On Terms: Is There a Problem With "Problem Behavior"? A Bibliometric Prevalence Analysis.
Autism behavior studies have ditched 'problem behavior' for varied softer labels, so align your own reports with the new norm.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Thom et al. (2026) counted every label used for behaviors we try to reduce in autism single-case studies. They scanned papers from 1990 through 2024 and recorded which words authors picked.
The team wanted to see if the old phrase 'problem behavior' is still common or if newer terms like 'challenging behavior' have taken over.
What they found
By 2024 the field had split into many labels. 'Problem behavior' dropped hard while 'challenging behavior' rose fast. Other phrases like 'interfering' or 'maladaptive' also appeared more often.
The trend shows researchers are moving away from the word 'problem' and choosing softer or more specific words.
How this fits with other research
Kleinert et al. (2007) watched the same shift happen when 'mental retardation' turned into 'intellectual disability.' That change cut stigma without changing the diagnosis. The new study shows the same language update now hitting behavior labels.
Evenhuis (1996) used 'severe problem behavior' throughout a long clinical review. That paper proves the old label was once standard. The 2026 data reveal the field has stepped past that wording.
King et al. (2020) found most behavior-analytic reviews still use loose narrative methods. P et al. answer that gap by giving a clean, countable map of what words we actually use.
Why it matters
Your reports, graphs, and parent handouts may still say 'problem behavior.' The data say that term is fading. Pick one clear label and stick with it so teams, families, and future meta-analysts know what you mean. A fast win: search your last five reports and swap any mixed labels for the term your agency prefers.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
PURPOSE: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSION: 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.
Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2026 · doi:10.1002/mrdd.10029