Despite heightened awareness in recent years, misconceptions about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are still very prevalent and can be harmful. In order to fully support those with ASD and ­­­ensure inclusive spaces, it’s important to clear up any confusion on what it means when someone receives an autism diagnosis.

Here are five of the most common misconceptions about autism.

Myth 1: Autism is a disease

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological disorder. There is a common misconception that autism is a disease, when it in fact is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in early childhood. Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning it affects everyone differently and to varying degrees – each person will have their own unique set of strengths and challenges.

Myth 2: Individuals with autism are aggressive

Though there have been stories relating autism to violence, aggressive acts from individuals with ASD usually arise from sensory overload or emotional distress. This is more common in children and these tendencies tend to lessen as they learn to express their emotions. It is actually unusual for adults with autism spectrum disorder to act violently out of aggression. In reality, individuals with autism are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators themselves.

Myth 3: Children with autism are unable to form meaningful relationships

Since the earliest reported cases of autism, professionals misconstrued that individuals with autism spectrum disorder were not interested in forging friendships – or lacked the ability to do so. The complexities in non-verbal communication have long led people to believe that people with ASD lack empathy or emotional responses. With new research and more thorough insights into the autism community, this has been proven to be quite the opposite: individuals with autism have deep desires to develop meaningful relationships. They do create connections, even if their interactions appear different from their neuro-typical peers.

Myth 4: Nonverbal individuals with autism are intellectually disabled

Nonspeaking does not indicate an absence in intelligence. There are several reasons those with autism may have difficulty maintaining conversation, which are not correlated to an intellectual disability or low functionality. If someone is nonspeaking, it does not necessarily mean they are unable to learn, comprehend ideas, and effectively communicate.

Myth 5: Medication can cure Autism

A common misconception is that autism can be “cured” by medicine. This could not be further from the truth. Autism is a life-long condition that affects children’s development and behavior. Early intensive behavioral treatment can provide individuals with ASD with the skills and resources for fulfilling and independent lives. With the right treatment, some individuals can make such progress in their disorder that they no longer meet diagnostic criteria.

It’s important to keep in mind that autism is only one part of those affected and should be accepted as such. Although the autism community experiences varying challenges with their disability, they are completely capable of forming strong, meaningful connections and creating productive, fulfilling lives for themselves. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder go on to hold jobs, maintain friendships, and have families of their own.

It’s important to keep in mind that autism is only one part of those affected and should be accepted as such. Although the autism community experiences varying challenges with their disability, they are completely capable of forming strong, meaningful connections and creating productive, fulfilling lives for themselves. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder go on to hold jobs, maintain friendships, and have families of their own.

The lack of understanding around autism has been one of the major barriers for its community. Yet, due to technological advances and increased research in recent years, we know more about autism than ever before. Debunking these common misconceptions about autism allows the greater communities to better support those with autism and their families.

Individualized behavioral care can be incredibly beneficial for providing children with the skills they need for success in later years. You can learn more about Maxim’s behavioral services here.

References:

  1. “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed April 8, 2022.
  2. Denworth, Lydia. “How People with Autism Forge Friendships.” Scientific American. April 8, 2020.
  3. Dotinga, Randy. “Genetics a Cause of Autism in Most Cases: Study.” WebMD. WebMD, September 26, 2017.
  4. Lindberg, Sarah. “Is Autism Curable?” Healthline. November 24, 2021.
  5. Marco, Elysa J, Leighton B N Hinkley, Susanna S Hill, and Srikantan S Nagarajan. “Sensory Processing in Autism: A Review of Neurophysiologic Findings.” Pediatric research. U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 1, 2012. doi: 10.1203/PDR.0b013e3182130c54
  6. Molko, Ronit. “MYTH: Nonverbal or Nonspeaking People with Autism are Intellectually Disabled.” Wisconsin Early Autism Project. March 10, 2022.