Understanding Autism through the Eyes of Nurses: a Cross-Sectional Study.

A study of 180 nurses in Saudi Arabia found mixed knowledge about autism. Most nurses recognized obvious signs like avoiding eye contact and social difficulties, but many had concerning misconceptions. One-third believed 'cold parenting' causes autism, and nearly half thought children can outgrow autism. Many didn't know autism signs appear before age 3.

While nurses supported speech therapy and special education, they weren't familiar with proven treatments like Applied Behavior Analysis. The study shows nurses need better autism training.

This cross-sectional study examined autism knowledge and beliefs among 180 registered nurses in Saudi Arabia using DSM-IV-TR criteria and a modified Autism Survey. While most nurses correctly identified core autism characteristics like lack of eye contact (79.7%) and social interaction difficulties (79.1%), significant knowledge gaps emerged regarding early symptom onset (only 53.8% knew symptoms appear before 36 months) and intervention approaches. Concerning misconceptions persisted, including beliefs about 'cold parenting' causing autism (33.7%) and that children can outgrow autism (46.1%). Despite high endorsement of speech therapy and special education, no nurses identified Applied Behavior Analysis as an intervention.

The findings highlight the need for targeted, culturally-informed training programs to improve nurses' autism knowledge and clinical practice.

Findings indicate urgent need for comprehensive autism training programs for nurses, particularly focusing on early signs, evidence-based interventions, and dispelling harmful misconceptions. Training should be culturally adapted and emphasize the importance of early detection for timely intervention referrals.

Single-country study from Saudi Arabia limits generalizability. Cross-sectional design prevents assessment of knowledge changes over time. Uses older DSM-IV-TR criteria rather than current DSM-5. Sample size and recruitment methods not clearly described. Self-reported knowledge may not reflect actual clinical practice.

Nurses are key to the early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, gaps in the literature and misconceptions can delay care; evidence of this from Saudi Arabia is limited. This study was done to examine nurses' understanding of autism within the Saudi context, inform targeted educational programs, enhance clinical practice, and contribute to closing the persistent global gaps in nurses' knowledge of ASD. In this study, we employed a cross-sectional online survey of 180 registered nurses to assess their ASD knowledge and beliefs with the aid of the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) based criteria and a modified Autism Survey.

Moreover, we applied descriptive statistics, chi-square tests with Cramér's V, and Pearson's correlations. Most nurses identified core characteristics, such as lack of eye contact (79.7%), social unresponsiveness (79.7%), and interaction difficulties (79.1%); fewer identified symptom onset before 36 months (53.8%). Misconceptions included "cold parenting" (33.7%), association with intellectual disability (26.7%), and belief that ASD can be outgrown (46.1%). The nurses' endorsement of intervention for speech therapy (96.7%), special education (94.5%), and parental counseling (87.6%) was the highest; no respondent identified the Applied Behavior Analysis.

Correlations between demographics and recognition were weak; prior autism education modestly improved the recognition of unusual mannerisms (r = 0.155, p = 0.037). Although the awareness of overt ASD traits is high, limited early onset knowledge, persistence, and evidence-based interventions warrant targeted and culturally informed training.