Assessement of the state of knowledge of the first line alert network for autism spectrum disorders in a north africain population (Tozeur, Tunisia)1 
Autism is a serious handicap. The lack of epidemiological data in Tunisia made estimations difficult. In the region of Tozeur there is no valid network for detecting ASD, nor a specific register for autistic people. Through this study it has been tried to take stock of the ability of front-line professionals (PPL) to detect ASDs quickly and early. the results were comparable those of studies performed in the populations of Nigeria, Pakistan as well as of Saudi Arabia. In fact, front-line staff have little training in the field, which makes the diagnosis of ASD very late and the treatment ineffective. This requires continuous training of frontline staff for effective and early diagnosis. This will improve the quality of lives of children with ASD and their parents and decrease the financial burden on the state for the care of ASD.