Awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Pre-School Teachers in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition that affects children and early intervention to provide an appropriate education for ASD children is necessary.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the awareness of ASD among preschool teachers in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2021 to February 2022 among preschool teachers in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. A random sampling technique was applied to select teachers through the Ministry of Education website.

RESULTS

A total of 164 preschool teachers took part in the questionnaire. The most common age group was 30 - 40 years (58.5%). The total mean score of AKQ was 15.0 (SD 4.97). Nearly three-quarters (74.4%) of the teachers were classified as having a poor level of awareness while 25.6% had a good awareness level. Factors associated with a good awareness level include being a teacher (p=0.034) and having direct contact with autistic children (p=0.016). It is important to note that having more years of experience was significantly associated with knowledge regarding the correct pattern to diagnose children with autism (p=0.049).

CONCLUSION

The awareness of preschool teachers regarding ASD was deficient. Teachers who are in contact with autistic students demonstrated better knowledge than the rest of the preschool teachers. Preschool teachers are expected to maintain high standards in their work to meet the children's abnormal development and to identify them from an early stage, then refer them to diagnosis services.