Reexamining Reciprocity in Autism: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Social reciprocity is a critical diagnostic and instructional component in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, its definition has been inconsistent across disciplines, and cultural differences in how reciprocal interactions are exhibited and perceived further complicate this construct. In this systematic review, we examined how researchers in ASD studies have measured social reciprocity and assessed its current understanding in the field. We found that while certain measures shared common elements, the overall inconsistency reveals varied interpretations of reciprocity. Additionally, cultural considerations, though present in some studies, were not specific to social reciprocity. We recommend engaging scholars and stakeholders to understand their perspectives to help define the construct and incorporate cultural considerations to develop culturally sensitive measures for diverse populations.