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3,1 Autism Myths and Misconceptions

Autism Myths and Misconceptions documents several common myths about autism and provides the factual truths. Some key myths addressed include that autism is relatively new, caused by poor parenting or vaccines, and that all people with autism have intellectual disabilities or lack empathy. The document clarifies that autism is a neurological condition, has genetic components, and that individuals are unique with varying abilities, behaviors, and ways of expressing care.

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Neha Tiwari
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75 views6 pages

3,1 Autism Myths and Misconceptions

Autism Myths and Misconceptions documents several common myths about autism and provides the factual truths. Some key myths addressed include that autism is relatively new, caused by poor parenting or vaccines, and that all people with autism have intellectual disabilities or lack empathy. The document clarifies that autism is a neurological condition, has genetic components, and that individuals are unique with varying abilities, behaviors, and ways of expressing care.

Uploaded by

Neha Tiwari
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Autism Myths and

Misconceptions

I. Myth: The appearance of autism is relatively new.


a. Truth: Autism was first described by scientist Leo Kranner in
1943, but the earliest description of a child now known to have
had autism was written in 1799. Ongoing research and
improvements in diagnosis have identified that the
characteristics of autism exist on a continuum with varying
degrees of severity, intensity, and frequency. 2014 CDC
estimates suggest that 1 in 68 children in the United States
have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

II. Myth: Autism is a mental health disorder.


a. Truth: Autism is a neurological disorder. Studies of the
people with autism have revealed abnormalities in brain
structure and neurotransmitter levels. What is commonly
overlooked is that individuals with developmental disabilities
are twice as likely to have a co-occurring mental health
disorder that also needs treatment or, at times, may render
them in need of acute mental health stabilization, while also
taking into consideration the developmental disability.

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III. Myth: All individuals with autism have mental disabilities.
a. Truth: Individuals on the autism spectrum are unique, with a
wide range of intellectual abilities. Individuals with autism can
be harder to test so IQ and abilities can be under- or over-
estimated, unless testing is done by an expert in IDD and
autism. Tests designed to include language and interpersonal
analyses may misrepresent the intelligence of people with
autism, who struggle with social skills. Many individuals on
the autism spectrum have earned college and graduate degrees
and work in a variety of professions. Conversely, it is
sometimes mistakenly assumed that an individual with autism
has a higher level of understanding than they do, based on
their behavior, language skills or high- level of ability in a
specific area.

IV. Myth: Autism is caused by vaccines.


a. Truth: There is no evidence that childhood vaccination causes
autism. A 1998 study linking autism with vaccines has since
been retracted and numerous studies continue to confirm that
there is no direct evidence that links vaccines to the
development of autism.

V. Myth: Autism is caused by poor parenting or "refrigerator


mothers."
2
a. Truth: In the 1950s, there was an assumption that autism
was caused by emotionally distant or cold parents. Though
the exact cause of autism has not been determined, it is now
firmly established that the development of autism has
nothing to do with parenting style.

VI. Myth: Autism is caused solely by environmental factors.


a. Truth: Genes have been identified as one of the causes of
autism. Parents whose first child has autism are more likely
than the general population to have a second child with autism.
Identical twin studies have shown that if one twin has autism,
the other has a 90 percent chance of having autism as well.
However, environmental factors can contribute to symptom
severity for some individuals.

VII. Myth: Individuals with autism are violent.


a. Truth: Though there have been recent news stories relating
autism to violence, aggressive acts from autistic individuals
usually arise from sensory overload or emotional distress, and
it is unusual for individuals with autism to act violently out of
malice or pose any danger to society. Many individuals
actually prefer to limit their exposure and interactions with
other people because social situations can feel confusing and
anxiety-provoking.
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VIII. Myth: All individuals with autism have savant abilities.

a. Truth: While there is a higher prevalence of savant abilities


among those with autism, only about 10 percent of individuals
with autism exhibit savant abilities. Some individuals with
autism have what are called “splinter skills,” meaning skills in
one or two areas that are above their overall performance
abilities.

IX. Myth: Individuals with autism do not feel love. Individuals


with autism are unable or unwilling to form meaningful
social relationships.
a. Truth: Though many individuals with autism have difficulty
with social interaction, they can have close social
relationships, fall in love and even raise children. Some people
may express their loving feelings in less obvious ways, but it
does not mean they are incapable of experiencing or
expressing love.

X. Myth: People with autism are cold and lack empathetic


feelings.
a. Truth: Individuals with autism feel as much, if not more,
empathy as others, but they may express it in ways that are
harder to recognize. Some individuals with autism may seem
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“cold or uncaring” if they are very anxious or if they are

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expected to show care or empathy in a more “typical” way.

XI. Myth: People with autism can’t stand to be touched.


a. Truth: 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.

XII. Myth: People with autism have no sense of humor.


a. Truth: This may be true for some people with autism, but it is
more likely that the individual expresses or shares humor in
unique or less obvious ways. Many parents report that their
family member may tease, tell jokes, or mimic comedy
actions or comedy lines appropriately, anticipating others will
be entertained.

XIII. Myth: Autism can be cured.

a. Truth: There is currently no cure for autism spectrum


disorders. However, early and intensive behavioral treatment
can, in many cases, reduce the severity of symptoms and help
individuals develop adaptive skills for daily living, emotion
and behavior regulation, and social engagement.

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