Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40100561›Full record

ArticleJournal of autism and developmental disorders2026

Family Navigation for Children with Autism: A Scoping Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Evidence.

Ingrid Y Lin, Anna C Morgan, Christopher D Stave, Heidi M Feldman, Lynne C Huffman

Abstract readScoping Review
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Ingrid Y LinDivision of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Stanford University, 3145 Porter Dr., Wing B, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA. ingridyl@stanford.edu.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0876-5203
Anna C MorganDivision of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Stanford University, 3145 Porter Dr., Wing B, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
Christopher D StaveLane Medical Library, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8232-3994
Heidi M FeldmanDivision of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Stanford University, 3145 Porter Dr., Wing B, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4435-0913
Lynne C HuffmanDivision of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Stanford University, 3145 Porter Dr., Wing B, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1240-7118

Funding

Maternal and Child Health Bureau T77MC09796
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

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.

Indexed as

Autistic DisorderFamilyChildEvidence GapsFamily SupportHumansAutismCare coordinationCase managementFamily navigationFamily supportSystem navigation

Identifiers

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.