مسار بولونيا
EN

ا. م. د علي فارس عبد الحسين

السنة عنوان البحث نشر البحث
2026 Awareness of autism spectrum disorder among special education teachers at specialized centers for autism and mental disability in Babylon Governorate. Annual Reviews of Public Heal th
ABSTRACT Background Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired communication both verbal and nonverbal, impaired social interface, repetitive and restricted behavioral pattern (1) .Risk factors for autism include gender, males are three to four times more likely than females to get autism, family history, parents’ age, and other disorders such as fragile x syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, Tourette’s syndrome, and epilepsy(2) .Several screening tools have been developed to aid in early detection of children with autism Spectrum Disorder. Children with special needs such as those with autism spectrum disorder have been recorded as ostracized and stigmatized in many parts of the world (3). Intellectual functioning can vary from mental retardation to superior intellectual functioning in selected areas. Some children with autism showed typical development in certain skills and even showed strengths in specific areas, such as puzzles, art, and music. However, in general, an Autistic child is often withdrawn and spends hours in solitary play (4). Objectives: To assess awareness of autism spectrum disorder among pre-school special education teachers at specialized centers for autism and mental disability. Methodology: A descriptive design (Cross-sectional) study is conducted on specialized centers for autism and mental disability in Babylon governorate. The study is carried out to awareness of autism spectrum disorder among pre-school special education teachers from October 20, 2024 to May 10, 2025. A non-probability (purposive) of sample of 100 special education teachers who were presence specialized centers for autism and mental disability. Data were collected through the use of a questionnaire to assess of special education teachers’ awareness of autism spectrum disorder. The questionnaire is comprised of two parts which include: Part-I is concerned with demographic data including age group, residence, gender and level of education, part-II- autism spectrum disorder items which consists of (18) items. Reliability of the questionnaire is determined through validity is achieved through an expert. Data are analyzed through using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS, Version 26) performed through the use of descriptive statistical data analysis approach. Results: The majority of teachers are from urban areas, their gender is women and married, their ages are of young age and their academic achievement is bachelor's. The results showed that the level of awareness about autism was moderate. Conclusions: The study concluded that the level of awareness among teachers is moderate. Recommendations: The study recommended need to increase the awareness of preschool teachers toward autism spectrum disorder. Education and training about the spectrum of the disorder can lead to better knowledge among the teachers. Key words: Special education teachers’ awareness, autism spectrum disorder.