Assessment of Community Pharmacists’ Perception toward Autism Spectrum: A Cross-sectional Study from Saudi Arabia

This study is the first in Saudi Arabia to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and barriers of community pharmacists in managing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition requiring multidisciplinary care, with pharmacists playing a pivotal role in medication management and patient support. Despite their accessibility, limited data exist on pharmacists’ preparedness for ASD care in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 254 community pharmacists in the Aseer region using a validated questionnaire. The survey assessed pharmacists’ knowledge of ASD symptoms and treatments, attitudes toward their role in ASD care, and perceived barriers to effective management. Descriptive statistics and Likert scale analysis were utilized to analyze the data. The findings revealed a positive attitude among pharmacists, with 86.6% agreeing that they play a crucial role in supporting ASD patients. However, confidence in discussing ASD-related concerns (70.9%) and counseling about medications (66.9%) was lower. Knowledge gaps were evident, with only 43.3% familiar with core ASD symptoms and less than half understanding non-pharmacological management strategies such as special education. Barriers included insufficient training (55.1%), limited continuing education (51.2%), and inadequate infrastructure (49.2%). The study highlights a critical need for targeted educational programs and systemic improvements to address knowledge gaps and enhance pharmacists’ confidence in managing ASD. Strengthening infrastructure, providing continuing education, and integrating ASD-specific topics into pharmacy curricula are essential for optimizing pharmacists’ contributions to ASD care. These findings offer a foundation for policymakers and educators to develop strategies that empower pharmacists as integral members of multidisciplinary teams supporting ASD patients and their families.