Undergraduate thesis.

Autistic pediatric patients often face challenges in overwhelming sensory environments, such as the radiology department. However, if radiologic technologists lack proper training and understanding of their condition, it could lead to suboptimal imaging experiences, a gap further compounded by the absence of tailored national guidelines in the Filipino context. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the autism-related knowledge and effectiveness of skills among radiologic technologists in handling autistic pediatric patients. Through an evaluation conducted in selected hospitals in Parañaque City and Las Piñas City, the study revealed a deficiency in autism-related training among technologists. Despite this, respondents demonstrated a favorable level of autism-related knowledge across recognition, social communication, and especially with restricted, repetitive behaviors. They also exhibited a high level of effectiveness across communication competency and environmental adaptability when handling autistic pediatric patients. Age and length of service were identified as factors influencing autism-related knowledge, particularly in recognition and understanding restricted, repetitive behaviors, but not significantly impacting social communication. Conversely, length of service may enhance radiologic technologists{92} effectiveness in environmental adaptation, while age and sex do not significantly affect communication effectiveness. The autism-related knowledge of the respondents and their effectiveness in handling autistic pediatric patients should be aligned and integrated into programs and training of radiologic technologists to deliver optimal radiology experience.