Autism myths and misconceptions.

As parents, it can be hard to distinguish between fact and fiction when it comes to educating yourself on the topic of autism. Additionally, there are many myths and misconceptions perpetuated in popular media, film, and social media about autism and the lived experience of people with neuro-diversity. This can be confusing, and even damaging or stigmatising to people who live with autism. It’s important to understand the facts so that we can best support our children and loved ones who are on the spectrum.

One common misconception is that people with autism do not show or feel emotion, or that they do not have empathy and regard for others. In reality, people with autism feel emotions and empathy just as often and colourfully as other people do; they may just express these experiences differently, or be unsure about how to communicate them. For example, before they are taught specific techniques and strategies, people with ASD might have difficulty recognising and articulating their internal emotional experiences, but they experience them nonetheless. Another misconception is that people with autism are not capable of making friends or forming relationships. While it may be somewhat more difficult for people with ASD to form connections with others and maintain them, this does not mean it is impossible. People with autism are capable of forming many meaningful relationships, though it might sometimes take more effort to do so, or some education about how to go about building and maintaining friendships.

It is also a myth that people with autism cannot be successful in life or achieve their many goals and ambitions. In fact, many of the world’s most famous, popular, productive, and successful people have disclosed publicly that they have a diagnosis of ASD, and a quick google search will confirm this for yourself! Another misconception is that ASD is an “intellectual disability”, which it is not. On the contrary, a large percentage of those with ASD have above average intelligence. Cognitive capacity (“intelligence”) is quite separate to the social and communicative characteristics of ASD. Finally, some people still believe that autism is caused by bad parenting. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I can tell you that this is simply and categorically not true. Autism is a neuro-developmental condition that has nothing to do with the style of parenting children experience growing up.

It is important to understand these truths about autism so that we can provide our children and loved ones with the best possible support, understanding, patience, and hope for their future. By dispelling the myths and misconceptions about autism, we can begin to create an understanding and inclusive environment for everyone living on the autism spectrum.