Dataset for: Awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder among Public Primary School Teachers in Iraq

Autism is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions worldwide, impacting roughly 1 in 36 children, as per the latest estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Autism is associated with lifelong challenges, leading to significant social, educational, and psychological impacts for both the children and their families. Yet, In Iraq, there exists a critical lack of research on this condition to the extent that no official estimate of its prevalence has been reported. This gap severely hinders the ability to provide adequate healthcare and support systems for these children and their families.
To address this gap, the International Branch of Tehran University for Medical Sciences and Al-Subtain Academy for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders have conducted nine studies as a part of a research collaboration titled “Epidemiological, Clinical, and Psychosocial Aspects of Iraqi Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder”.
In recognition of the crucial role of primary school teachers in identifying children with ASD, referring them for appropriate evaluation, and suggesting treatments by interacting with parents, we explored primary school teachers’ awareness of autism and found that most teachers had a limited understanding of the condition.
Interestingly, teachers were less likely to identify communication problems as possible symptoms compared to repetitive/restrictive behaviors. The misconceptions that dietary restrictions and mineral chelation are viable treatment options, and that complete cure is possible were also prevalent. Educational workshops were associated with higher awareness and should be conducted more often to primary school teachers of all backgrounds, taking into account the gaps identified in this investigation.