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Multilingual Diversity in the Field of Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism: A Brief Review and Discussion of Future Directions

  • Special Section: Diversity and Inclusion
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Abstract

This review addresses multilingual diversity within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as it relates to treatment for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The United States was founded as a diverse, multicultural “melting pot” and migration patterns continue to increase cultural and linguistic diversity, making it increasingly important to address these issues within the field of ABA. The role of multilingualism in ABA treatment for autism has scarcely been addressed in practice or in research and yet these factors likely impact the ABA treatment process significantly. The purpose of this review is to discuss how multilingualism might be better addressed within the field of ABA. We briefly review the very small amount of existing research on multilingual approaches when using ABA and discuss directions for future research. In addition, we discuss potential future directions for the field, in terms of increasing the number of international students in graduate programs, enhancing diversity curricula within graduate programs and continuing education, and efforts by professional organizations to address diversity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Southern California and Autism Partnership Foundation Academy, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Yiyi Wang

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Southern California and FirstSteps for Kids, SGM 501, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA

    Sora Kang & Jonathan Tarbox

  3. University of Southern California and Positive Behavior Supports Corporation, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Jacqueline Ramirez

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  1. Yiyi Wang
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  2. Sora Kang
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  3. Jacqueline Ramirez
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  4. Jonathan Tarbox
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Correspondence to Jonathan Tarbox.

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Wang, Y., Kang, S., Ramirez, J. et al. Multilingual Diversity in the Field of Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism: A Brief Review and Discussion of Future Directions. Behav Analysis Practice 12, 795–804 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-019-00382-1

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