KNOWLEDGE REGARDING AUTISM AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN SELECTED SCHOOLS

Abstract

Background: Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder, characterized by communication deficits, social interaction impairments, and restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests ([DSMIV-TR): American Psychiatric Association, 2021). People with autism may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. It is important to note that some people without autism might also have some of these symptoms. But for people with autism these characteristics can make life very challenging (US. Department of Health &Human services. March 31, 2022). Globally, autism is estimated to affect 1 in 100 children. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among 86 primary school teachers of selected schools by using a nonprobability purposive sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The collected data was analyzed by using descriptive statistical methods such as frequency and percentage. Data entry was done in latest version of Microsoft Excel and SPSS software, findings were presented in different table using descriptive statistical tools such frequency and percentage. Results: Among 86 respondents, more than half 54.7% of respondents were of age group 21-25 years. Nearly three fourth 72.1% of the respondents were female. Majority 90.7% haven’t got training of autism. Majority 96.5% of the respondents answered autism as an impairment in social interaction, communication and behaviour however majority 94.2% have answered the causes of autism contributed to all of the following except play factor. More than half 51.2% of the respondents had average knowledge regarding autism whereas more than one-third 27.9% of the respondents had high knowledge and less than one third 20.9% had low knowledge regarding autism. Conclusion: Finding of the study revealed that low percentage of the respondents are unaware about autism. However, this suggests the need for due emphasis on education to improve the knowledge level of school teachers. The knowledge should be upgraded through implementation of autism training for the school teachers in school settings.

Keywords: knowledge, autism, school, primary school teachers