Knowledge Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Articles

Differences in caregiver and child factors within families of autistic youth across birth order groups

BackgroundResearch has highlighted the ways that birth order relates to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence rates. However, little research has focused on how birth order relates to the wellbeing of the family once a child is diagnosed with ASD. Additionally, many family factors (such as measures of parental wellbeing) and elements of child emotional/behavioral symptoms have not yet been investigated when evaluating the potential effects of birth order. The current study aimed to investigate how family birth order may impact caregiver reporting of parental wellbeing/competency and child symptoms. MethodThree groups were created based on caregivers (N = 155) who have (1) a first-born child with ASD and then child(ren) without ASD, (2) child(ren) without ASD and then a child with ASD, and (3) an only child with ASD. Caregivers completed questionnaires measuring family resources, child symptoms, and parental factors. ResultsDespite comparable ratings on family resources and ASD severity, significant differences based on birth order emerged. Having one or multiple children without ASD before having a child with ASD may enhance feelings of satisfaction and competency as a parent. Parents with an only child with ASD also reported higher ratings of competency, had significantly less ASD knowledge, and demonstrated a significant negative correlation between efficacy and knowledge. ConclusionFamilies with an only child with ASD may require further support to augment their knowledge of ASD. Caregivers who have a first-born child with ASD may benefit from interventions focusing on their feelings of parental competency.

Training Law Enforcement Officers About Autism: Evaluation of Adding Virtual Reality or Simulation to a Traditional Training Approach.

Prevalence rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the globe and lifespan suggest that law enforcement officers (LEOs) are likely to interact with autistic people in their professional duties. In developed countries, LEOs have professional encounters with autistic individuals, and research strongly supports LEOs need training to increase their knowledge about autism and confidence interacting with autistic people. The purpose of the present study is to compare three training approaches with LEOs: (a) a training presentation alone (P), (b) a training presentation combined with virtual reality simulation (P + VR), and (c) a training presentation combined with in-vivo simulation (P + SIM). The primary outcomes are LEO knowledge of autism and self-reported confidence in responding to autism calls. The present study included 259 LEOS who completed a survey assessing autism knowledge and confidence in level of skill before and after participating in ASD-specific training for LEOs. Findings support that participant knowledge of autism and confidence in responding significantly increased for all LEOs equally across training conditions. Results support that formalized training in ASD significantly impacts LEO's knowledge of ASD and confidence responding to calls. As such, standardized training for LEOs is needed to assure appropriate knowledge and confidence when responding to calls involving autistic persons.

Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Health Professionals in Togo

Background. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in behavior, social communication, and interaction. Objectives. To describe health staff's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ASD in Lomé. Methods. From January to March 2020, we conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study on ASD in childhood. A survey was administered to a sample of healthcare professionals in 5 facilities in Lomé, Togo. A questionnaire assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of ASD among 139 participants (pediatricians, neurologists, general practitioners, psychologists, speech therapists, and nurses). Results.The participation rate was 84.2 % (117 / 139). One hundred seven health workers (91.5 %) had heard of ASD. Inaccurate knowledge was observed: 65.4 % gave a good definition of autism, 73.2 % did not know the autistic triad, the early warning signs (64.6 %), or the age of onset (61.0 %). Only 22.0 % of staff were familiar with autism screening tools. The highest knowledge was significantly associated with being a speech therapist or pediatrician practicing in a tertiary health facility (p < 0,0001). Higher-graded staff also observed better knowledge levels (p = 0, 0128). Concerning attitudes or practices regarding autistic children, 26 of those surveyed (22,2 %) had already screened for ASD, of whom 23 (88,5 %) worked with other specialties in case management. Conclusion. This study highlights inappropriate knowledge, attitudes, and practices among health staff. These findings warrant the need for good initial training on ASD, awareness campaigns, and the setting up a specialized center in Togo.

