|dc.description.abstract||Once thought to be rare, pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) are now recognized
as the most common neurological disorders affecting children and one of the most
common developmental disabilities (DD) in Canada (Autism Society of Canada, 2006).
Recent reports indicate that PDDs currently affect 1 in 150 children (Centre for Disease
Control and Prevention, 2007). The purpose of this research was to provide an
understanding of medical resident and practicing physicians' basic knowledge regarding
With a population of children with PDDs who present with varying symptoms,
the ability for medical professionals to provide general information, diagnosis,
appropriate referrals, and medical care can be quite complex. A basic knowledge of the
disorder is only a first step in providing adequate medical care to individuals with autism
and their families.
An updated version of Stone's (1987) Autism survey was administered to medical
residents at four medical schools in Canada and currently practicing physicians at three
medical schools and one community health network. As well, a group of professionals
specializing in the field ofPDDs, participating in research and clinical practice, were
surveyed as an 'expert' group to act as a control measure. Expert responses were
consistent with current research in the field.
General findings indicated few differences in overall knowledge between
residents and physicians, with misconceptions evident in areas such as the nature of the
disorder, qualitative characteristics of autism, and effective interventions. Results were
also examined by specialty and, while pediatricians demonstrated additional accurate
knowledge regarding the nature of the disorder and select qualitative impairments, both
residents and practicing physicians demonstrated misconceptions about PDDs. This
preliminary study replicated the findings of Stone (1987) and Heidgerken (2005)
concerning several misconceptions of PDDs held by residents and practicing physicians.
Future research should focus on additional replications with validated measures as well as
the gathering of qualitative information, in order to inform the medical profession of the
need for education in PDDs at training and professional levels.||en_US