MAPPING THE EVIDENCE ON THE PROVISION OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS IN LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES IN AFRICA: A SCOPING REVIEW PROTOCOL

Scoping Review Question This study seeks to identify available evidence on healthcare services provided to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in African low- and middle-income countries. The study will focus on describing what is known on the phenomenon of interest with a key expectations of reporting on the barriers affecting service provision, factors facilitating service delivery to children with ASD and the access to healthcare service by children with ASD in low-middle-income countries of the African Region. Study objectives 1. To synthesize evidence on the available healthcare approaches reported to improve healthcare service delivery and support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in LMICs in Africa. 2. To identify barriers and opportunities in healthcare approaches aimed at improving healthcare service delivery and support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in LMICs in Africa. 3. To map evidence on healthcare approaches that have been used or recommended to strengthen healthcare service delivery and support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the LMICs in Africa.