Use of public health databases for the early identification of Autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review protocol

Introduction Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains a significant challenge for health services worldwide. Delayed diagnosis can lead to negative outcomes for individuals and increased costs for healthcare systems. Utilizing public health databases presents a strategy for identifying clinical characteristics that facilitate the early detection of ASD. This study aims to systematically map the existing evidence on the use of public health databases for the early identification of children and adults with ASD, irrespective of geographic location. Methods and Analysis This scoping review will follow the methodological guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute. A comprehensive search strategy, validated by a professional librarian, will be conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and LILACS (via the Virtual Health Library). Gray literature will be reviewed using ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. The review will include only primary studies that utilize public health databases for the early detection of ASD. No restrictions on language or geographic location will be applied. Screening and data extraction will be independently conducted by two trained reviewers, followed by a thematic categorization of studies based on similarities. Ethics and Dissemination Ethical approval is not required since this review will exclusively utilize data from published scientific articles. Preliminary findings and final results will be disseminated through presentations at relevant conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Registration Number Open Science Framework. DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/RMVWE ( https://osf.io/rmvwe/ ).