Mixed Methods Findings from a Stepped Wedge Hybrid Implementation Trial of ATTAIN NAV: A Mental Health Family Navigation Intervention for Autistic Youth.

In 30 seconds

This mixed-methods, stepped-wedge hybrid implementation trial evaluated ATTAIN NAV, a family-navigation intervention intended to improve mental health service access and engagement for school-age autistic youth. The study enrolled 56 caregiver-child dyads through primary care providers at six California clinics, which were randomized to technology-enhanced or standard navigation. Across both conditions, child challenging behavior and parent activation improved; these gains were more pronounced with standard navigation. At post-intervention, standard-navigation families also reported greater satisfaction, shorter time to a first mental health appointment, and stronger navigator engagement.

Key findings

• Child challenging behavior and parent activation improved across both navigation conditions, with more pronounced improvements in the standard condition.
• Standard-navigation families reported higher navigation satisfaction and engagement with their navigator at post-intervention.
• Families receiving standard navigation reported a shorter time to attend their first mental health appointment.

Why it matters

Autistic youth with mental health needs may face barriers to accessing and engaging with services. These findings suggest that family navigation can support clinical and service-related outcomes, while also indicating that technology enhancement did not correspond to stronger reported outcomes than standard navigation in this trial. The mixed-methods approach adds implementation perspectives alongside caregiver-reported outcomes.

What to keep in mind

The study included 56 caregiver-child dyads from six clinics in California, limiting the breadth of settings and populations represented. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention, so longer-term effects are not established.