Knowledge and awareness of autism spectrum disorder among Libyans

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the presence of delayed or defective development before the age of three years, as well as behavioral difficulties in social communication and interaction.
 Objective: To evaluate ASD knowledge and awareness, as well as ASD information sources in a sample of the Libyan general population, and to explore factors that could be associated with the knowledge and awareness.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between 22 March and 13 August 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire.
 Results: Out of 2195 participants, 48.9% were females and 51.1% were males. Three-quarters of the participants (74.8%) presented a low level of knowledge. Of those whose source of knowledge of autism was social media, 78.9% had a low level of knowledge. However, 57.9% of the participants showed a good level of awareness of autism symptoms and signs.
 Conclusion: The participants had a limited understanding of the causes and characteristics of ASD. Raising community awareness of the causes and characteristics of ASD is a priority.

Knowledge and awareness of autism spectrum disorder among Libyans.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the presence of delayed or defective development before the age of three years, as well as behavioral difficulties in social communication and interaction. To evaluate ASD knowledge and awareness, as well as ASD information sources in a sample of the Libyan general population, and to explore factors that could be associated with the knowledge and awareness. A cross-sectional study was carried out between 22 March and 13 August, 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire. The study included 2350 individual aged 18 and up from households living in different regions in Libya (eastern, southern, central, and western). Out of 2195 participants, 48.9% were females and 51.1% were males. Three-quarters of the participants (74.8%) presented a low level of knowledge about autism causes. Of those whose source of knowledge of autism was social media, 78.9% had a low level of knowledge. However, 57.9% of the participants showed a good level of awareness of autism symptoms and signs. The participants had a limited understanding of the causes and characteristics of ASD. Raising community awareness of the causes and characteristics of ASD is a priority.

The impact of primary care access on autism spectrum disorder awareness in an underserved population.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) screening do not specifically address safety-net clinics, which provide multidisciplinary healthcare services to underserved patients. This project explored the potential for ASD screening in safety-net clinics by assessing parental perceived knowledge of ASD at JayDoc Free Clinic, a student-run safety-net clinic in Wyandotte County, Kansas. May through December 2022, patients who reported to be the parent of a minor received a demographic survey and a Likert-style questionnaire assessing perceived knowledge of ASD, including understanding the importance of ASD screening and ASD signs and symptoms. Responses were categorized into positive, negative, and unsure. Demographic variables included the minor's primary care provider (PCP) status. Results were analyzed using bivariate analysis, with chi-square tests for significance (p-value ≤ 0.05). Of the 52 participants who completed at least one Likert response, 55.8% reported their child had a PCP. Responses were somewhat balanced with 44.2% positive for understanding the importance of ASD screening and 53.8% positive for understanding ASD signs and symptoms. For understanding the signs and symptoms of ASD, an unsure response (32.7% of responses) was statistically associated with a lack of PCP (p = 0.017). The balance of positive with negative and unsure responses could reflect lack of ASD knowledge and may relate to healthcare inaccessibility. This is consistent with the significant association between lack of PCP and unsure responses for understanding ASD signs and symptoms. ASD screening and education in safety-net clinics like JayDoc could be valuable, particularly for children without a PCP.

An Assessment of Pediatric Nurses Awareness and Perceived Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Gulf State Survey

