5 Common Myths Around Autism




There is considerable work being done around autism and a lot of information is freely available on the Internet. Unfortunately, speculation and misconceptions around autism are also wide rampant. This lack of understanding makes it very difficult for those who fall into the Autism Spectrum to adjust to the society and get the support they require leading to loneliness and isolation. In this blog, we have tried to address a few of the prevalent myths surrounding autism.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs an individual’s ability to communicate and interact with others. And that spectrum is very wide based on combinations of different genetic, biological and environmental factors - the characteristics of one person with autism can significantly vary from the other. Therefore, one person's capabilities and limitations are no indication of the capabilities and limitations of another person with autism. A person with autism may have issues with communication, social interactions, and activities. It is not an illness that needs to be cured with medicines.

The myths mentioned below have been around for the longest time and are in serious need of being debunked:

  1. Myth : People with autism don't like people Fact : The main features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are impairments in social communication, language and related cognitive skills, and behavioral and emotional challenges. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) take longer than other children to learn social skills. Their inability to communicate the desire for relationships should not be misconstrued as a dislike for people or interactions. 

  2. Myth : People with autism cannot learn and are intellectually deficient
    Fact: When approached with appropriate methods, therapies, support, love and patience, an individual with autism is perfectly capable of being educated. Most persons with autism have normal intellectual activity and some of them can even show very high aptitude for maths and arts. 

  3. Myth : People with autism cannot understand the emotions of others
    Fact : Autism often affects an individual’s ability to understand unspoken interpersonal communication so they may not be able to figure out others’ state of mind by studying body language or facial expression cues. Also, since it impacts one’s ability to communicate emotions, it may seem like they are not feeling anything. However, directly communicating emotions to a person with autism will help them understand it and very often the person is likely to be more empathetic and compassionate towards others.

  4. Myth : Autism is caused by vaccines
    Fact :     The vague claim, unsupported by evidence, by gastroenterologist Andrew Wakefield in 1998 about the MMR vaccine causing autism have long been dispelled with research and scientific studies. There are also claims that since the introduction of vaccines, the number of cases of autism have gone up. A more likely explanation of the increase in the number of people with autism in recent decades is the fact that a broad range of children, teenagers, and adults on the spectrum are able to get diagnosed now. 

  5. Myth : Autism can be cured
    Fact :     At present, there is no cure for autism. However, early intervention has helped many children to manage symptoms and develop their skills. Intervention during the preschool years can help the child learn critical social, communication, functional and behavioral skills. 

    Jewel Autism Centre is a multi-disciplinary child development centre in Kottayam, Kerala that is specially designed for children with autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities. Instead of relying on medicines alone, the centre uses internationally accepted programs like Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Sensory Integration Therapy, Behavioural Therapy, Remedial Education Program, Special Education, Play Therapy and Social Skills Training Program to help children with developmental disabilities to achieve functional independence. They also provide guidance, support and counselling to the family members who will be caring for individuals with autism. 

    for more details visit : https://jewelautismcentre.com

Location: India

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