PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

Arlinda ISMAILI, Buniamin MEMEDI

Abstract

The notion of inclusion has received great attention in all countries around the world, emphasizing that all people, including people with autism spectrum disorder, have the right to be fully included in society by being given the appropriate support. Beyond the educational process, inclusion should also extend to employment and independent living, creating equal conditions for all. All people with autism should have equal opportunities to learn, to be employed and to be an active part of the community, having access to appropriate support for their specific needs. For this reason, it is essential that society provides conditions that promote their emotional, social and economic well-being, eliminating the barriers that limit them in education, the labor market and daily life. This study aims to assess knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder in the general population. Participants were 100 people of different ages and profiles, who were surveyed electronically using a questionnaire taken from a similar study, which was translated and adapted into Albanian. The study used a quantitative research method, while the data were processed using the SPSS program, using statistical and descriptive analysis, as well as differential and comparative analysis. We found that the general population has a high level of knowledge on ASD, the female gender has slightly less knowledge compared to the male gender, there are no significant differences depending on the age and level of education of the respondents, while statistically significant differences were found between groups of different professions.

Pages: 14 - 21