Autism spectrum disorder: perspectives from paediatricians

Abstract

Aims: Since the first medical contact of children and families is mostly with paediatricians, the knowledge and experience of paediatricians on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is extremely significant. It was aimed to investigate paediatricians’ general knowledge on ASD, daily practices in the outpatient clinic and ability to recognize warning signs. 
 Methods: A 40-item questionnaire prepared by the researchers was completed with 116 specialists or subspecialties working in public and private hospitals of two cities in Türkiye. 
 Results: While 41.7% of paediatricians received rotation training in residency, 32.8 % reported they have enough experience. While 87% considered ASD screening among their duties, only 12.8% stated they have enough time. The number of patients referred for formal assessment of ASD was low. Gender, type of expertise, duration of experience, and sense of competence were not associated with referral frequency. It’s been determined paediatricians have a lack of knowledge about ASD. While not responding to name and difficulty following the instructions were seen as most warning symptoms, other diagnostic criteria and accompanying symptoms were recognized insufficiently.
 Conclusions: In addition to increasing the duration and quality of child psychiatry education during residency, regulating the outpatient clinic conditions can overcome an important obstacle in the early diagnosis of ASD.