Application of operant demand in autism and developmental disabilities: An updated review (2017–2025)

Operant demand within behavioral economics provides a quantitative framework for evaluating reinforcer efficacy in applied research involving individuals with autism and those with related developmental disabilities. This systematic review extended the work of Gilroy, Kaplan, and Leader (2018) by examining applied operant demand research published between March 2017 and December 2025. Following PRISMA guidelines, 30 articles (31 experiments; 307 participants) were identified and coded for procedural features and methods, including operant arrangements, demand and work output analyses, open and closed economies, and unit price applications. Results indicated increased use of demand and work output analyses and unit price applications. However, open and closed economies remained rarely evaluated and substantial variability was observed in procedural methods used to manipulate price. Findings indicate growing use of operant demand analyses for treatment durability and schedule thinning but continued underuse for generalization variables.