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There are many myths about autism perpetuated by television, films, social media and rumors. However, these are common misconceptions about autism, and many are simply not true.
In this post, we'll address some common myths about autism, where they might have originated and why they're nothing more than rumors.
Despite the overwhelming evidence against this, it is one of the most common myths about autism, and many people still believe that autism is or can be caused by routine vaccinations. This is not true. Autism is not and cannot be caused by vaccines.
Check out the CDC for more information about autism and vaccines.
There is no 'cure' for autism, and someone cannot be 'trained' out of having autism. This is a common misconception about autism, and although some people believe in various 'cures' (including diet supplements, bleaching and even a cancer-treating injection made of blood cells), these are not legitimate treatments. In many cases, they will only result in an individual becoming seriously ill.
Fact: Real treatment for autism involves learning what affects an individual and finding suitable coping mechanisms.
This myth about autism refers to the 'autistic savant'. Savant syndrome occurs in a small number of those with developmental conditions such as autism and allows them to develop prodigy-level talents in certain fields. This is the most common presentation of autistic people in the media.
Fact: Only around 10% of autistic people have savant skills, but the stereotype persists in TV and film characters today.
In the 50s and 60s, autism was 'blamed' on mothers who were considered cold or lacking in emotion; this was titled the 'Refrigerator Mother' theory and was deeply negative and harmful. Many parents today still feel a sense of guilt when their child is diagnosed with autism, but this is nothing more than a common misconception about autism.
Fact: While some environmental factors may play some role in an autism diagnosis, it has a large genetic component. Poor parenting does not cause autism.
There are many differences between a meltdown and a temper tantrum, but the primary one is the cause. Meltdowns may come in the form of a shutdown or an outward explosion and mirror the 'fight, flight or freeze' response. They usually mean the individual is overwhelmed or struggling to cope with the situation.
Conversely, tantrums are a chosen behavior aimed at reaching a specific goal. Additionally, they are typically only seen in young children, while autistic people can experience meltdowns at any age.
Fact: A meltdown is caused by a reaction to sensory overload, or overwhelming stimuli and, unlike a tantrum, is not a choice.
Autism itself is not a learning disability, so it does not inherently affect an individual's ability to learn or retain information. However, learning difficulties are more common in autistic populations, with around 40% of autistic people having a learning disability.
It's important to distinguish between a learning disability (which affects intellect) and difficulties in non-accommodating learning environments. An autistic person in a standard classroom might struggle to focus and regulate themselves, meaning their learning might suffer, but that same person in an accommodating classroom could excel.
A sensory corner or sensory room in a classroom or school can make the environment significantly more welcoming to autistic students, as can products like vibro cushions and chewelry.
Fact: While there is a higher rate of learning disabilities among the autistic population, every individual is different, and many autistic people do not find difficulty in learning.
This myth about autism is based in the fact that autistic people might find typical social interaction difficult, particularly with things like reading social cues or expressions, maintaining appropriate boundaries or interpreting idioms or metaphors. Many autistic people prefer to avoid eye contact and physical touch, too, but they will often express themselves in different ways, such as expressing happiness by flapping their hands.
One thing to remember is that, during conversations with neurotypical people, many autistic people feel the need to mask — which means to disguise their autistic traits — in order to fit in. This can be exhausting and can lead to autistic burnout.
Fact: While autistic people may not express themselves in the same way as a neurotypical person might, this doesn't make them anti-social.
There are many different types of stimming, but it's important to differentiate between stims that could be harmful and simple regulatory stimming. For example, an autistic person might clap, wave their hands or repeat a word or sound they enjoy; these aren't harmful or dangerous stims at all and might be a way to express happiness.
Fact: Stimming is a method of self-regulation or an expression of feeling good; stimming can be caused by over- or under-stimulation and should only be stopped if it poses a danger to the individual or those around them.
Lots of people believe that autism is becoming a 'fashionable' or 'trendy' diagnosis, but in reality, the higher numbers of diagnoses reflect that our understanding of autism is changing.
Fact: There is no 'epidemic' of autism; as our understanding of the condition changes, more people are seeking a diagnosis.
Many people believe that autism only occurs in childhood. Autism affects people across gender and age divides and is a lifelong condition.
Fact: Autism affects people across gender and age divides and is a lifelong condition.
Rather than considering violence or aggression, many people prefer to discuss agitated or distressed behavior. This can sometimes manifest in harmful ways.
Fact: While some autistic people do display distressed behavior as violence, it is often a response to a stimulus and can be addressed at a young age.
High-functioning and low-functioning labels are often used in conjunction with autism, but they are widely considered outdated and harmful.
Fact: Autism is a spectrum disorder, not a binary one.
These are the most common myths about autism, but they are not the only ones. The most important thing when discussing autism is that every autistic person is individual and unique.
If you would like to learn more about which sensory products are best for autism, please get in touch with our expert team today.