There are many misconceptions and myths out there concerning autism and those who have it. To ensure that autistic people receive the support, assistance, and understanding they both need and deserve, we must dispel common beliefs about autism. These preconceptions may be derogatory, harmful, stigmatising, or merely inaccurate.
ASD, also known as an autism spectrum disorder, affects about 1 in 100 people. Autism is the term most often used to describe it. Autism is frequently diagnosed in youngsters, but it can also be discovered in certain adults later in life.
It’s vital to remember that autism is a spectrum because no two people with the condition are the same. While some autistic individuals are fluent and very communicative, others may not speak or communicate at all. Individual differences can be seen in both the number of autistic symptoms and how those features are shown.
Myth: Autism is caused by vaccination
There is just no scientific evidence to support this even though numerous large-scale, gold-standard scientific investigations have been conducted. If it were so easy, we would already be aware. The complex condition of autism appears to be brought on by a wide range of genetic and environmental factors. The promise of an immediate solution, an easy way to solve the problem, or even a speedy cure has lured many parents. Life is unfortunately not simple, but rest assured that great efforts are being done to elucidate the genes and other contributing variables to better understand autism and effectively treat its symptoms.
Myth: All individuals with autism have the same abilities and challenges
Every person with autism is different from others and has a range of skills and passions. Each person with autism will have unique communication styles, sensory requirements, and social interaction. Because of this, autism is referred to as a “spectrum disorder,” and supports should be personalized for each person.
Myth: Children with autism can’t learn
They can, without a doubt, if the rest of us learn how to teach them effectively. Most kids will get better with treatment, but it has to be good therapy that is made just for that kid. For some people, learning is challenging, and they will make very slow progress. Still, if family and teachers are persistent and employ a successful teaching strategy, things can change and lives can get better slowly but surely.
Myth: People with Autism Don’t Feel Emotions
The notion that individuals with autism lack feelings or are incapable of caring about the emotions of others is untrue. Autism sufferers are capable of feeling a variety of emotions. Autism spectrum disorders can occasionally make it difficult for sufferers to read the emotions and body language of others or comprehend social cues. They might put their feelings ahead of those of others. Since many people can do this, that isn’t necessarily “an autism thing.” However, some individuals with autism are more perceptive and thoughtful than ordinary people. These people have excellent emotional sensitivity. They may even be deemed “people-pleasers” due to their great consideration for others, preoccupation with other people’s needs and goals rather than their own, and acute awareness of other people’s feelings.
Myth: Autism is caused by bad parenting
I’m sorry, but it’s not. Autism cannot be caused by bad parenting, yet it cannot be helped by any child. Because our children are not responding to us as typically developing youngsters do, many of us parents believe that we are not very good parents. If we have multiple kids but only one of them is on the spectrum, this is extremely obvious. But we can raise all of our kids to be wonderful people. And the more we comprehend our kids, the more room they have to grow.
Bottom line
All in all, people with autism are special and significant in their own right. A “spectrum” disorder is autism. This implies that each individual with autism has a unique experience of the world. Misconceptions regarding autism and early intervention are exacerbated by myths like the one above. The best you can do as a parent is to embrace your child’s individuality and provide them with early support. Although autism cannot be cured, many people on the autism spectrum can enjoy fulfilling lives if given the correct support.
