Abstract
Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Early detection depends heavily on parental knowledge, yet limited data exist from Nepal, particularly among parents of young children. This study assessed parental knowledge of ASD and its association with socio-demographic variables.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 398 parents of under-five children attending the Pediatric Outpatient Department of Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital, Morang, Nepal, over three months. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.70) and analyzed in SPSS version 23. Knowledge scores were categorized as low (≤19), moderate (20–24), and high (≥25) based on quartiles. Chi-square and Fisher-Freeman-Halton Exact tests were applied, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results: The mean knowledge score was 21.46 ± 3.81 (range 7–30). Although all parents (100%) had heard of autism, only 21.4% had high knowledge, 51.5% had moderate knowledge, and 27.1% had low knowledge. Knowledge was significantly associated with religion, ethnicity, educational status, monthly family income (p < 0.001 for all), presence of a child with a chronic condition (p = 0.035), and information received from health workers, media, and friends/relatives (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Despite universal awareness of the term "autism," comprehensive parental knowledge remains limited, with significant disparities across socio-demographic groups. Targeted, community-based awareness programs and routine developmental screening during healthcare visits are needed to promote early recognition and intervention for ASD in Nepal.
Supplementary Files
References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Barsha Pokharel, Biprasa Yadav, Anupama Pokhrel, Anjali Mishra, Merina Chaudhary