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Article by: Sharon
Autism. Yes, you’ve heard it. But do you know the truth behind this disorder? If you said yes then think again! There are many misconceptions about autism and can be misleading. So it is important that we know the truth so as to protect autistic people from potential danger and hate.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a disorder that is often diagnosed in infants and even in adults. No two individuals with autism are the same and the behaviors and traits vary from one person to another. Hence, autism is a spectrum. In the modern era, thanks to increasing awareness and research, we understand more about autism than before.
1) Autism is an illness
Some people think that autism is a disease curable with medicines and they are considered “sick”. Autism IS NOT a disease. Autistic people have difficulty in social skills and interaction. Despite that, autistic people can still live a normal life just like us, especially with the aid of therapy and professional intervention.
2) Vaccines cause autism
In the late 1990s a dubious research study was published that drew a highly tenuous link between vaccines and autism. However, study shows that there’s no link between vaccines and autism and the physician responsible was stripped of his medical license later. However, the myth did not end there and continued to spread for decades.
3) Autism is becoming an epidemic
Many people think that autism is becoming more common as it can be seen to appear more frequently in children nowadays. But this myth didn’t take into account that this is actually a reflection of an increased understanding of autism spectrum disorder and better diagnostics. This means that more people who previously may not be identified as autistic are now being diagnosed.
4) All autistic individuals are talented
When it comes to talented autistic individuals, people can think of them as being extraordinary and smart. To some extent, it is not a myth but what is a myth is to assume that ALL the people with autism possess this savant skill. In reality, they often exhibit very specific interest in a singular topic and exclude everything else. This leads to them having a higher-than-average level of knowledge on that particular topic.
5) Autistic individuals have no emotions
This myth poses unfairness for autistic people. They are completely capable of feeling all emotions just like us. Judging from their inability to communicate and socially interact well, people often misinterpreted them as being insensitive and lacking an interest in making connections and relationships. Again, with the help of therapy and professional interventions, autistic people will be able to socialize and express themselves well.
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