Lin Ingrid Y, Morgan Anna C, Stave Christopher D, Feldman Heidi M, Huffman Lynne C
Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Stanford University, 3145 Porter Dr., Wing B, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
Lane Medical Library, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
J Autism Dev Disord. 2025 Mar 18. doi: 10.1007/s10803-025-06798-9.
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.
家庭导航（FN）已成为一种有前景的干预措施，可减少自闭症服务提供中的障碍并解决社会和经济不平等问题。关于FN对自闭症儿童的实施情况和有效性，人们所知甚少。本范围综述的目的是：（1）总结现有关于自闭症诊断儿童FN的文献的广度、数量和特征；（2）描述该人群FN的模式和结果；（3）识别知识空白并为未来研究提供方向。作者使用了Arksey和O'Malley的范围综述方法框架。在PubMed、CINAHL、Embase、社会服务摘要和科学网进行了检索，共识别出308篇论文。两名独立评估者完成了标题/摘要和全文筛选。使用研究人员开发的工具提取数据。结果综合包括内容和结构分析以及描述性数值总结。17篇出版物符合纳入标准。其中，七项研究评估了由专业或同伴导航员提供的FN模式。三项研究调查了FN工具。其余七篇论文包括五项定性研究和两项混合方法研究，这些研究为改进FN项目提供了有价值的见解。总体而言，关于FN模式的研究报告了对家庭激活、幸福感、知识以及服务获取和利用的积极影响。没有一项研究涉及儿童发育状况或行为特征的改善。FN是一种有前景的干预措施，可改善家庭结果并增加服务获取和利用。需要进一步研究以确立最佳实践，确定以儿童和家庭为中心的结果指标，并促进可扩展性和可持续性。
