A scoping review of community engagement and implementation outcomes for approaches to adapt mental and behavioral health evidence-based practices (EBPs) for autistic youth

Mental and behavioral health evidence-based practices (EBPs) for autistic youth are commonly adapted for use in community-based settings and, more increasingly, with community-engaged research methods (Stahmer et al., 2005). However, it is unknown which adaptation method, including what level of community engagement, may be most effective and feasible for (1) enhancing the fit of mental and behavioral health EBPs with autistic client needs in a community service context and, (2) improving implementation and intervention outcomes (Dickson et al., 2021). Using the Model for Adaptation Design and Impact (MADI; Kirk et al., 2020) and the Continuum of Community Engagement in Research (Key et al., 2019), this scoping review aimed to fill this research gap by assessing approaches to adapt mental and behavioral health EBPs for autistic youth served in community-based settings from existing literature. Data sources included PsycInfo, PubMed, and Web of Science. Article eligibility criteria included (a) reported in English, (b) describes EBP adaptation, (c) includes children with autism spectrum diagnoses and/or their caregivers, and (d) considers community-based mental and behavioral health settings. Following PRISMA-ScR and JBI guidelines, an initial literature search (n = 349) was followed by title and abstract screening (n = 230), full text review (n = 121), and data charting and analysis (n = 37). Frequencies were obtained for MADI and the Continuum of Community Engagement in Research domains reported and assessed across studies. Qualitative content analysis also was used to yield more nuanced descriptions of each adaptation approach and related context, feasibility, and empirical support (Graneheim & Lundman, 2004). Context surrounding adaptation, common factors for feasible and effective adaptation methods, and two effective and feasible exemplar methods to were identified. Overall, this scoping review contributes to science found at the intersection of autism research, implementation science, and community-engaged research. Further, it has the potential to inform and improve efforts to adapt and implement EBPs in community-based settings and consequently improve wellbeing among autistic youth and their families.