Background. The purpose of this study was to determine pediatric nurses’ knowledge of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Methods. We conducted a population-based online survey of 273 pediatric nurses in eastern Saudi Arabia using convenience sampling method. Perceived knowledge was assessed using the knowledge of childhood autism among Health Professionals Questionnaire (KCAHW) that was translated into Arabic. We used multivariate regression analysis to determine the influence of demographic factors on the perceived knowledge. Using Pearson’s correlation analysis, we assessed the correlation between the outcome variables and the predictor variables. Results. ASD knowledge is generally higher among pediatric nurses with higher academic qualifications (r = 0.29, p < 0.001). They scored higher on general knowledge (M = 21.5, SD = 5.7) and lower on signs and symptoms (M = 15.2, SD = 4.3), diagnosis (M = 13.8, SD = 3.9), and management of ASD (M = 12.4, SD = 4.1). A significant correlation was found between mean KCAHW and age (r = 0.12, p = 0.029), sex (r = 0.18, p = 0.003), years of experience (r = 0.25, p < 0.001), education level (r = 0.34, p < 0.001), and hospital type (r = 0.21, p = 0.001). Predictors of knowledge and understanding were level of education (β = 0.23, p = 0.001), formal training (β = 0.16, p = 0.012), and years of experience (β = 0.19, p = 0.005). The majority could not define ASD or recognize early signs and symptoms or associated comorbidities. Lack of social and emotional reciprocity and impaired language development have been reported, as well as the perception of ASD as a neurodevelopmental disorder. Conclusion. Higher academic qualifications are associated with high general knowledge of ASD; however, nurses in this cohort performed poorly in ASD sign and symptom recognition, diagnosis, and management.

Social workers’ knowledge of autism and self-efficacy in its diagnosis and interventions

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.

Mistreatments Of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Editor, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an umbrella, constructed to describe difficulties in social communication, with a very confined range of interests and fixed patterns along with atypical sensory-motor behaviors beginning in early childhood. It is estimated that over 350,000 children are on the spectrum in Pakistan, and the prevalence continues to rise(1). Research and studies have shown that early intervention has a positive effect on the later development of children on the spectrum (2). In a child’s life, a sensitive stage of development called the critical period is the time when new connections (synapses) are made that are influenced by environmental stimuli and personal experiences of the child (3). Established diagnosis and intervention in this period influences the brain’s neural plasticity. Hence filling the gap between the child’s growth margin and typically developing peers and supporting their way into adulthood with the competencies necessary to live an independent and carefree life. In underdeveloped nations like Pakistan, there is inadequate knowledge and awareness of ASD. Children are misdiagnosed and caregivers are deluded into the thought of a cure of autism due to the existence of various superstitions and necromantic beliefs(4). Different oil mixtures, herbal medicines, and several other home remedies are practiced: some to elude over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity, some to magically make the child speak etc. However, these practices have no effect, other than losing precious years of the child’s life (5). Parents and caregivers of autistic children should be counseled that ASD is not a disease to cure but a way to adapt. They should be convinced that being autistic is not because some pathogen invaded the brain; rather it is because the brain is wired differently and functions at its own pace. Seminars and webinars should be held for caregivers to help them deal with the psychosocial issues and the social stigma surrounding ASD. There is also a need to create awareness at the government level to better equip people, professionals, and healthcare systems to better cater for the needs of children with ASD. Moreover, efforts should be made to make ASD screening a part of universal pediatric screening so that intervention is provided as early as possible. There is a growing need to understand that ASD is not a curse manifested but an individuality to celebrate.

Identification of target hub genes and construction of a novel miRNA regulatory network in autism spectrum disorder by integrated analysis.

The incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing year by year in children. The aim of the study was to find possible biomarkers for ASD diagnosis as well as examine MicroRNA (miRNA) signatures and crucial pathways. We conducted a two-stage study to explore potential target genes and functional miRNAs. Peripheral blood samples of children with ASD were enrolled and performed RNA sequencing analysis. The overlapped candidate genes were further screened in combination with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of GSE77103 datasets. STRING established a protein-protein interaction network comprising DEGs. The hub genes were filtered out using the CytoHubba. Then, we set up a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. Correlational analyses between hub genes and immune cells associated with ASD were carried out using the CIBERSORT software to assess the diversity of immune cell types in ASD. RNA-sequencing analysis was used to confirm the differential expression of 3 hub genes. Briefly, after blood samples were sequenced interrogating 867 differential genes in our internal screening dataset. After screening GEO databases, 551 DEGs obtained from GSE77103. Fourteen common genes were overlapped through DEGs of GEO datasets and internal screening dataset. Among protein-protein interaction network, 10 hub genes with high degree algorithm were screened out and 3 hub genes of them - ADIPOR1, LGALS3, and GZMB - that were thought to be most associated with the emergence of ASD. Then, we developed a network of miRNA-mRNA regulatory interactions by screening miRNAs (such as hsa-miR-20b-5p, hsa-miR-17-5p, and hsa-miR-216b-5p) that were closely associated to 3 hub genes. Additionally, we discovered 18 different immune cell types associated with ASD using the CIBERSORT algorithm, and we discovered that mononuclear macrophages differed considerably between the 2 groups. Overall, 3 hub genes (ADIPOR1, LGALS3, and GZMB) and 15 candidates miRNAs-target 3 genes regulatory pathways representing potentially novel biomarkers of ASD diseases were revealed. These findings could enhance our knowledge of ASD and offer possible therapeutic targets of ASD patients in the future.

University students’ attitudes toward individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Egypt

This study examined predictors of university students’ attitudes toward individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Egypt. A total of 307 university students were asked to complete measures of attitudes toward individuals with ASD, knowledge of ASD, quantity and quality of direct contact with individuals with ASD, media exposure as a form of indirect contact, as well as a brief demographic questionnaire. Results suggested that students held rather neutral to slightly positive attitudes toward individuals with ASD. Both media exposure and contact quantity emerged as significant predictors of attitudes; however, among those who had direct contact with individuals with ASD, quantity and quality of contact emerged as significant. The findings of the current study highlight the significant role of positive contacts in forming attitudes and provide further support for the importance of developing positive interactions with individuals with ASD, and thus enhance their social inclusion in the wider community.

University-Community Mental Health Training Collaboration: Teaching Criminal Legal Stakeholders About Autism.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are disproportionately represented in the criminal legal system, yet ASD-specific training is rarely provided to frontline clinical staff or legal professionals. This column describes a collaboration between university researchers and a state mental health department to promote ASD awareness, knowledge, and intervention skills among clinical and legal professionals working with autistic individuals with criminal legal involvement. Descriptions of how specific needs were identified, how tailored educational workshops were developed, and how workshop efficacy was assessed are provided. Lessons learned and recommendations for researchers and health care systems interested in similar collaborations are offered.

A Scoping Review of Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Primary Care

This scoping review was performed to collect, examine, and present literature on interventions promoting the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in U.S. primary health care settings. The literature searched was from 2011-2022, in the English language, in PubMed, CINAHL, Psych INFO, Cochrane, and Web of Science, for persons with autism or ASD aged ≤ 18 years. Six studies met the search criteria, including a quality improvement project, a feasibility study, a pilot study, and three primary care provider (PCP) intervention trials. Measured outcomes included: accuracy of diagnosis (n=4), practice change maintenance (n=3), time to diagnosis (n=2), specialty clinic appointment wait time (n=1), PCP comfort making ASD diagnosis (n=1), and increased ASD diagnosis (n=1). Results inform future implementation of PCP ASD diagnosis for the most obvious cases of ASD and research evaluating PCP training, using longitudinal measures of PCP knowledge of ASD and intention to diagnose.

Feasibility of a mobile phone training on autism spectrum disorders for teachers in Tanzania

ABSTRACT Despite the rising global prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), significant disparities in ASD knowledge persist worldwide. Professional development trainings are effective in increasing teacher knowledge of ASD; however, in-person trainings pose accessibility concerns for teachers in low- and middle-income countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, few teacher development opportunities exist and logistical barriers limit attendance, highlighting the need for a more accessible training modality. The present study used a pre-post-test methodology among general and special education teachers in urban Tanzania to evaluate the feasibility of a mobile phone-delivered training on ASD. Results indicated a robust 84% participation rate and high quiz scores across training modules. The benefits of using mobile phone technology in a low-resource setting are presented. As the first asynchronous ASD training developed and implemented among teachers in Tanzania, this study can guide future research that explores how best to increase ASD knowledge among community members using technology.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening Practices in the United States and Mexico

