Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by two key features: a combination of impairments in social interaction and social communication, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. Primary healthcare (PHC) are frequently a first point of contact for patients with ASD symptoms and play a crucial role in early diagnosis. Mention that early intervention is required to ensure that patients with ASD receive the proper education. ASD is a lifelong condition that affects patients. There are gaps in our understanding of how people with autism interact with healthcare professionals. Relevant studies have identified issues such as complexity that goes beyond the scope of the typical role, a lack of knowledge and resources, a lack of training or prior experience, communication and collaboration, the need for information and training, the need for care coordination and systemic changes, but no studies have looked at the knowledge levels of PHC patients in Saudi Arabia. Aim of the study: To Assessment of the Knowledge regarding autism in the patient attending in the primary healthcare in Makkah City at Saudi Arabia 2022. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted, in October -November 2022, among 200 patients attending in the primary healthcare in Makkah City, a written questionnaire was developed based on a literature review. The questionnaire tool consists of questions that test respondents' understanding of the causes of autism spectrum disease, the characteristics of autistic patients, the needs and abilities of autistic people, and the needs and abilities of autistic people themselves. Result: In terms of marital status, the majority of participants were married (59.0%), in terms of education, the majority of participants had a secondary education (31.0%), in terms of occupation, the majority of participants worked for the government (35.0%), and in terms of primary health care, the majority of participants went to private practices (48.0%). The majority of the participants were in the age group of 25-35 years old, and the majority of the participants were females (51% versus 49%).