Monthly Feature: Dispelling the Myths About Autism

This chart show Autism as going from very low functioning to very high functioning. – Courtesy photo

By Roshan Perera

As National Autism Awareness Months comes to a close there are still numerous myths that circulate about what autism is and how to “deal with” autistic individuals. Compiled below is a list of those myths and the responses from those with autism, as well as from the medical community at large.

– Myth #1: There is an Autism epidemic.

It is often touted that there is an autism epidemic that has arisen in our society due to a variety of causes. In truth, autism is no more common now than it was decades ago. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means it affects the way our brains develop and how it processes information. It is only within the last few decades that we have begun to make great strides in understanding exactly how our brains develop and what effects its development.

It is also important to recognize that the definition of what Autism is has also changed. Autism had a very narrow definition until the late 1980s. It was only during that time that the idea of a spectrum was introduced to the definition. This caused those that were previously undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed, to now fall under the definition of having autism.

– Myth #2: People with Autism do not have or cannot feel emotions.

This is actually the complete opposite of what happens. Individuals on the autistic spectrum have the same range and depth of emotions that everyone else does, they just do not process them in the same way. Many of the social and emotional interactions that happen around us are too nuanced for a person on the spectrum to pick up on. Often times an autistic person has a great deal of empathy and concern for the people around them, but they do not know how to deal with their own emotions leaving them paralyzed or frustrated with the mental overload of their own inadequacy.

– Myth #3: A lot of Autistic individuals have some sort of savant ability, in one capacity or another.

This chart breaks down areas that are affected by autism in a more accurate reflection of an individual’s capability. – Chart by Roshan Perera

This is partially true. There are some autistic individuals who have extraordinary abilities when it comes to mathematical, musical, or artistic skills, but they are by no means a majority. The ability of an autistic individual has often been illustrated as a linear progression. However, it has recently begun to be outlined in a more accurate polygon chart. While some individuals may need lifelong care and have extreme difficulty living on their own, other individuals may pass virtually unnoticed as being autistic. It is a highly individualized disorder and must be recognized as such.

If you would like to know more about autism or what you can do to spread awareness about this disorder, here are a few useful online resources. The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network: autisticadvocacy.org; The Autism Network International: autreat.org; and The Autism Society of America: autism-society.org.

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