Autism Awareness Among Physical Therapists: Insights from Two Lower-Middle-Income Countries

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a collection of neurodevelopmental disorders branded by deficiencies in social and communicative abilities, stereotyped behaviors, and a limited range of interests, with the onset of initial symptoms present before 3 years of age. In general, ASD is more prevalent in high-income countries but is less known in low and middle-income countries. Lack of knowledge and inadequate training in ASD can lead to discomfort in service delivery to this population. Unfortunately, studies on the knowledge and awareness about ASD among African healthcare professionals are rare; presently none for physical therapists (PTs). We assessed the knowledge and attitude of Nigerian and Ghanaian PTs toward ASD and explored the sociodemographic correlates of knowledge and attitudes toward ASD. Our findings revealed that the overall knowledge of ASD by the PTs was low. Apart from age and gender, the knowledge of the PTs was not influenced by other sociodemographic variables such as marital status, educational qualification, career track, clinical practice setting, and years of clinical experience. Almost half of the PTs alluded to the enormity of the social stigma that ASD holds in their communities and a negative opinion towards children diagnosed with the disorder. In addition, about 70% of the PTs were practicing with a bachelor’s degree in both countries and most were working in clinical settings. The findings provide the basis for curriculum revision in physical therapy education in both countries with the implication of improving early detection, effective diagnoses, and interventions.