Abstract
BackgroundEarly detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and adequate care provision depend upon competent community service providers. Social workers are well positioned to detect ASD, especially in marginalized populations. This study assessed social workers’ ASD knowledge and clinical self-efficacy in ASD care. MethodSocial workers (N = 229, M = 13.97 years of experience, SD = 8.59) completed the ASD Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and a demographic and professional background questionnaire. ResultsParticipants displayed a fair level of knowledge regarding ASD etiology and interventions and a low rate of lack of ASD knowledge. Social workers who worked in multidisciplinary settings showed significantly broader knowledge of ASD’s early clinical signs and diagnostic criteria and declared less lack of knowledge than those from welfare agencies. Using multiple regression analysis, self-efficacy was positively predicted by professional and knowledge parameters. The model explained 47.1% of the variance. ConclusionsA multidisciplinary setting enhances social workers’ theoretical and practical ASD knowledge, enabling them to face detection and intervention challenges. An in-depth understanding of knowledge gaps will assist in planning specialized training for social workers and promoting their self-efficacy in assessing and supporting children with ASD and their families.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.