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore screening practices for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Mexico and the United States (U.S.).
 Methods: Data from a larger study exploring the knowledge, screening, and diagnostic practices of healthcare practitioners from Mexico and the U.S. was used for the current study. The original survey was created by experts in ASD and consisted of 63 questions: 15 demographic questions, 20 questions relating to knowledge of ASD, 11 questions relating to screening practices, and 17 questions relating to diagnostic practices. All surveys were completed by professionals engaging in the screening and diagnosis of ASD. For this study, a total of thirty- five survey responses for the screening portion of the survey (30 from the U.S. and 5 from Mexico) were explored. Qualitative data and descriptive statistics were utilized.
 Results: Many of the responses relating to screening practices from professionals practicing in Mexico and the U.S. were consistent with best practice guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Mexican Public Health Guide. Furthermore, many similarities were found in the screening practices of professionals from both countries. Differences in screening practices reported by professionals from Mexico and the U.S. were found in the type of professional involved in the screening process and professional referrals after a failed ASD screening. Additionally, some professionals from both the U.S. and Mexico reported the use of inappropriate screening tools, and the average age reportedly screened was much higher than the current recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Hyman et al., 2020).
 Conclusion: An understanding of the screening practices currently being used in Mexico and the U.S. provides both researchers and clinicians with a better understanding of what is being implemented by different professionals. This study identified areas of strength and areas of weaknesses in the screening process for ASD in both countries. These results can now be used in future studies and programs targeting improved screening processes in Mexico in the U.S. Improved screening processes are important because of the potential to result in an earlier age of diagnosis of ASD and provision of services at a younger age. The latter of which is associated with better outcomes for children with ASD.
 Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, screening, Mexico, United States.

Knowledge, attitudes, and associated factors of caregivers towards children with autism spectrum disorder in East Coast Peninsular Malaysia.

Caregivers are directly involved in managing the daily basic needs of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The knowledge and attitudes of these caregivers are important to achieving success in their roles. Thus, this study aimed to determine what constitutes good knowledge, attitudes, and associated factors among caregivers toward children with ASD. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 128 caregivers of children with ASD in Kota Bharu, Kelantan from May to August 2020, using convenience sampling. Validated questionnaires were used to assess the knowledge and attitudes toward children with ASD. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Descriptive statistics and simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were then performed. The response rate was 100%. The proportion of good knowledge and attitudes toward children with ASD among caregivers was 85.1% and 88.3%, respectively. Factors significantly associated with good knowledge were being female (OR (95% CI) 2.79 [0.99-7.90]) and ASD children being non-first-born children (OR (95% CI) 0.41 [0.15-1.12]). Factors significantly associated with good attitudes were age of 30 years and older (OR (95% CI) 0.13 [0.03-0.62]) and caregiver having other children with other types of learning difficulties (OR (95% CI) 0.15 [0.04, 0.52]). The proportion of caregivers with good knowledge of ASD and good attitudes toward children with ASD was high. The caregiver's age and sex, the position of the ASD child among the siblings, and the presence of other types of learning disorders in the family need to be considered when managing children with ASD.

Public awareness and stigma of autism spectrum disorder in Iran; An online survey

BackgroundThere is no systematic examination of the Iranian general population’s knowledge of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). AimIn this study, we aimed to assess stigma and knowledge about ASD among Iranian people and determine the sociodemographic factors associated with them. Methods and proceduresThis study was conducted as a cross-sectional online survey from April to May 2020, using a convenience sampling method. We designed an online questionnaire using Google forms. We sent a message explaining the study goals and the link to the online questionnaire to groups on popular social platforms in Iran. We used Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire (ASK-Q) to assess ASD knowledge and stigma. Outcomes and resultsIn total, 600 individuals participated in the study, of whom 301 (50.2 %) were women and 299 (49.8 %) were men. Out of 600 participants, 216 (36 %) had adequate knowledge of the diagnosis/symptoms subscale, 206 (34.3 %) for the etiology subscale, 200 (33.3 %) for the treatment subscale, and 260 (43.4 %) had no stigma toward ASD. Conclusions and implicationsThe level of knowledge about ASD is insufficient among Iranian people of this study. People with lower knowledge of ASD, including older adults and individuals with lower educational levels, may benefit the most from ASD awareness interventions.

