Perceptions regarding autism spectrum disorders among population of Kazakhstan

Laura Kozhageldiyeva 1 2 * , Lyazzat Kosherbayeva 1 2, Zhanara Sabyrdilda 1 2, Assem Kaukenova 1, Sandugash Kurmanalina 1
More Detail
1 Department of Science, SDU University, Kaskelen, Kazakhstan
2 Department of health policy and management, School of Public Health, Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
* Corresponding Author
J CLIN MED KAZ, Volume 21, Issue 1, pp. 41-47. https://doi.org/10.23950/jcmk/14264
OPEN ACCESS 510 Views 301 Downloads
Download Full Text (PDF)
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, L. Kosh.; methodology, L. Kozh.; validation, L. Kosh.; formal analysis, L. Kozh.; resources, L. Kosh.; data curation, Zh. S.; writing – original draft preparation, L. Kosh., Zh. S.; writing – review and editing, L. Kozh.; visualization, A. K.; supervision, L. Kozh.; project administration, L. Kosh. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

ABSTRACT

Introduction. The increase in the number of patients with autism spectrum disorders around the world leads to the need for public of its symptoms, for early detection and comprehensive care. The increase of public health literacy allows to improve and ease perception of population, families with ASD people. The purpose of the study is to understand the population's perceptions of ASD in Kazakhstan.
Methods. A developed questionnaire in Kazakh and Russian languages was contributed among population of all regions of Kazakhstan during the first half of 2023. Survey provided using the online Google platform. 410 respondents attended the survey. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS13.
Results. The questionnaire was developed using simulation situations, where the respondent chose the most suitable answer. It was found that the willingness to fully accept a child with ASD is not at a high level, regardless of residence (urban, rural). Fear and curiosity were noted as a high response among the population when simulating the situation of a child with ASD on the street. Despite a high level of willingness to help families, respondents identified gaps in knowledge or methods of helping children with ASD. It is known that children with ASD, depending on the severity of the condition, can study at school along with neurotypical children. There was a reluctance among the population to attend schools with neurotypical children, develop friendships, and even live in their neighborhoods.
Conclusion. Changes in legislative acts, the development of Roadmaps for children with disabilities are only the tip of the iceberg in the formation of tolerance for people with disabilities. The creation of a host society should be a key factor in the organizations involved in shaping public opinion. Considering that this issue concerns all structures and areas, not only social programs, it is necessary to develop activities for various segments of the population on awareness and training in helping families with ASD.
Keywords: Autism spectrum disorders, population, perception, Kazakhstan

CITATION

Kozhageldiyeva L, Kosherbayeva L, Sabyrdilda Z, Kaukenova A, Kurmanalina S. Perceptions regarding autism spectrum disorders among population of Kazakhstan. J CLIN MED KAZ. 2024;21(1):41-7. https://doi.org/10.23950/jcmk/14264

