Strategies and Tools to Aid the Transition Between Paediatric and Adult Health Services for Young Adults With Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Scoping Review

INTRODUCTION: The global rise in neurodevelopmental conditions (NDD), alongside increased life expectancy for affected individuals, underscores the critical importance of effective transition from paediatric to adult healthcare. The transition between paediatrics and adults is an important stage to consider for emotional, psychosocial and psychological development. This scoping review aimed to summarise published literature on current tools and strategies designed to support the transition of young adults with NDD. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, and PsychInfo via the OVID platform. Studies were included if they described interventions that facilitated the transition of young adults with NDD from child- to adult-centred health services. Screening and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers per published study. Findings were synthesized using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Out of 1876 records, 61 studies met inclusion criteria, the majority originating from the USA (66%). Five key intervention types emerged: education (62%), facilitation of paperwork (59%), transition clinics (57%), transition coordinators (33%), and clinical guidelines (7%). Only 38% of studies incorporated young people in the design of interventions, and only 8% addressed cultural considerations. Implementation was reported in 59% of studies, with 57% providing outcome evaluations; however, heterogeneity in measures limited assessment of efficacy. CONCLUSION: This scoping review highlights while tools and strategies exist, future efforts should focus on culturally informed, youth-centred approaches underpinned by consistent outcome measures. A holistic, relationship-based model-engaging families, young people, and health professionals-is essential for successful and sustainable transitions in care.