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Determinants of Parental Knowledge of Autism in Early Childhood: A Cross-sectional Study from Northeast India

Muskan Kumari1, Samrat S Bhandari2, Sudip Dutta3

  • 1Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim Manipal University, Gangtok, Sikkim, India.

Eastern Journal of Psychiatry
|July 2, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Parental knowledge of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is limited in Sikkim, India. Occupation and urban residence are key factors influencing parental awareness, highlighting the need for targeted interventions for early ASD detection.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Pediatric Health
  • Public Health Awareness

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition impacting social communication.
  • Early identification of ASD is critical for improving child outcomes.
  • Parental awareness is vital for recognizing early signs and seeking timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess parental knowledge of ASD among parents of young children in Sikkim, India.
  • To identify the determinants of parental knowledge regarding ASD.
  • To inform the development of targeted awareness programs.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 300 parents of children under 3 years old.
  • Data collection via sociodemographic pro forma and the Parent Knowledge Questionnaire on Autism (PKQA).
  • Statistical analysis included nonparametric tests and multivariable linear regression.

Main Results:

  • Only 46.7% of parents had heard of autism.
  • The median PKQA score indicated suboptimal knowledge levels.
  • Paternal occupation, maternal occupation, and urban residence were significant independent predictors of higher knowledge.

Conclusions:

  • Parental knowledge of ASD is limited in the studied population.
  • Occupation and place of residence are key determinants of ASD awareness.
  • Context-specific interventions are necessary to enhance early recognition and facilitate timely ASD intervention.
Abstract

Keywords:
AutismAutism spectrum disorderChildKnowledgeNeurodevelopmental disorderParentPreschool child

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