REFERENCES

  • American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders 2013. 5th ed. https://doi-org.ezproxy.frederick.edu/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.
  • Zeidan J, Fombonne E, Scorah J, Ibrahim A, Durkin MS, Saxena S, Yusuf A, Shih A, Elsabbagh M. Global prevalence of autism: A systematic review update. Autism Res. 2022; 15(5): 778-790. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2696.
  • Loomes R, Hull L, Mandy WPL. What is the male-to-female ratio in autism spectrum disorder? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2017; 56: 466-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2017.03.013.
  • Hodges H, Fealko C, Soares N. Autism spectrum disorder: definition, epidemiology, causes, and clinical evaluation. Transl Pediatr. 2020; 9(1): 55-65. https://doi.org/10.21037/tp.2019.09.09.
  • Mughal S, Faizy RM, Saadabadi A. Autism Spectrum Disorder. [Updated 2022 Jul 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525976/.
  • Alsehemi MA, Abousaadah MM, Sairafi RA, Jan MM. Public awareness of autism spectrum disorder. Neurosciences (Riyadh). 2017; 22(3): 213-215. https://doi.org/10.17712/nsj.2017.3.20160525.
  • Chansa-Kabali T, Nyoni J, Mwanza H. Awareness and Knowledge Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders Among University Students in Zambia. J Autism Dev Disord. 2019; 49(9): 3571-3581. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04044-7.
  • Wei H, Li Y, Zhang Y, Luo J, Wang S, Dong Q, Tao Y, Gong L, Feng Y, Shi M, Cao Z, Liu Y, Chen L, Liu X, Dai Y, Qu L, Song Z, Chen J, Li T, Cheng Q. Awareness and knowledge of autism spectrum disorder in Western China: Promoting early identification and intervention. Front Psychiatry. 2022; 13: 970611. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.970611.
  • Castillo A, Cohen SR, Miguel J, Warstadt MF. Short report: Perceptions of causes and common beliefs of autism spectrum disorder in the U.S. Res. Autism Spectr. Disord. 2020; 70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2019.101472.
  • Kosherbayeva L, Tolganbaeva K, Kurmanalina S, Kozhageldiyeva L. Psychological support for parents raising children with autism spectrum disorders. Nauka i Zdravookhranenie [Science & Healthcare]. 2023; 25(3): 214-222. https://doi.org/10.34689/SH.2023.25.3.028.
  • Lai WW, Goh TJ, Oei TP, Sung M. Coping and Well-Being in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). J Autism Dev Disord. 2015; 45(8): 2582-93. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2430-9.
  • Keenan BM, Newman LK, Gray KM, Rinehart NJ. Parents of Children with ASD Experience More Psychological Distress, Parenting Stress, and Attachment-Related Anxiety. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016; 46(9): 2979-91. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2836-z.
  • Jones SC, Akram M, Gordon CS, Murphy N, Sharkie F. Autism in Australia: Community Knowledge and Autistic People's Experiences. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021; 51(10): 3677-3689. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04819-3.
  • Brewer N, Zoanetti J, Young RL. The influence of media suggestions about links between criminality and autism spectrum disorder. Autism. 2017; 21: 117–121. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361316632097.
  • King C, Murphy G. A Systematic Review of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Criminal Justice System. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2014; 44: 2717–2733. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2046-5.
  • Anwar MS, Tahir M, Nusrat K, Khan MR. Knowledge, Awareness, and Perceptions Regarding Autism Among Parents in Karachi, Pakistan. Cureus. 2018; 10(9): e3299. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.3299.
  • Corden K, Brewer R, Cage E. A Systematic Review of Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Self-Efficacy and Attitudes Towards Working with Autistic People. Rev J Autism Dev Disord. 2022; 9: 386–399. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-021-00263-w.
  • Carter M, Stephenson J, Clark T, Costley D, Martin J, Williams K, et al. Perspectives on regular and support class placement and factors that contribute to success of inclusion for children with ASD. Journal of International Special Needs Education. 2014; 17(2): 60–69. https://doi.org/10.9782/2159-4341-17.2.60.
  • Skokut M, Robinson S., Openden D, et al. Promoting the Social and Cognitive Competence of Children with Autism: Interventions at School. Contemp School Psychol. 2008; 13: 93–108. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03340945.
  • Zwaigenbaum L, Bauman ML, Choueiri R, Fein D, Kasari C, Pierce K, Stone WL, Yirmiya N, Estes A, Hansen RL, McPartland JC, Natowicz MR, Buie T, Carter A, Davis PA, Granpeesheh D, Mailloux Z, Newschaffer C, Robins D, Smith Roley S, Wagner S, Wetherby A. Early Identification and Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Executive Summary. Pediatrics. 2015; 136(1): 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2014-3667B.
  • Choueiri, R., Garrison, W.T. & Tokatli, V. Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Strategies for Use in Local Communities. Indian J Pediatr. 2023; 90: 377–386. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-022-04172-6.