Outcomes of Survey on the Public Attitudes toward Autism in Hanoi, Vietnam

Introduction. Children autism spectrum disorder have been treated as discriminated and stigmatized in many countries. Aim. The purpose of this study is to assess public attitudes among Hanoi citizen toward autism spectrum disorder. Materials and Methods. A cross sectional survey of a total of 640 people aged 20 to 65 years old in Hanoi from September 2017 to December 2017. A 20 item questionnaire was developed according to the criterial of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Five Edition (DSM-V), and literature studies on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and was adapted to Vietnamese culture by experienced psychologists. Results. The findings showed that more than 65 percent of people had the correct attitude about autism in children in the total of 640 interviewed people. There were some negative conception toward ASD such as poor parenting, stigma, and exclusion from mainstream schools. Conclusion. Approximately one-third of the respondents had an incorrect attitude about autism. In order to increase the inclusion of autistic children, knowledge and skills should be provided to caregivers and preschool teachers in terms of care and education services for children with autism, especially early interventions and community-based programs on autism spectrum disorder.