Race and Ethnicity Reporting in Occupational Therapy Research Among Autistic Youth

• Published in: OTJR (Thorofare, N.J.) N.J.), 2024-07, Vol.44 (3), p.385-395
• Main Authors: Little, Lauren M., Avery, Anna, Tomchek, Scott, Baker, Alissa, Wallisch, Anna, Dean, Evan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1539-4492; 1938-2383; 1938-2383
• DOI: 10.1177/15394492231225199

Historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups are underrepresented in autism research broadly; however, patterns of inclusion in occupational therapy research are unknown. In this secondary data analysis, we examined race and ethnicity reporting across articles included in a systematic review of evidence related to occupational therapy practice with autistic individuals 90% interrater coding agreement in race and ethnicity reporting across articles in ADLs/IADLs, education/work, play, sleep, and social participation in clinics, homes/communities, and schools. Intervention outcomes of ADL/IADLs (66.7%) and play (66.7%) had low rates of reporting, while social participation in schools (100%) and education/work (100%) had higher rates of reporting. Sample diversity was greatest among research in schools and most limited in clinic-based settings. Systemic racism that limits individuals’ participation in occupational therapy research perpetuates racial and ethnic health inequities among autistic children and adolescents. Plain Language Summary Who is included in occupational therapy research among autistic youth? In research that guides occupational therapy practice with autistic youth, we need an understanding of the participants that were included in the research. Historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups are typically not included in the research, so we examined articles that informed occupational therapy practice for autistic youth. We found that different areas of intervention (e.g., play, education/work) had different rates of reporting. The most diverse samples were included in schools and were most limited in clinic-based settings. This is important because systemic racism can influence occupational therapy research and practice.