Knowledge and attitudes toward Autism Spectrum Disorder in Poland - results of a national survey and identification of key areas for educational initiatives.

A survey of over 1,000 Polish adults found that while people have some knowledge about autism, there are important gaps and misconceptions. Many still think autism is rare or believe false causes like vaccines. Women, younger people, and those who know someone with autism had better understanding. Most people get autism information from the internet and social media. Better education programs are needed to help with earlier diagnosis and support.

This cross-sectional study surveyed 1,098 Polish adults representative of the national population to assess autism spectrum disorder (ASD) knowledge and attitudes. Results revealed moderate but fragmented understanding, with mean knowledge scores of 8.6±5.5 out of possible range. Key findings included 37% considering ASD rare, only 34% having interacted with autistic individuals, and concerning misconceptions about causes (vaccines 7%, maternal alcohol 10%). Women, younger individuals, those with higher education, and people with personal ASD contact demonstrated significantly better knowledge (p<0.001).

Internet (85%) and social media (28%) were primary information sources. The study identified significant knowledge gaps that could impede early diagnosis and appropriate interventions, highlighting need for targeted educational campaigns and increased government support for early identification initiatives.

Results highlight need for targeted autism education programs addressing specific misconceptions, particularly vaccine myths. Educational initiatives should focus on demographics with lower knowledge scores. Healthcare systems should improve early diagnosis support given public knowledge gaps that may delay recognition.

Single country study limiting generalizability. Cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences. Knowledge questionnaire validity not fully established. No comparison with healthcare professional knowledge despite mentioning them in aims. Sample representativeness details not provided.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication difficulties, repetitive behaviours, and atypical sensory responses. Despite increasing recognition, comprehensive understanding of ASD is lacking among the public and healthcare professionals. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and opinions of Polish society on ASD, identifying the weakest areas to inform future educational initiatives. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to June 2024, involving 1,098 respondents, representative of the Polish population.

Three questionnaires were used: an author-designed autism knowledge questionnaire, the Polish Autism Knowledge Questionnaire, and the Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health Workers (KCAHW). Socio-demographic data were also collected. 37% of respondents considered ASD rare, 34% had interacted with someone with ASD, and 18% had a family member with ASD. Genetics (26.5%), maternal alcohol use during pregnancy (10%), and vaccines (7%) were cited as causes. The Internet (85%) and social media (28%) were themain sources of information.

The mean KCAHW score was 8.6 ± 5.5, indicating moderate ASD knowledge, with women, younger individuals, and those with higher education or personal contact scoring higher (p<0.001). Knowledge about ASD in Poland is moderate yet fragmented, with significant gaps that could impede early diagnosis and intervention. Targeted educational campaigns are needed, focusing on specific gaps, along with increased government support for early diagnosis.