BMJ open

2044-605511112021Nov22BMJ openBMJ OpenTrajectory research in children on the autism spectrum: a scoping review protocol.e053443e053443e05344310.1136/bmjopen-2021-053443Longitudinal trajectory methods, featuring outcome assessments at three or more time points, are increasingly being used as appropriate approaches to understand developmental pathways of people on the autism spectrum across the lifespan. Understanding the scope of this rapidly expanding body of research can help inform future trajectory studies and identify areas for potential meta-analysis as well as key evidence gaps. We present the protocol for a scoping review whose objective is to identify and summarise the scope of research that uses a longitudinal trajectory study design to examine development in children diagnosed with autism. Specifically, we will identify outcome domains and age intervals that have been well characterised, areas where further research is needed and the historical use of various longitudinal trajectory analytical approaches.We outline the methods for the proposed scoping review according to the framework outlined by Arksey and O'Malley, with subsequent clarifications and enhancements by other authors. Using a search strategy developed by a medical librarian, we will search six databases for relevant publications. Titles and abstracts will be screened in duplicate, followed by full-text screening. Data extraction fields developed predominantly a priori from a set of guiding subquestions will be used to chart relevant data. The findings will include quantitative aggregate summaries, narrative summaries, and appraisal of trajectory studies according to our methodological subquestions. We will consult autistic self-advocate and parent-caregiver stakeholders to facilitate interpretation of the findings.Research ethics approval is not required for this scoping review. The results will be presented to researcher, care professional, policy-maker and stakeholder audiences at local and international conferences, other dissemination activities and published in a peer-reviewed journal.© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.GentlesStephenS0000-0003-2004-1451Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada stevegentles@gmail.com.DukuEricEDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.KernsConnorCDepartment of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.McVeyAlana JAJDepartment of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.HunscheMichelle CMCDepartment of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.Ng CordellElise CECDepartment of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.BednarE DmitraEDMichael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.BanfieldLauraLHealth Sciences Library, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.SzatmariPeterPDepartment of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.GeorgiadesSteliosSDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.engJournal Article20211122