Talking Autism: Myths exposed

‘People often assume that Connor must be amazing with art or music. He’s very bright but in a very unique way. He struggles to understand the world the way we can, but sees and senses so many things that other people don’t.’ Father of Connor, 9 years old with autism

In this current day and age, autism awareness is growing exponentially. However, there are still many common misconceptions about autism held by many, which can cause issues with autism being recognised and hinders support being provided to the people who do suffer from autism in a variety of ways.

Here, we want to shed some light on these misconceptions and most commonly held myths with the hope to be able to change thinking and attitudes towards this neurodevelopmental disorder.

Myth 1: AUTISM IS LINKED TO VACCINES

Possibly the biggest and most damaging misconception is the claim proposed by Andrew Wakefield, that the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine causes autism. This fraudulent claim led to the public disgracing of Dr Wakefield for a number of reasons and his claim was repeatedly disproven in subsequent years in many high quality research studies that proved there was no link between vaccinations and autism.

Myth 2: AUTISM IS A DISEASE

Contrary to popular belief, autism is not a disease. It is a developmental disorder characterized by differences in communication, behavior, and social interaction. Viewing autism as a disease implies that it needs to be cured, which can be harmful and misleading. Instead, it’s important to recognize and respect the unique perspectives and strengths of autistic individuals.

Myth 3: PEOPLE WITH AUTISM LACK EMPATHY

A prevalent myth is that people with autism lack empathy, which is simply untrue. While individuals with autism may process emotions differently, many are deeply empathetic. They may express their empathy in ways that are not immediately recognizable to others, but that does not diminish their capacity for understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

Myth 4: AUTISM IS A CHILDHOOD CONDITION

Autism, a lifelong developmental condition, affects individuals in unique ways. While many people commonly associate autism with children, it’s important to recognise that there are actually more adults than children living with autism, particularly in the UK. This highlights the necessity for ongoing support and understanding throughout a person’s life.

Research indicates that with the right support, individuals with autism can experience significant improvements in various areas of their lives. This support can include specialized educational programs, therapeutic interventions, and community resources tailored to the needs of autistic individuals.

One of the areas where individuals with autism can see positive change is in language and communication skills. With appropriate interventions, such as speech therapy and communication devices, many people with autism can enhance their ability to express themselves and understand others. This improvement can lead to better social interactions and a higher quality of life.

Anxiety is a common challenge for many individuals with autism. However, research suggests that with the right strategies and support, anxiety can be effectively managed. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and sensory integration therapy have been shown to help calm anxiety and improve overall well-being.

While autism is indeed a lifelong condition, the potential for positive outcomes exists at every stage of life with the right support.

Supporting individuals with autism is a community effort, and by fostering an inclusive environment, we can help create opportunities for everyone to thrive.

Myth 5: AUTISTIC PEOPLE HAVE SPECIAL TALENTS

Many parents of individuals with autism and those with autism are asked this extremely frustrating question and often come across as condescending. It’s important to remember that having autism does not automatically equate to possessing extraordinary abilities. Just like neurotypical individuals, people with autism have a wide range of strengths and weaknesses. Recognising and celebrating these strengths is essential in promoting a more inclusive and understanding society.

There is some truth in the fact that people with autism can have higher abilities in certain functions.

Research indicates that about 28% of individuals with autism exhibit specific abilities that stand out significantly. These abilities, often referred to as “islets of ability,” can manifest in various forms:

Mathematical Skills: Some individuals with autism have an exceptional ability to solve complex mathematical problems, often with little to no formal training.
Artistic Talent: Many autistic individuals possess extraordinary artistic skills, creating intricate and imaginative works of art.
Memory: Enhanced memory abilities, such as the ability to recall vast amounts of information quickly and accurately, are also common.
Musical Talent: Some may have perfect pitch or the ability to play instruments by ear without sheet music.

Myth 6: AUTISTIC PEOPLE HAVE LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

Many autistic people are very able and independent, with the right support and a suitable environment most will do very well in a variety of area of work and leisure.

One common misconception is that individuals with autism who take longer to process information do not understand it. This is not the case. In fact, the unique cognitive processes of autistic individuals can bring about distinct strengths and advantages.

Some autistic people may require additional time to process information, which is a reflection of their unique neurological wiring, not their level of comprehension. This slower processing time allows for thorough analysis and a deep understanding of the information at hand. By taking the time to process in their own way, autistic individuals can often uncover insights that might be overlooked by others.

Strengths of Autistic Individuals

The strengths of autistic individuals can be significant and varied. Among these strengths are:

Attention to Detail: Many autistic people have an exceptional eye for detail, which can be advantageous in fields that require precision and accuracy, such as coding, engineering, and quality control.
Pattern Recognition: A remarkable ability to recognise patterns is another common trait. This skill can be particularly beneficial in data analysis, mathematics, and scientific research, where identifying patterns is crucial.
Focus and Persistence: Autistic individuals often exhibit a strong ability to focus intensely on tasks, allowing them to work on projects for extended periods without losing concentration. This can lead to high-quality work and innovative solutions.

Myth 7: AUTISTIC PEOPLE ARE ANTI-SOCIAL

Autistic people may need extra support with social skills or interact differently with the world around them, but most autistic people enjoy having relationships.

Those with autism express their difficulties in different ways. Some are quiet and shy or avoid social situations, others speak too much and struggle to have normal two-way conversations. Implicit communication can be confusing for autistic people and things such as body language, tone of voice and sarcasm can be difficult for them to read. These challenges can make it difficult to make friends, build relationships or get on at work; things neurotypical individuals often take for granted.

Taking time to get to know autistic people and understand their differences in an environment where they are happy makes all the difference.

Myth 8: ONLY BOYS ARE AUTISTIC

Although autism is significantly more prevalent in boys than in girls, it maybe a matter of it not being recognised in girls as much. Girls are more likely to ‘mask’ their autism features, and are more likely to learn the skills to interact with the rest of the world more than the boys. This can mean that girls with autism are diagnosed much later in life than boys.

Myth 9: AUTISM IS CAUSED BY BAD PARENTING

Autism is definitely not caused by bad parenting. Research has proved that parenting is not to blame. Parenting style can certainly equip an autistic child with the tools to better cope with the world, but it is definitely not the root cause of autistic behaviour.

Conclusion

We need not look at autism as a terrible disorder with a low ceiling of promise, but as a marvelous opportunity to look at the world through a different lens and walk in different shoes. If you or someone close to you needs support for mental health issues, please do not delay seeking out help. There are people who can help you.