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Abstract The Aim of the current study is to assess factors that influence parents toward detection of autism spectrum disorder. Research design: A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized in this study. Setting: the study was conducted at autism outpatient clinic at El –Abbasia Mental Hospital. A convenient sample was used, and it’s composed of 100 parents having children with autism spectrum disorder. Tools were utilized; first: an interviewing questionnaire composed of two parts; Socio-demographic data and psychiatric history, second: about factors that influence parents toward detection of autism spectrum disorder. Results: revealed that, slightly more than half of the participants were early concerned, while slightly less than half of the participants were late concerned. Furthermore, more than half of the participants had a late detection, while less than half of the participants had early detection. Conclusion: there is a positive correlation between early symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder and early detection of autism spectrum disorder. As well, there is a negative correlation between level of education and age of detection of autism spectrum disorder, while, others did not. The factors that influence parents toward detection of autism spectrum disorder includes; the level of education and initial concerns. The study recommended that: Increasing parents‟ knowledge and awareness of the early signs of autism spectrum disorder (red flags) and the impact of having children with autism spectrum disorder on the future outcome of their children might lead parents to seek help earlier. In addition, programs for nurses to recognize and assist parents to navigate toward earlier diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. |