Treatment Groups

Study Objectives

2 intervention groups are designated in this study

This study does not include a placebo group

Treatment Groups

Group I

Active Comparator

Children in the first group will receive the intervention once a week for 60 minutes over a period of 12 weeks. The SOS approach is used as a structured intervention that supports sensory-motor skills related to feeding and aims to help the child develop a positive relationship with food. By gradually increasing interaction with food, the SOS approach aims to reduce sensory sensitivities and improve feeding behaviors. The intervention is structured to increase the child's tolerance to food through the following sequence: Visual Tolerance The child only looks at the food without physical contact. The food remains on the table, maintaining distance from the child. Phrases such as "we can just look at this" or "we can recognize it with our eyes" are used. Bringing Food Closer / Smelling The food is brought into the child's personal space. To build tolerance to smell, the food is held close to the nose. This stage is particularly important for children with olfactory sensitivities

Group II

Active Comparator

Children in the second group will receive the SOS approach combined with the Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) program. After completing the 60-minute SOS session, 30-minute OPC sessions will also be delivered once a week for 12 weeks on an individual basis. OPC enables parents to set goals, develop strategies, and evaluate progress aimed at improving their child's daily life performance. Sessions are conducted in a semi-structured interview format with the therapist. Focus areas include: establishing feeding routines, parent-child interaction, home-based implementation strategies, and parental self-efficacy. OPC is a family-centered, occupation-based, coaching approach implemented by occupational therapists in collaboration with families to enhance children's participation in daily life. The aim is to guide parents in making environmental adjustments that support their children's functional goals and to empower them to generate their own solutions. Phases of OPC: Goal Set

Study Objectives

Primary Objectives

Secondary Objectives

Study Centers

These are the hospitals, clinics, or research facilities where the trial is being conducted. You can find the location closest to you and its status.

This study has 1 location

Suspended

Hacettepe University, Department of Occupational Therapy, Pediatric Unit

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)Open Hacettepe University, Department of Occupational Therapy, Pediatric Unit in Google Maps

Recruiting soonOne Study Center