ABSTRACT
The field of behavior analysis is uniquely suited to address the specific challenges and barriers faced by families who are economically disadvantaged. Economic disadvantage has been shown to be correlated with academic achievement, mental and physical health, in-home stability, and overall quality of life. In this chapter, economic disadvantage refers to families who meet the federal guideline for being low-income, poor, or in poverty. This chapter will describe how economic disadvantage impacts families and children across health, education, and employment metrics. It will also describe barriers within and outside the field that prevent the dissemination and broad application of behavior analytic practices. Recommendations for behavior analytic practice with families and communities who are economically disadvantaged are provided.
