El conocimiento del profesorado sobre el Trastorno del Espectro Autista

Teacher’s knowledge about the Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the level of knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that possess 51 teachers. The Autism Knowledge Questionnaire (AKQ) was used to evaluate the knowledge about ASD. It was observed that a 5.9%, 47.1% and 47.1% of the participants present, respectively, weak, acceptable, and good level of knowledge. Weaknesses and gaps of knowledge were associated with comorbidity, characteristics about ASD and the effects of medication. The results of ANOVAS evidenced non-significant differences in the mean scores on AKQ as a function of gender, the university training, the years of teacher’s professional experience and the typology of school. Regarding the current professional profile, Special Education teachers or Speech and Hearing teachers obtained significantly higher mean scores than Elementary teachers (d = 6.41). In the same way, professionals who had had contact with people with ASD reported significantly higher levels of knowledge than people who had not had contact (d = 7.62). In conclusion, it is required a reconceptualization of the teachers’ training that prioritizes the contact with pupils with ASD to enrich their knowledge and, therefore, accomplish an Inclusive Education.