Protocol: Realist Evaluation of Autism ServiCe Delivery (RE-ASCeD): which diagnostic pathways work best for whom and in what context? Protocol for a rapid realist review

摘要

The National Health Service (NHS) Long-Term Plan (2019) acknowledges that children and young people with suspected autism wait too long for diagnostic assessment and sets out to reduce waiting times. However, diagnostic pathways vary with limited evidence on what model works best, for whom and in what circumstances. The National Autism Plan for Children (2003) recommended that assessment should be completed within 13 weeks but referral to diagnosis can take as long as 799 days.