The level of specialists’ knowledge of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder in the Riyadh region

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University

2 جامعة الإمام محمد بن سعود الإسلامية - المملكة العربية السعودية

Abstract

The current paper aims to assess the level of specialists' knowledge of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder in schools, programs, and governmental and private special education centers in the Riyadh region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to identify differences in their knowledge of those criteria based on academic qualification, job title, years of service, and training courses. The authors used the descriptive quantitative survey approach, and the sample included 430 participants, including 197 males and 233 females, who responded to a questionnaire to collect data prepared for research purposes. The results showed that the level of specialists' awareness of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder in Riyadh is high, and there are statistically significant differences in their knowledge of those criteria based on educational qualification, as knowledge was higher among those with higher qualifications. The results also showed that there are statistically significant differences between the level of knowledge of specialists and the job title, as well as between the level of knowledge and the years of job service and attendance at training courses. The results have been interpreted considering the theoretical framework and previous studies. The authors also recommended strengthening training programs on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder for all special education professionals and some future research proposals.

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