Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: June | Volume: 6 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 60-63
Awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder among Non Medical Students - A Survey
P. S. Divya1, Elakiya Elango2, Sunil Kumar. J2
1Clinical Supervisor, MERF-ISH(P)Ltd, New.No.1, Old N.1/1,South Canal Bank Road, Mandaivelipakkam, Chennai-600 028, Tamil Nadu, India.
2BASLP (2016-2020), MERF- ISH(P)Ltd, New.No.1, Old N.1/1,South Canal Bank Road, Mandaivelipakkam, Chennai-600 028, Tamil Nadu, India.
Corresponding Author: P. S. Divya
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder is a Neuro-developmental disorder that affects communication and social behavior. Examining the awareness of ASD in Non Medial students (arts and engineering students) would help in early recognition and improved support to affected families. Insufficient knowledge about ASD and inappropriate attitudes towards mental health services use may affect the efforts of early identification and intervention. Awareness is not to help raise funds to cure autism, rather the awareness involves in early identification and early diagnosis. Early diagnosis allows children to enroll in speech therapy or other programs that will help improve their quality of life.
Aim: To assess the awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder among the Non- Medical students.
Method: A cross sectional study involving 352 non-medical students pursuing arts and engineering (both undergraduate and post graduates) in government and private colleges were involved for the study. Survey was conducted, and data related to ASD was collected using a self-administered questionnaire.
Result: Descriptive statistics was carried out (P<0.5). Out of the total 352students, 44.32% of the students were found to be aware about ASD and 55.68% of the students were not aware about it. 60% among the subjects were females and 40% were males who were found to have awareness about ASD.
Conclusion: Awareness of ASD to be created among the non-medical students. These will enhance in early identification and diagnosis of ASD with early intervention that are known to improve prognosis.
Key words: ASD, Awareness, Non-Medical students
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