One of the most efficient ways to help raise autism awareness is by becoming informed and learning the truth behind inaccuracies perpetuated by myths. Outlined in this article are some of the most widespread misconceptions regarding ASD, in combination with the actual facts.
Myth: People with autism lack feelings and have difficulty empathising with the feelings of other individuals.
Fact: Individuals with autism experience all of the feelings that neurotypical persons do. However, they might find it challenging to express their feelings.
Also, this might complicate and make it harder to perceive the feelings of others. Someone with autism may have difficulty understanding facial expressions or picking up on emotions and tone in speech, most notably sarcasm.
You may find communication works better if you communicate an emotion in a straightforward manner rather than expecting an individual with autism to infer how you feel.
Every child is special and with love, patience, time, and hard work, many that do not display affection will eventually learn to show affection (Mclntosh, 2015).
Myth: Intellectual and developmental difficulties are both present in individuals with autism
Fact: The spectrum of autism varies very widely. Many persons on the autism spectrum not only have very high IQs, but are also extraordinarily gifted in their own ways. Even if they have challenges in some areas, they are sometimes more than competent in others. For instance, a person who is poor at identifying emotions may also excel at maths. Someone else may struggle with repetitive behaviours or even maintaining eye contact but is a fantastic artist (Mclntosh, 2015).
Myth: Children with autism will “grow out of it.”
Fact: Autism is a lifelong disorder. However, this does not imply that a child cannot learn how to manage their own specific symptoms. Children with autism spectrum disorder can benefit from a range of therapies to help them learn to function productively and independently, including physical, speech, and occupational therapy (Mclntosh, 2015).
Myth: Children with autism never maintain eye contact.
Fact: Some individuals do make eye contact, and some individuals make eye contact after practising making eye contact for years (Babilou Family, 2023).
Myth: Children with autism do not communicate.
Fact: Many autistic kids grow up to have decent functioning language. Most other children can learn certain communication abilities, such as sign language or the use of pictures, computers, or technological gadgets (Babilou Family, 2023).
Early diagnosis and intervention could improve the chances of people with ASD to make friends and build relationships by helping them develop self-confidence and improving their understanding of others (Mclntosh, 2015).
The primary takeaway from this article is to promote early detection and intervention, support and acceptance for autistic children to eventually lead productive and independent lives. This will encourage everyone around individuals with autism to be more understanding, and to embrace and be more inclusive towards people with autism.
Written by: Hanyu
References
Mclntosh, J. (2015). Raising awareness of the myths of autism spectrum disorder. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/291832
Babilou Family Singapore (2023). World autism awareness month: Facts on autism spectrum disorder. Babilou Family Singapore. https://babilou-family.sg/autism-awareness-facts-on-autism-spectrum-disorder
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