Race and Ethnicity Reporting in Occupational Therapy Research Among Autistic Youth.

Journal: OTJR : Occupation, Participation And Health
Published:
Abstract

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 <18 years (2013-2021).Two team members reached >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.

Authors
Lauren Little, Anna Avery, Scott Tomchek, Alissa Baker, Anna Wallisch, Evan Dean
Relevant Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder