Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. Unfortunately, there are still many myths and misconceptions about autism that can lead to stigma, prejudice, and discrimination. Here are some common myths about autism.
Myth #1: Autism is Caused by bad parenting
In the 1950s, some people thought that autism was caused by emotionally distant parenting, but research has since shown that parenting style has nothing to do with the development of autism. While no one knows the exact cause of autism, many experts today agree that it is a mix of biological, genetic, and environmental factors. What we do know for sure is that parents of children with autism love and care for their children just as much as any other parent.
Myth #2: pEOPLE WITH aUTISM cANNOT COMMUNICATE
The myth arises from a misunderstanding of the statistic that 1 in 4 people on the autism spectrum speaks few or no words. While there are certainly are individuals on the autism spectrum who are nonverbal, nonverbal does not mean unable to communicate. These individuals who cannot use verbal communication use a variety of other communication methods, from sign language to speech-generating devices.
Myth #3: People with autism are all the same
ASD is a spectrum disorder, meaning there is a wide range of symptoms that present with a wide range of severity. Each person with autism has different abilities and challenges. Some people with autism might struggle with verbal communication skills, whereas another person might struggle more with motor skills, while still others will have issues with both or neither. Just like anyone else, everyone with autism is a unique individual and deserves to be treated
Myth #4: Autism only affects children
Autism is a disorder that is typically diagnosed in childhood, but it is a lifelong condition. Children with autism who have access to appropriate therapy and interventions often are able to develop new skills and abilities in areas they struggle with. As they develop these skills, the symptoms of ASD might be less recognizable to the general public, but these individuals still have ASD. Currently, more than 5.4 million adults in the United States have an ASD diagnosis.
Myth #5: Autism is rare
The CDC estimates that autism affects 1 in 44 children in the United States, but this is likely a large undercount due to a lack or diagnostic resources. As doctors have gotten better at diagnosing autism, more children who might not previously have been considered autistic are now being diagnosed and have access to the services they need.
Myth #6: Autism can be cured
Autism is not an illness or a disease that can be cured. Rather, autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder caused by differences in the brain that affect communication and behavior. While some individuals will be prescribed medication to help treat some symptoms of autism, such as gastrointestinal disorders or hyperactivity, these medications treat particular symptoms, not autism as a whole.
Myth #7: People with autism Are cold and unfeeling
People with autism have the same range of feelings and emotions as anyone else. People with autism often express their emotions differently than neurotypical people, leading to the misinterpretation that they do not feel these emotions, but this is not true. Additionally, autism can make it difficult to interpret nonverbal displays of emotions such as body language, but therapy and interventions can help coach people with autism to better understand the displays of emotions.
Myth #8: People with Autism cannot live independent lives
Throughout history, many people with autism have lived successful and fulfilling lives. Early intervention services have been shown to reduce the severity of symptoms and help individuals develop the skillset they need to fulfill their potential. Currently, there is a severe lack of autism services in Northcentral Monata, meaning cannot access these important services. The Alluvion Health Foundation is currently fundraising for a Mobile Autism Clinic that would bring these services to the community at a price they can afford. TO learn more about how the Mobile Autism Clinic will
