Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disability which affects the common social communication, behavior, and general interaction. The symptoms of ASD vary for different individuals, especially in children and adults.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as both children and adults can learn to live, socialize, and move freely. With the right therapy, some people with this disability can also work without it affecting them much.
That said, we want to address some common myths among the populace and reveal their truths. Let’s begin.
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6 Flabbergasting Myths & Misconceptions About Autism
The autistic community makes up about 2% of the world’s population, with many more misunderstanding its condition.
Experts are working closely with patients and inventing various therapies to help people with autism, and in the meantime, also battle different misconceptions about ASD.
Here are a handful of common myths in the hope that people will better understand what kind of challenges people with ASD face on a daily basis.
Myth #1 – Everyone has a similar ASD experience
Just like there are various symptoms in people with autism, there are also a wide range of experiences. The behavior and skill sets of those individuals with autism vary from person to person, and every individual’s experience is vastly different from others.
Myth #2 – Vaccines can cause autism in children
This is by far the most widespread myth and one of the most common misconceptions among the world populace. There have been numerous researched reports that vaccines do not cause autism, and there’s no connection to the increased risk of autism spectrum disorder.
Myth #3 – Girls can’t get autism
Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls by about four times, but that doesn’t mean girls can’t get diagnosed with ASD. Even though they’re less likely to do so, girls can still be diagnosed, so it’s important to beware of misdiagnosis and always do backup checks.
That being said, boys are more likely to be born with autism compared to girls, as ASD can run within the family since it is a genetic component. This also depends on which parent carries the autism gene, bringing us to address the next myth.
Myth #4 – Only children can be diagnosed with autism
This is a big no-no! More and more people in their adulthood have been diagnosed with ASD. Autism isn’t a condition like high blood pressure because there is no biological marker that can be used to detect and diagnose ASD.
Due to this, numerous children are being misdiagnosed with other conditions, such as anxiety and ADHD. This is the number one concern regarding ASD, as doctors can’t identify the cause of their symptoms adequately.
Things are improving, though, as our understanding of autism continues to improve, which helps people who raise autistic children tremendously.
Myth #5 – Autism can be cured
Autism is not an illness, and therefore cannot be cured. It’s a lifetime condition and it means that the person’s brain is simply processing information in a different way. While there can be some common symptoms that need treatment, and certain medications can help with them, that does not mean that a person can get rid of being on the spectrum at some point in their lives.
The right therapies can help individuals on the spectrum lead more fulfilling lives, though.
Myth #6 – All autistic individuals suffer from intellectual disability
No, this is untrue, and there are no scientific facts to back this up. Several recent studies on autism and intellectual disability confirm that about 70% of individuals on the spectrum can have some form of intellectual disability. However, despite the fact that they often go hand in hand, this is not a universal rule, and people on the spectrum don’t have to have any form of cognitive malfunction.
Additionally, it is also a common myth that people with ASD can develop skills like photographic memory, which can happen but is incredibly rare.
Conclusion
Autism affects social communication and behavior, but individuals can still live fulfilling lives with the right therapy and support. Shutting down common myths and misconceptions is vital in our understanding of ASD.
Experts and scientists have researched autism extensively and concluded that vaccines cannot cause ASD. Moreover, girls can also be diagnosed with autism, albeit boys are more likely to do so, and contrary to popular belief.
Debunking these myths, alongside improved awareness, further enhances accurate diagnosis.
