Although there has been increased awareness about autism recently, there are still many widespread myths about it that continue to confuse others and be harmful to autistic people. This article looks to debunk a few common myths about autism and increase understanding.
Myth #1: Autism is a mental health disorder.
Autism is not a mental health disorder. Rather, it is a neurological disorder that is often also described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms often show themselves early in life.
Myth #2: Autism is caused by vaccines.
While the causes of autism are not completely understood, we can firmly say that autism is not caused by vaccines. Numerous studies, the biggest being the JAMA study in 2015, have found no evidence of a direct link between autism and vaccines.
Myth #3: Autism is a relatively new disorder.
The term “autism” was first coined in 1911 by Swiss psychiatrist Eugene Bleuler to describe a symptom of schizophrenia. Autism was first recognized as a separate disorder in 1943 by child psychiatrist Leo Kramer. The first documented case of autism was hundreds of years previous in 1799 by French physician Jean Itard. Although our understanding of autism has changed a lot in the past one hundred years, there is no doubt that it is not a new condition.
Myth #4: All autistic people are savants.
The term savant, that is to say a person who is very skilled in a particular area, is often closely associated with the term autistic. While autistic people are more likely to have savant abilities, only ten percent actually do.
Myth #5: Autistic people are violent.
There is a common perception that autistic people are especially violent. This is untrue. Aggressive acts by people with autism are usually triggered by sensory overload or an instance of emotional distress, but they are not more violent than any other group of people.
Myth #6: Autism only exists in children.
While autism is often described as a developmental disorder, it is usually because symptoms usually show themselves at an early age. Autism can be diagnosed at any age, and exists all throughout a person’s life.
Myth #7: Autism can be cured.
Autism cannot be cured. Treatment early in life can decrease the severity for certain symptoms and help individuals adapt, but there is currently no cure. It is important to keep in mind that autistic individuals are fully capable of adapting and living full lives regardless.
Myth #8: Autistic people are unsociable and cannot form relationships.
Autistic people are fully capable of socializing. Although many autistic individuals may struggle with social interactions, they are still fully capable of forming meaningful, long lasting relationships.
Myth #9: Autism is solely caused by environmental factors.
Although the exact causes of autism are not fully understood, a person’s environment is not the only factor. Genes have been identified as a cause. What environment may influence is the severity of an individual’s symptoms.
Myth #10: All autistic people have mental disabilities.
Every autistic individual is unique, so just like any other group of people there is a wide range of intelligence. Furthermore, many tests misrepresent the intelligence of autistic individuals. For example, tests with interpersonal exchanges and language may under-represent the intellect of autistic individuals given that many struggle with social skills.
Understanding autism is a crucial part of the process of acceptance and inclusion. By teaching others to recognize stereotypes about autism we hopefully contribute to debunking damaging misconceptions and allow autistic individuals to thrive.
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