A crippling and life-threatening disease
Many people believe that autism is a disease. The truth is, however, that it's actually a developmental disorder. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects the cognitive, emotional, and social skills of an individual.
When ASD symptoms are severe, a child may be non-speaking. In such cases, speech therapy for non-verbal ASD can encourage them to express themselves.
Genes have been identified as one of the causes of autism. Parents whose first child has autism are more likely to have a second child with autism.
Autism isn't a mental health disorder. It's neurodevelopmental in nature, where the individual has anomalous brain structure and neurotransmitter activities.
A total myth, as autistic children can grow to engage in meaningful relationships. Many are also able to hold down a job.
Since ASD is a developmental disorder, and not a disease, it has no cure. However, speech therapy, play therapy, and behavioral therapy can help an individual reduce the impact of being autistic.
Some parents have had their kids try chelation, which involves taking certain medications to remove mercury from the blood. However, these treatments are based on unsubstantiated reports that mercury can cause autism, which is false.
While there's a higher prevalence of savant abilities among those with autism, only about 10% exhibit them. Symptoms vary in severity in each individual. But a common trait is an intense interest in a particular topic or niche, such as painting, reading, or music.
Every individual’s experience with autism is different because it refers to a broad range of conditions. The skill sets, behaviors, and challenges vary widely from person to person.
See also: Celebrities with autism who are changing our perceptions
Each person has different ways of learning. By reading, watching videos, or by listening, for instance. In general, a person with autism requires special education before they begin traditional school.
Children with autism have different "languages" for expressing their needs, desires, and emotions. And while it's not always possible to understand their unique ways of expression, it doesn't mean they have an intellectual disability.
Though many individuals with autism have difficulty with social interaction, they can still fall in love and even raise children. Some people with autism may express their feelings in less obvious ways, but it doesn't mean they're incapable of experiencing or expressing love.
Individuals with ASD experience social communication disorder (SCD). Therefore, it's common for them to have trouble recognizing and responding to the emotions of others. However, they do feel emotions, and simply express them non-traditionally.
Autism appears to be more common in boys, but girls are more likely to "mask" their autism. This means that many autistic girls get a diagnosis much later in life than boys.
Every individual is unique. While some people may only be diagnosed with autism, others might also be diagnosed with motor challenges or feeding issues, for instance. These diagnoses that may occur alongside autism are known as comorbidity.
Children with autism may find it frustrating at times when they're unable to express themselves. Aggressive behavior from autistic individuals usually arises from sensory overload or emotional distress, but it's unusual for individuals to act violently out of malice. Typically, removing the factors that cause any distress can help to calm them.
Since autism is a spectrum disorder, there's no specific type of job for all people with autism. While many adults may enjoy repetitive tasks, it's incorrect to assume a job is a good match solely based on a label.
Individuals with autism feel as much, if not more, empathy as others. They may simply express it in ways that are harder to recognize.
A similar myth to the previous one, many believe that autism is new. However, it was first described by scientist Leo Kanner in 1943. An even earlier description of a child now known to have had autism was written in 1799.
Autism isn't new. Today we just have better tools and methods for evaluating children with ASD. Resources and awareness have also increased over time.
One of the biggest myths of all is that vaccines, specifically the MMR vaccine, cause autism. High-quality research studies have consistently shown that vaccination does not cause autism.
Not true. In fact, more people are being diagnosed with autism in adulthood as our understanding of the condition improves.
As previously stated, autism isn't anything new. Better diagnostic methods are simply recognizing autism in more individuals.
It's more likely that they express humor in unique or less obvious ways.
This can be true for some with high sensory sensitivities, but many individuals with autism enjoy hugs and other forms of touch.
Since it is referred to as a "developmental disorder," many believe that children grow out of autism. However, autism is a lifelong diagnosis.
Autism has no links to foods, and no diets can cure autism. On the other hand, children with autism often show a preference for particular food items. They may express a strong aversion to foods of a certain color and texture.
Research has proven that parenting is not to blame. Parenting style can certainly help an autistic child cope with the world, but it's not the root cause of autistic behavior.
The lack of understanding about autism can make it difficult for diagnosed people to have their condition recognized and to access the support they need. Misconceptions can lead to some autistic people feeling isolated and alone, and in extreme cases abused or bullied. Many parents of kids with autism might desperately seek answers online. Even if awareness of autism is growing, there's still a lot of confusion around what it is, what causes it, and how it affects people in very different ways.
To learn more, let's debunk the biggest myths about autism in the following gallery. Click on for more.
The biggest myths about autism
Gain a better understanding of this condition
HEALTH Misconceptions
The lack of understanding about autism can make it difficult for diagnosed people to have their condition recognized and to access the support they need. Misconceptions can lead to some autistic people feeling isolated and alone, and in extreme cases abused or bullied. Many parents of kids with autism might desperately seek answers online. Even if awareness of autism is growing, there's still a lot of confusion around what it is, what causes it, and how it affects people in very different ways.
To learn more, let's debunk the biggest myths about autism in the following gallery. Click on for more.