“Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that is
caused by differences in how the brain functions. People with ASD may
communicate, interact, behave and learn in different ways,” according to
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 1 in 59
children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according
to the CDC (cdc.gov).
While autism may be common, there are many myths and
misinformation circulating that are simply untrue. This article will
correct some of the most common misconceptions.
Myth # 1: Autism is caused by vaccinations.
One of the common misconceptions about ASD is that childhood vaccinations,
such as MMR, cause kids to develop autism. According to the CDC and the
Institute of Medicine, there is no link between vaccines and autism.
Myth # 2: People with autism are geniuses.
There is a common misconception that all people with autism spectrum
disorder are geniuses, can do difficult math problems in their heads or
have a special gift. It is true, some people with ASD do have unique
talents and gifts. However, extreme cases, like the one seen in the movie
“Rain Man”, are rare. As our culture progresses in the understanding of
autism, it is acknowledged that many people with autism have high
intelligence and great attention to detail, and view the world in a
different way that is valued in work environments. This opens a new set of
opportunities in the workforce for people with autism.
Myth # 3: People with autism don’t want friends.
It is true that many people with ASD struggle to understand social norms
which may cause them to feel isolated or to value alone time more than in
group settings. The myth here is that people with autism do not want
friends or value close relationships: they do. Everyone needs friends,
attention, love and acceptance, and all people deserve it as well. People
with ASD need friends who are understanding and supportive of their social
struggles and may benefit from support groups that help them build social
skills.
Myth # 4: People with autism don’t experience emotions.
Those who have autism may find it hard to understand other people’s
feelings and read body language, but that does not mean they do not have
emotions themselves. They have feelings of joy, sadness, anger and
frustration just like everyone else. They may have trouble expressing their
emotions or show them differently than others, but they still experience
normal highs and lows.
Myth # 5: Autism can be cured.
Over the years, as ASD diagnosis has become more common, there have been
many ideas about how it can be cured. Some examples include removing gluten
from the diet, taking vitamins, eliminating mercury from the diet and other
fads. Parents typically turn to these ideas because they are concerned for
their children and desperate for a cure. Studies have shown that none of
these fads have worked and autism cannot be cured. But there are
encouraging, positive changes that can come from behavioral therapy that
helps kids develop communication and social skills, and gives people the
tools to succeed in school and the workforce.
People with autism do respond differently to many situations, but as we
learn more about ASD, we find that not all of the characteristics are
negative, and people can be happy and successful, as well as maintain
healthy relationships with support and understanding from people around
them.
For more resources on ASD go to AutismSpeaks.com
Attend Autism Friendly Virtual Events: https://www.autismspeaks.org/events
