Knowledge and Perception Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Among Primary School Teachers in Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To explore knowledge and perception regarding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among primary school teachers in Pakistan

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in public and private sector schools of Islamabad and Rawalpindi from October 2025 to April 2026, involving 94 primary school teachers selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire, distributed via Google Forms, which was constructed based on validated tools from previous studies. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, with categorical variables presented as frequencies and percentages and continuous variables as mean ± standard deviation. The relationship between knowledge, attitude, and teaching experience was assessed using Spearman correlation analysis, while binary logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of good knowledge regarding autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Ninety-four teachers (96.8% females) completed the survey. Misconceptions regarding knowledge about ASD were identified. Overall, 80.9% (n=76) of participants had heard of ASD and 72.3% (n=68) reported having knowledge about ASD in children. Most respondents correctly identified delayed speech (80.9%), difficulties in making friends (77.7%), poor eye contact (69.1%), and rigid routines (63.8%) as common features of ASD. However, misconceptions were present. Nearly one-quarter (24.5%) believed ASD resulted from poor parenting, 36.2% believed children with ASD generally have lower intelligence than their peers, and 53.2% believed children could outgrow ASD with treatment.

Conclusion: Results suggest that teachers have an inadequate understanding of autism spectrum disorder due to several misconceptions. This calls for increased education and training of teachers with regard to autism and other childhood neurobehavioral disorders.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, children, awareness, knowledge, teachers.