Awareness of autism spectrum disorder among public primary school teachers in Iraq.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Primary school teachers play a vital role in detecting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), thereby allowing early interventions that enhance their quality of life and reduce the burden. This study aims to estimate the awareness levels of Iraqi primary school teachers regarding ASD and assess the association with the teachers' demographic factors.

Methods

A descriptive study was conducted among primary school teachers affiliated with the Rusafa 1 educational directorate of Baghdad from March 21, 2024, to June 1, 2024, using a structured questionnaire developed by reviewing the DSM-5 criteria for ASD and JM Rey's IACAPAP Textbook of Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Results

A total of 301 teachers were included. Of whom, 86 (28.6%) had inadequate

SUBMITTER: Saeed MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12481945 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature