Aim of the research: The aim of the research is to determine the differences in the knowledge and perception of nursing students about autism spectrum disorders, in relation to age, gender, employment and degree of study. Study structure: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022. Respondents and methods: The study involved 20 undergraduate and graduate students of nursing at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, ranging from 19 to 50 years. An anonymous, newly-designed 30-question questionnaire prepared for the purposes of this research was used to collect awareness of autism spectrum disorders among nursing students. The questionnaire consists of socio-demographic data on respondents (age, gender, year of study) and statements related to the content of autism spectrum disorders. Respondents presented their information in three categories: Yes - indicating agreement with the statement, No - indicating that they do not agree with the statement and I do not know - meaning that they have no knowledge of the statement Results: The obtained evidence suggests that the nursing students do not show significant differences in the level of knowledge acquired during practice and education regardless of their age, gender, employment or the length of study. The most significant difference in the number of correct answers is apparent between the 2nd year graduate nursing students and other respondents. Conclusion: The obtained evidence suggests that the nursing students show a moderate level of knowledge acquired during practice and education. Students lack specific training in dealing with autistic patients as a part of their professional education.