Abstract

Background: Childhood autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder requiring early recognition and intervention. Nurses, especially those in pediatric units, play a vital role in identifying and managing autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of childhood autism among staff nurses working in pediatric units across three selected hospitals, with implications for practice and education. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Sixty staff nurses were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Demographic data and knowledge levels regarding childhood autism were collected and analyzed to explore relationships between nurse characteristics and knowledge scores. Results: The majority of participants were female (70%) and aged between 30-39 years (33.3%). Most held a B.Sc. degree (41.7%). Nurses aged 30-39 years scored the highest mean knowledge score (6.0), though differences by gender and educational level were not statistically significant. Urban nurses had higher mean scores (6.2) compared to rural nurses (4.16), indicating potential disparities in access to training and resources. While overall knowledge was adequate, notable gaps were identified, particularly in communication related to autism care. Conclusion: The findings highlight strengths in nurses’ understanding of childhood autism but reveal critical areas for targeted educational interventions. Enhancing training programs can improve nurses’ competency and positively impact the care of children with autism.

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