Despite heightened awareness in recent years, misconceptions about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are still very prevalent and can be harmful. To fully support those with ASD and ensure inclusive spaces, it’s important to clear up any confusion on what it means when someone receives an ASD diagnosis.
Here are five of the most common myths and misconceptions about ASD.
Myth 1: Autism is a disease
ASD is a complex neurological disorder. There is a common misconception that ASD is a disease – in fact, it is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in early childhood. ASD is a spectrum condition, meaning it affects everyone differently and to varying degrees – each person will have their own unique set of strengths and challenges.
Myth 2: Individuals with autism are aggressive
Though there have been stories correlating ASD with violence, aggressive acts from individuals with ASD usually arise from sensory overload or emotional distress. This is more common in children, and these tendencies tend to lessen as they learn to express their emotions. It is actually unusual for adults with ASD to act aggressively or violently. In reality, individuals with ASD are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators themselves.
Myth 3: Children with autism are unable to form meaningful relationships
Since the earliest reported cases of ASD, professionals have misconstrued that individuals with ASD were not interested in forging friendships or could not do so. The complexities in non-verbal communication have long led people to believe that people with ASD lack empathy or emotional responses. With new research and more thorough insights into the ASD community, this has been proven to be quite the opposite: individuals with ASD have deep desires to develop meaningful relationships. They do create connections, even if their interactions appear different from their neurotypical peers.
Myth 4: Nonverbal individuals with autism are intellectually disabled
Nonspeaking does not indicate an absence of intelligence. There are several reasons those with ASD may have difficulty maintaining conversation, which are not correlated to an intellectual disability or low functionality. If someone is nonspeaking, it does not necessarily mean they are unable to learn, comprehend ideas and effectively communicate.
Myth 5: Medication can cure autism
A common misconception is that ASD can be “cured” by medicine. This could not be further from the truth. ASD is a life-long condition that affects children’s development and behavior. Early intensive behavioral treatment can provide individuals with ASD with the skills and resources for fulfilling and independent lives. With the right treatment, some individuals can make such progress in their disorder that they no longer meet diagnostic criteria.
Although the ASD community experiences varying challenges with their disability, they are completely capable of forming strong, meaningful connections and creating productive, fulfilling lives for themselves. Individuals with ASD go on to hold jobs, maintain friendships and have families of their own.
The lack of understanding around ASD has been one of the major barriers for its community. Yet, due to technological advances and increased research in recent years, we know more about ASD than ever before. Debunking these common misconceptions about ASD allows the greater communities to better support those with ASD and their families.
Individualized behavioral care can be incredibly beneficial for providing children with the skills they need for success in later years. Maxim Behavioral provides individualized applied behavior analysis (ABA) services in home, school and community-based environments.
