There are several common misconceptions about autism, which can lead to misunderstanding and stigmatisation of individuals on the autism spectrum. Here are some of the most prevalent ones:
1. Autism is a mental health disorder: Autism is not a mental health disorder, but a neurological one. It involves abnormalities in brain structure and neurotransmitter levels.
2. All individuals with autism have mental disabilities: Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning individuals with autism have a wide range of intellectual abilities. Some may struggle with certain tests, but this does not necessarily reflect their overall intelligence.
3. Autism is caused by vaccines: There is no scientific evidence that vaccines cause autism. The study that originally suggested this link has been retracted and discredited.
4. Autism is caused by poor parenting: This misconception dates back to the 1950s, but it has been firmly established that parenting style does not cause autism.
5. Autism is caused solely by environmental factors: While environmental factors can contribute to symptom severity, genes have been identified as one of the causes of autism.
6. Individuals with autism are violent: Aggressive acts from individuals with autism usually arise from sensory overload or emotional distress, not malice.
7. All individuals with autism have savant abilities: While there is a higher prevalence of savant abilities among those with autism, only about 10 percent of individuals with autism exhibit these abilities.
8. Individuals with autism do not feel love or form meaningful social relationships: Many individuals with autism have close social relationships, fall in love, and even raise children. They may express their feelings in less obvious ways, but this does not mean they are incapable of experiencing or expressing love.
9. People with autism are cold and lack empathetic feelings: Individuals with autism can feel as much, if not more, empathy as others, but they may express it in ways that are harder to recognise.
10. People with autism can’t stand to be touched: This can be true for some people who have high sensory sensitivities, but many individuals with autism enjoy hugs, light massage, and other forms of touch.
11. People with autism have no sense of humour: This may be true for some people with autism, but it is more likely that their sense of humor is different from the norm.
12. Autism is a childhood condition: Autism is a lifelong condition. There are more autistic adults than children, and their needs and experiences can be quite different.
13. Autistic people have a special talent: While some autistic people have special talents, this is not true for all. Autistic people, like neurotypical people, have a range of strengths and weaknesses.
14. Autistic people have learning difficulties: While some autistic people may have learning difficulties, many are very able and independent. They may process information differently, but this does not mean they don’t understand.
15. Autistic people are anti-social: While social interaction can be challenging for autistic people, most enjoy having relationships. They may interact differently with the world around them, but this does not mean they are anti-social.
16. Autism can be cured: Autism is a lifelong condition and is not something that can be “cured”. However, with the right support, individuals with autism can lead fulfilling lives.
17. Only boys are autistic: Autism is more commonly diagnosed in boys, but girls can also be autistic. Girls may be more likely to ‘mask’ their autism, leading to a later diagnosis.
18. Autism is a disease: Autism is not a disease, but a neurodevelopmental disorder. It cannot be cured with medicine.
19. Autism is becoming more common: While the number of people diagnosed with autism has increased over the last few decades, this is likely due to increased understanding and improved diagnostic criteria, not because autism is becoming more common.
20. People with autism don’t feel emotion: Autistic people do feel emotions, but they may express them in ways that are different from neurotypical people.
These misconceptions can lead to harmful stereotypes and misunderstandings about individuals with autism. It’s important to remember that every person with autism is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, and experiences.