When it comes to autism, there are many common misconceptions that get spread around, giving an altered view of the condition.
Important sectors such as aba therapy for autism are only here due to important research that has been completed.
Here are 9 common myths heard about autism across the globe.
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Table of Contents
Autism is a disease
Due to the variety of symptoms it can present, which range from mild to severe, autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder.
Since autism cannot be cured and is part of a person’s personality, it is differentiated from illness and disease.
The etiology determines whether a condition is a disease, a disorder, or a syndrome.
When internal or external factors impair normal bodily functions, it is called a disease.
The disorder is much broader as it covers mental and physical conditions.
People with Autism are Geniuses
Just like non-spectrum people who are intellectually gifted, those with autism can be extremely intelligent.
To define a problem, prevalence should be used as a factor rather than being the sole consideration.
Approximately one out of ten people with autism are savants.
It can take the form of musical talents, exceptional memory and calculation skills, artistic talents, or preoccupation with a specific subject matter.
It may seem as if the myth of autism and genius has no victims; however, misinformed public opinion can lead to deception and further misunderstandings of autism spectrum disorders.
People with Autism Don’t Need Friends
Autism may make it difficult for people to make friends since they have difficulties communicating and expressing their emotions.
Spectrum individuals may feel isolated because of the assumption that they do not want friends.
They have difficulty making eye contact and interacting with others, and they may appear shy or unfriendly.
Symptoms of autism can make it difficult for people with autism to initiate social contact, so developing friendships can be difficult for these individuals.
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People with Autism Don’t Feel Emotion
Autism spectrum disorder is associated with high levels of anxiety for many people.
It is common for people to experience flat effects or disconnect from emotion when they experience difficulties expressing these feelings.
Autistic individuals can experience various internal and external behaviors and are often misunderstood.
When judging someone based on their outward appearance, one must avoid assumptions about their inner experiences.
Bad Parenting Causes Autism
Genetics and environment may contribute to autism, but the cause is unknown.
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders are denigrated by the autism and bad parenting myth that perpetuates cruelty and degrading stereotypes.
Rather than making misplaced judgments concerning their autistic children, parents should support and understand them.
Financial barriers and lack of health care resources often hinder those raising children on the autism spectrum from getting the services they need.
Those with Autism Suffer from Mental Diseases
Autism is a developmental disease since it is most often identified during the first few years of life.
People with and without this disorder can have mental impairment; however, they don’t always have a mental illness.
As we strive for greater knowledge of the disorder, it’s important to clarify these various phrases to give as much support and clarity as possible.
The words disability and handicap are sometimes misused, making them dismissive or condescending.
Calling all individuals with autism spectrum disorder disabled is wrong because the condition has so many different symptoms.
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There is a Cure for Autism
The neuro-developmental condition plays a crucial role in a person’s hard-wiring.
Symptoms across the lifespan must be managed and treated since you cannot cure the condition.
Interventions such as SPELL, TEACCH, and social stories can be helpful for children with autism spectrum disorders, as well as counseling and applied behavioral analysis.
Those with autism can achieve better outcomes with early intervention and various treatment options.
An Autism Epidemic is Happening
The sudden rise in autism diagnoses may seem like a “pandemic,” but it’s important to remember that the definition of autism has changed over the years.
The criteria that diagnose someone as autistic have expanded to include a disorder spectrum.
The inclusion of different diagnoses explains the increased diagnosis rate under the autism umbrella.
According to WHO (World Health Organization):
It is estimated that worldwide about one in 100 children has autism(1). This estimate represents an average figure, and reported prevalence varies substantially across studies. Some well-controlled studies have, however, reported figures that are substantially higher.
Vaccines Cause Autism
In 1997, based on bogus research, a British surgeon proclaimed that vaccinations were linked to autism.
Since then, additional research has been conducted, and the misconception has been set straight.
The physician who incorrectly attributed autism and vaccination-related findings had his medical license revoked as a result of his actions.
When the study’s data were examined closely, financial conflicts of interest and professional ethical standards were revealed.
The paper was withdrawn from the journal, and the research was debunked.
Unfortunately, this misinformation has already caused damage.
Medical and mental health professionals have spent decades trying to dispel the autism and vaccination myth among the general public since then.
