Top 10 Misconceptions About Autism

Note: This list is for educational purposes only and is not meant to be messed with. Thank you.

1. Autism is caused by vaccination

   The myth has been debunked many, many times. If you choose not to vaccinate your child, you're not helping your case and are instead using ignorance as an ineffective tool, which only causes more problems than it solves. If you don't clearly see that you're creating more problems when there's a simple solution, you're delusional in thinking that the problem is the solution.

   This, along with everything else on this list, especially as someone with autism, is possibly one of the dumbest things I have ever heard.

2. People with autism can't learn

   As a matter of fact, people on the autism spectrum can have remarkable talents in specific areas. A lot of them even learn to think in ways that enable them to visualize concepts and systems, such as mathematics and logical reasoning, almost as an additional sense.

   I've known many people with autism in my school's special class for gifted students. They really are smart in certain subjects. Some of them looked like they weren't learning in class, but actually, they learned faster than the others.

3. People with autism don't want to make friends

   This isn't always the case. Some autists have been shown to want to socialize and even make more friends of their own. I personally just try to be more careful about who I socialize with because there are a lot of weirdos out there.

   They do. They just have trouble doing so.

   I do, but I don't, if that makes any sense.

4. People with autism lack empathy

   This is wrong in so many ways. If anything, people with autism actually feel more empathy than others, but they may express it in ways that are harder to recognize.

   I have empathy for others, unless they are very rude to me!

   Definitely not. I just have a bit of a problem showing empathy at times.

5. Autism is a mental illness

   It really isn't, at least not in a negative sense. Yes, people on the spectrum have different thought processes, but it doesn't negatively affect them (unless they are bullied for it or something). So, I wouldn't call it an "illness" at all. It's just a part of some people, and it makes them unique. I find that really cool.

   It's NOTHING like a mental illness. It's actually more of a communication disorder. Autists are very intelligent, and my autism doesn't affect my intelligence whatsoever.

6. Autism affects intelligence

   If that's the case, how would you explain the intelligence of people like Albert Einstein and Temple Grandin?

   In my area, to attend a special school, you must have an IQ under 70, and I think that's ridiculous. Autistic people can be smart with an IQ over 100. I'm very likely one of them.

7. Autism causes people to be more violent

   Although there have been news stories linking autism to violence, those acts usually arise from sensory overload or emotional stress. It's actually very uncommon for autists to act out violently or pose any real danger to society. Many autists prefer to limit their exposure and interactions with others due to social challenges.

8. Autism only happens in children

   This misconception is a little lower on the list because it's already obvious that it happens in a lot of adults too.

   Autism is something you live with for your entire life, even as an adult.

   Autism occurs in adults too, but the sad truth is that it's often overlooked.

9. Autism makes people more aggressive

   Not necessarily. Many autists have been shown to be calm and non-violent. It's actually rare for an autistic child to intentionally cause harm to another person.

   I don't believe my autism is related to my anger issues. It's more about my difficult past, which has led to other mental health challenges. I'm still a nice person.

   I have anger issues, but it isn't that bad though.

10. Autism is caused by bad parenting

    It's not. Bad parenting shouldn't be encouraged by any means, but it definitely doesn't cause autism.

    My mother knows I have autism, but she loves me and wants the best for me.

    Autism is NOT caused by bad parenting. It is a mental disorder!

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Autistic people cannot get married

12. ?

    Autistic people cannot live independently

The Contenders

13. Shock therapy cures autism

    No, it doesn't. Plus, it's a form of torture.

    No. If anything, it's probably harmful.

14. Autism only happens in boys

    I think this one makes the least sense. I hope I never come across someone who thinks this.

    Not true. I'm a female with autism.

15. Just like Rain Man, autists have savant skills

    Not all of them do. Not every autistic person is extremely good at math or can recite a phone book. This isn't to say they're not smart. It's just that they're not perfect at everything, just like many non-autistic people aren't either.

    It is called savant syndrome for a reason, people. Also, real-life savants barely fit the "Rain Man" stereotype. Look at Daniel Tammet, for example.

16. Autism is a disease

    Fact: Autism is a disorder, not a disease.

    It's not nice to call it a disorder, so I call it a "harmless rewiring of the brain."

17. People with autism are not smart

18. Milk causes autism

    Milk? Who the hell said milk causes autism?

    I've never drunk milk in my entire life, but my autism is still here.

19. Stress causes autism

    No, it goes the other way around. Autism can cause me stress.

20. ADHD is autism

    I have autism and my stepmom has ADHD. So stop saying they're the same.

21. Screen time causes autism

22. Autism makes people who they are

23. Dyspraxia is not autism

24. People with autism can't be employed

25. Autism is caused by food allergies

    I have no food allergies, as far as I know. If I do, it's to a specific ingredient that I've never tried before.

26. Severe autism doesn't exist

27. People with autism are hyper-empathic