A Systematic Review and Reflection on the Dimensions of Diversity Represented in Behavior Analytic Research

AbstractThe US continues to transition toward a majority-minority composition and this trend has advanced most rapidly for school-aged children. Clinical work with diverse populations, and their families, calls for specialized skills and training experiences; however, these are not yet strongly reflected in most pre-service training programs in applied behavior analysis (ABA). A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the scope and range of the dimensions of diversity included in the behavior analytic literature (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality) as well as to compile recommendations for improving culturally responsive practices in ABA (PROSPERO Registration: CRD42020181227). The search yielded a total of 58 unique publications that featured one or more dimensions of diversity. These works were summarized in terms of the dimension(s) of diversity featured, the goal(s) of the research, the types of demographics reported, and the recommendations put forth for improving culturally responsive practices in ABA. A reflection on the current state of diversity research in the field is provided and discussed in the context of current and future recommendations for culturally responsive behavior analysis.
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - Category: Child Development Source Type: research