The lack of understanding about autism can make it difficult for people on the autism spectrum to have their condition recognised and for them to access the support they need. False and often negative perceptions about the condition as well as misconceptions can lead to some people with autism being isolated and in extreme cases, lead to abuse and bullying.
1. Autism is a disease
Fact: One of the most common myths about autism is that it is a disease. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs an individual’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Individuals with autism may have issues with communication, social interactions, and behavioral challenges.
2. A person with autism cannot be employed or succeed in the workplace
Fact: For a person with autism like a neurotypical employee, professional success often depends on finding the right position where they can best leverage their strengths and interests. Many employees with autism are making significant contributions in their workplace.
3. People with autism cannot empathize or form relationships
Fact: An individual with autism DO have emotions and DO experience empathy. However, they find it hard to COMMUNICATE their emotions with others and even interpret or express different forms of emotions.
4. Children with autism are more aggressive
Fact: As with other children, there are those with Autism who may shout or hit out when they are distressed, but this is certainly not the case for all children with Autism. This behavior is often related to a lack of alternative skills, or difficulties coping in the sensory environment, regulating emotions or communicating needs. It is rare for a child with Autism to intentionally cause harm to another person.
5. A person with autism has intellectual disability
Fact: In a recent study from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) The network found that 69 percent of children with autism did not have an intellectual disability, which is typically defined as an IQ score of 70 or below. A person with autism can be above average in some areas and have some challenges in the others based on their strengths and weaknesses.
6. Bad parenting causes autism
Fact: This myth, backed by the “Refrigerator Mother Theory” was busted a long time back. However, the lack of emotional warmth and understanding within parents and their refusal to accept their condition can negatively affect the individual with autism’s wellbeing.
7. All individual with autism exhibit savant skills
Fact: A savant skill caused by savant syndrome is a condition in which someone exhibits extraordinary and exceptional mental abilities. This might be related to memory, art, music or rapid calculation. Savant syndrome is present in no more than 1 in 10 (or 10%) of people with autism display some advanced level of a particular skill and varies both in type and degree. They often exhibit particular interest in a specific subject and might have a higher than average level of knowledge on that."