An analysis of the level of knowledge among nurses and midwives about autism and its early diagnosis

Early identification of children with autism and the conduction of its treatment and care at the pre-school years increase the chances of child's treatment and adjustment to life. Nurses and midwives can play a key role in the early diagnosis of autism. This study was conducted between April 2011 - June 2011 in order to examine the level of knowledge among nurses and midwives about autism and its early diagnosis. The samples of this study consist of 248 nurses and midwives. The Data for the study has been collected by a questionnaire consisting of 30 questions. The research data were analyzed on a computer with SPSS 20 program, by taking Percentage, Average, and Standard Deviation, Independent Samples T-test and One-Way ANOVA. In this study, it has been identified that 56% of the participants are nurse, 93.5% of nurses and midwives in this study had not been educated about autism. Moreover, it has been found that the score of knowledge level regarding the early diagnosis of autism among the participants is at a good level (mean: 71.31, SD: 17.74), and that Bachelor's and master graduates have had a high level of knowledge, whereas those who have worked more than 11 years in their profession and those who are over the age of 33 have had lower scores. Based on these results, training projects about early diagnosis of autism which emphasize the role of nurses and midwives, as well as providing them with brochures, video and similar up to date information about autism can be recommended. Key Words: Autism, Autistic children, Early diagnosis, Nurse, Midwife.