Leslie Neely

Language shapes scientific interpretation, clinical decision-making, and public understanding of autism. Although much attention has focused on identity-first versus person-first terminology, little is known about how researchers describe behaviors targeted for reduction (e.g., aggression, self-injury). We examined how the terminology used to label such behaviors in autism intervention single-case research has changed over the past three decades, quantifying shifts across journals and years to evaluate the extent to which the field has moved away from consistent, standardized terminology. A bibliometric prevalence analysis was conducted across six journals with a history of publishing single-case experimental design (SCED) research related to autism or problem behavior. All articles published in 1994, 2004, 2014, and 2024 were reviewed (n = 2326). Articles were included if they measured a behavior targeted for reduction using an SCED and used one of 12 predetermined behavior-related terms. Interrater agreement was 100%. Frequency data were analyzed descriptively and using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Across 189 included articles, terminology diversity increased by 22% from 1994 to 2024. Use of problem behavior declined sharply in 2024, while challenging behavior increased markedly. Disruptive behavior and target behavior remained stable. Significant differences were observed across both year (H = 38.07, p < .001) and journal (H = 14.42, p = .0132). Behavior-related terminology in autism research has become increasingly heterogeneous, with a notable shift away from the term problem behavior. These changes likely reflect evolving editorial practices and sociocultural influences rather than empirical evidence. Greater transparency, consistency, and stakeholder input are needed to ensure that language choices advance, rather than obscure, scientific and clinical communication.

Conducting a functional analysis (FA) is considered the gold standard for assessing the function of disruptive behavior and informing function-based treatment plans for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. However, data collected during FAs are subject to human error. Accelerometers are wearable sensors that capture an individual’s movement and can be used to identify behavioral events. The purpose of this study was to pilot the use of accelerometers to identify the occurrence of self-injurious behavior events during a FA. Three participants with autism, who engaged in self-hitting behaviors, participated in this study. Researchers conducted a FA with the participants while they wore small accelerometer devices. Observational data were collected using (1) live observation (“clinical-grade”), (2) from frame-by-frame video analysis (“research-grade”), and (3) via accelerometers. Researchers calculated interobserver agreement across data sets. Discussion of results and recommendations for practice and future research are included.

Recent surveillance data indicate an estimated 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). More males than females are diagnosed with ASD and children of color are less likely to be identified with ASD than White children. Given the rising prevalence estimates and persistent gender and racial/ethnic differences in diagnostic rates, it is time that we seek to better understand ASD as it relates to culture, care, and lived experience from the perspective of those we serve. Utilizing qualitative methods, the current research study sought to understand the lived experiences of three autistic women and three women caregivers of autistic children as it relates to the identification, diagnostic, and service delivery processes. In‐depth focus group research revealed five major themes ranging from feelings associated with the diagnosis, dissatisfaction with services, the perspective of culture within autism and the family, and how culture should be considered by service providers in treatment planning and implementation. These results are discussed in the context of future research, and implications for autism service providers are provided.