Graduate training in school psychology: Applied behavior analysis and autism spectrum disorder

AbstractThis study investigated school psychologist's professional self‐efficacy in working with students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), applied behavioral analysis (ABA), and other general domains. This study recruited 215 specialist and doctoral level school psychologists or school psychology interns. The Applied Behavior Analysis Efficacy Scale (ABAES) was modeled after the Huber Inventory of Trainee Self‐Efficacy (HITS). Contributions of training quality, amount of training, and knowledge of ASD to predicting professional self‐efficacy measured by the HITS and ABAES were examined. The vicarious experiences during field training were the greatest predictor of self‐efficacy in general duties and ABA‐based tasks. Mastery experiences were found to predict self‐efficacy in ABA based tasks and imaginal experiences were predictive of self‐efficacy in general duties. Field experiences were the most impactful aspect of training, but concerns were raised about disparities in experience quality. Suggestions for graduate training of school psychologists are provided.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Neurodevelopmental Risk Factors, Biological Mechanism, and Precision Therapy.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder. Over the past two decades, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has progressively increased, however, no clear diagnostic markers and specifically targeted medications for autism have emerged. As a result, neurobehavioral abnormalities, neurobiological alterations in ASD, and the development of novel ASD pharmacological therapy necessitate multidisciplinary collaboration. In this review, we discuss the development of multiple animal models of ASD to contribute to the disease mechanisms of ASD, as well as new studies from multiple disciplines to assess the behavioral pathology of ASD. In addition, we summarize and highlight the mechanistic advances regarding gene transcription, RNA and non-coding RNA translation, abnormal synaptic signaling pathways, epigenetic post-translational modifications, brain-gut axis, immune inflammation and neural loop abnormalities in autism to provide a theoretical basis for the next step of precision therapy. Furthermore, we review existing autism therapy tactics and limits and present challenges and opportunities for translating multidisciplinary knowledge of ASD into clinical practice.

A cross-sectional study of community pharmacists' self-reported disease knowledge and competence in the treatment of childhood autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioural challenges. Given the rising prevalence of autism and multiple medication use, healthcare professionals, including community pharmacists, are required to have sufficient ASD knowledge to affect positivelythe disease prognosis and related comorbidities. To assess community pharmacists' knowledge of disease and pharmacotherapy of ASD, along with the provision of patient education and counselling provided by, community pharmacists in Turkey. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among community pharmacists in Turkey using a structured, validated questionnaire to assess ASD knowledge, awareness, and the provision of patient education and counselling by community pharmacists. 486 community pharmacists were included, with a mean age of 39.69 ± 13.10years, and most (n = 151, 31.1%) in the age range between 20 and 29years. 96.3% of community pharmacists never had training about ASD. 32.9% of the participants were aware of the medicines for ASD treatment, and 25.7% were aware of the drugs' side effects. The mean overall knowledge about childhood autism among health workers questionnaire (KCAHW) score was 11.83 ± 3.91, and there was a statistically significant KCAHW score difference between other pharmacists and those with ASD training (p = 0.006). There is a lack of disease and pharmacotherapy knowledge about childhood ASD among Turkish community pharmacists, particularly about communication impairment, type, onset, and comorbidities, as well as poor knowledge about drug pharmacotherapy and patient counselling services. This potentially creates a barrier to the adequate provision of healthcare to autistic patients.