A Systematic Review of Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge, Self-Efficacy and Attitudes Towards Working with Autistic People

Citation

Corden K, Brewer R & Cage E (2021) A Systematic Review of Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge, Self-Efficacy and Attitudes Towards Working with Autistic People. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-021-00263-w

Abstract
Healthcare professionals play a vital role in identifying and supporting autistic people. This study systematically reviewed empirical research examining healthcare professionals’ knowledge, self-efficacy and attitudes towards working with autistic people. Thirty-five studies were included. The included studies sampled a range of countries and professional backgrounds. A modified quality assessment tool found the quality of the included studies was moderately good. Narrative synthesis indicated that healthcare professionals report only moderate levels of autism knowledge and self-efficacy, and often lack training. Variation within and between countries and professional background was not explained by demographic factors. The reviewed evidence suggests health professionals’ limited knowledge and self-efficacy in working with autistic people is a challenge to the provision of healthcare for autistic individuals.

Keywords
Autism spectrum conditions; Healthcare professionals; Autism knowledge; Self-efficacy; Attitudes

Notes
Output Status: Forthcoming/Available Online

Journal
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

• Published version