The Narrow Empirical Lens of Early Autism Research and Its Impact on Special Education Practices

• In Event: Interventions and Instructional Practices in Special and Inclusive Education

Abstract

Given concerns of disparities in autism services for minoritized children, and their missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis, a systemic review was conducted for peer-reviewed publications over the first 70 years of research on autism. Using PRISMA guidelines, publications identified from PubMED, PsychINFO, and ERIC were retrieved. Non-empirical publications were categorized as theoretical, review, or opinion pieces, whereas empirical research included qualitative case studies and quantitative methods. Participant sampling for empirical reports were compiled, showing heavy reliance on White male participants from affluent families. Only 2% of participants across studies were identified as Black, no Latinos, and 16% international Japanese sampling. The invisibility of Black and Latino children in these early studies has implications for current disparities in diagnosis and treatment.

Authors

• Gesean L. Woods, University of California - Berkeley

• Isabella C. Brown, University of California - Berkeley

• Michelle V. Porche, University of California - San Francisco