Autism-Myths and misconceptions

Awareness of autism is growing, but there is still a lot of confusion around what autism is, what causes it and how it affects people in very different ways-

Myth- Autism is caused by vaccines

True- The most widespread misconception is that vaccinations cause autism. Tests on sizable populations have been conducted frequently to ensure the safety of immunizations. Hundreds of thousands of participants in high-quality studies have repeatedly demonstrated that vaccines do not cause autism.

Myth- Autism is a childhood condition

True- Autism lasts a lifetime. In actuality, there are more adults with autism than children. However, adult individuals with autism have not received enough attention in the literature. Studies indicate that individuals' results might improve over time if they receive the appropriate assistance, such as when it comes to language, communication, and anxiety.

Myth- Autistic people have a special talent

True- We are aware that this is a common question for parents and adults with autism, and it can be upsetting. People with autism have talents and limitations just like everyone else. You don't have to be autistic to be the next Albert Einstein.

Myth- Autistic people have learning disabilities

True- Many individuals with autism are capable and self-sufficient when provided with appropriate assistance and surroundings. 1 in 4 persons with autism say very little or nothing at all, yet they can still communicate in other ways.

Myth- Autistic people are anti-social

True- Although some autistic individuals may require assistance with social skills or behave differently in social situations, the majority of autistic individuals value relationships. Individuals display their social challenges in a variety of ways. Some people shy away from social situations or are silent, while others talk too much and find it difficult to engage in two-way talks. It makes a huge difference to take the time to get to know autistic people and recognize their unique characteristics in a joyful setting.

Myth- Autism can be cured

True- Although each person with autism is unique, most autistic adults and their families that we talk with believe that autism plays a significant role in their lives and is not something they would take away. Giving autistic people the assistance and resources they require to live long, happy, and healthy lives is the goal of our study.

Myth- Only boys are autistic

True- Compared to females, more men are diagnosed with autism. But autistic people can be of any gender. Girls are more prone than boys to "mask" their autism, becoming more adept at interacting with those who are not on the spectrum. This could imply that a lot more girls than boys are diagnosed with autism considerably later in life.

Myth- Autism is caused by bad parenting

True- Poor parenting does not cause autism. Studies have demonstrated that parenting is not at fault. Currently, we are sponsoring research to support parents and aid in their understanding of autism. This method can help a child with autism communicate more effectively. While a child's parenting style might undoubtedly aid them in adjusting to their environment, it is unquestionably not the primary reason of their behavior.

Myth- Individuals with autism are violent

True- Even though there have been some recent news reports linking autism to violence, aggressive behaviors in autistic people typically result from sensory overload or mental discomfort; it is uncommon for autistic people to act aggressively intentionally or to endanger others. In fact, a lot of people would actually rather avoid social settings and restrict their exposure to and interactions with other people because they can be confusing and induce anxiety.

Myth- The appearance of autism is relatively new

True- The first description of a child with autism was written in 1799, but the condition was first identified by scientist Leo Kranner in 1943. As a result of ongoing research and advancements in diagnosis, it is now understood that the characteristics of autism are present on a continuum in different degrees of severity, intensity, and frequency. According to CDC estimates from 2014, 1 in 68 children in the United States is estimated to have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Myth- People with autism can’t stand to be touched

True- While some persons with high sensory sensitivity may find this to be the case, many people with autism find that hugs, gentle massages, and other types of touch are comforting.