Family Navigation for Children with Autism: A Scoping Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Evidence.
Family navigation (FN) has emerged as a promising intervention for reducing barriers and addressing social and economic inequities in autism service delivery. Little is known regarding the implementation and effectiveness of FN for children with autism. The aims of this scoping review are to: (1) su...
| Published in: | Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders Vol. 56; no. 8; pp. 3032 - 3055 |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
| Format: | research systematic review tables/charts Journal Article |
| Published: |
Springer Nature
Aug2026
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| Online Access: | View this record in EBSCOhost |
| fields | @attributes: recordID: 1 pdfLink: plink: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=195542291&site=ehost-live header: @attributes: shortDbName: ccm uiTerm: 195542291 longDbName: CINAHL Complete uiTag: AN controlInfo: bkinfo: dissinfo: jinfo: jid: 01623257 AUT jtl: Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders issn: 01623257 maglogo: N pubinfo: dt: Aug2026 vid: 56 iid: 8 pid: 237 pub: Springer Nature place: New York, New York artinfo: ui: 195542291 183784674 195542291 195542291 10.1007/s10803-025-06798-9 195542291 ppf: 3032 ppct: 23 formats: fmt: – @attributes: type: T – @attributes: type: P tig: atl: Family Navigation for Children with Autism: A Scoping Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Evidence. aug: au: Lin, Ingrid Y. Morgan, Anna C. Stave, Christopher D. Feldman, Heidi M. Huffman, Lynne C. affil: https://ror.org/00f54p054 Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Stanford University, 3145 Porter Dr., Wing B, 94304, Palo Alto, CA, USA sug: subj: Autism Spectrum Disorder In Infancy and Childhood Patient Navigation Evaluation Family Role Evaluation Socioeconomic Factors Health Inequities Health Care Delivery Funding Source Human Scoping Review Descriptive Statistics Child PubMed Embase CINAHL Database Health Knowledge Health Resource Utilization Health Services Accessibility Child Development Family Support Checklists Child: 6-12 years ab: Family navigation (FN) has emerged as a promising intervention for reducing barriers and addressing social and economic inequities in autism service delivery. Little is known regarding the implementation and effectiveness of FN for children with autism. The aims of this scoping review are to: (1) summarize the breadth, quantity, and characteristics of the existing literature on FN for children diagnosed with autism; (2) describe the models and outcomes of FN for this population; and (3) identify knowledge gaps and provide directions for future research. Authors used Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework for scoping reviews. Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Social Services Abstracts, and Web of Science, resulting in identification of 308 papers. Two independent raters completed title/abstract and full-text screenings. Data was extracted using a researcher-developed tool. Results synthesis involved content and construct analysis and descriptive numerical summaries. 17 publications met inclusion criteria. Among these, seven studies evaluated FN models delivered by professional or peer navigators. Three studies investigated FN tools. The remaining seven papers included five qualitative and two mixed methods studies that provided valuable insights on improving FN programs. Overall, studies on FN models reported positive impacts on family activation and well-being, knowledge, and service access and utilization. None addressed improvements in child developmental status or behavioral profiles. FN is a promising intervention for improving family outcomes and increasing service access and utilization. Further research is needed to establish best practices, identify child- and family-centered outcome metrics, and promote scalability and sustainability. pubtype: Academic Journal doctype: research systematic review tables/charts Journal Article ougenre: Article language: English refInfo: holdings: @attributes: islocal: N |
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