PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Alsehemi, Matar A.
AU  - Abousaadah, Mahmoud M.
AU  - Sairafi, Razan A.
AU  - Jan, Mohammed M.
TI  - Public awareness of autism spectrum disorder
AID  - 10.17712/nsj.2017.3.20160525
DP  - 2017 Jul 01
TA  - Neurosciences Journal
PG  - 213--215
VI  - 22
IP  - 3
4099  - http://nsj.org.sa/content/22/3/213.short
4100  - http://nsj.org.sa/content/22/3/213.full
SO  - Neurosciences (Riyadh)2017 Jul 01; 22
AB  - Objective: Examine the awareness of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in our community which would help in early recognition and improved support of affected families.Methods: A focused 20-item questionnaire was designed to survey the public awareness and knowledge of ASD. Personal interviews were conducted during an ASD awareness day, which was organized in a major shopping mall on February 20, 2015 in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Results: A total of 259 individuals participated in the study with 47% being <30 years of age and 57% being females. Most participants (60%) were married, educated (68% university level), and employed (54%). When asked if they knew what autism is, 88% responded positively. However, when asked to rate their degree of knowledge, 41% felt that it is weak. Females and those older than 30 years of age were more likely to feel knowledgeable (p=0.04 for females and p=0.013 for those >30 years of age). Females were more likely to think that autistic children can be employed in the future (p=0.008), whereas males were more likely to think that autism is similar to mental retardation (p=0.005).Conclusions: The public awareness of ASD needs improvement. Areas for targeted education were identified to help improve the quality of life of autistic children and their families.