Autism Myths & Misconceptions
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a diagnosis that has evolved over the years. There is now increased awareness and greater understanding of ASD. Several treatment approaches have been developed to help in managing challenges related to ASD, as well as to build functional skills that will allow individuals on the spectrum to lead successful lives. ASD is a diagnosis that is commonly portrayed in the media through movies and shows like, Rain Man, I am Sam, and Atypical. The competing messages from these portrayals may cause people to have several questions about ASD. In addition, there continues to be several misconceptions about this diagnosis and some may not realize that there is a diversity of presentations associated with being on the spectrum. In this post, we have addressed some of the most common myths and questions related to ASD.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. It is referred to as a spectrum because there is a wide-range of presentations of ASD from highly skilled to severely challenged. Regardless of level of functioning, the challenges with social communication and repetitive behaviors persist.
Possible Causes of ASD
Myth: Poor parenting causes Autism.
In the 1950’s, there was an assumption that Autism Spectrum Disorder was caused by emotionally distant and cold parents, also referred to as “refrigerator mothers.” It has been firmly established that there is no link between parenting style and the development of ASD.
Myth: Vaccines are linked to Autism.
There is no evidence that childhood vaccinations cause Autism Spectrum Disorder. This misconception stems from a study that was published in 1998 by Andrew Wakefield and his colleagues. He suggested that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MM) vaccine led to behavioral regression, thus causing Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, there were several flaws with this study: the sample size consisted of only 12 children, the study had an uncontrolled design, and was funded by individuals who had pending lawsuits against vaccine-producing companies. The findings of this study were fully retracted in 2010 with the authors stating that several elements of the paper were incorrect. To this date, there have been no valid findings linking vaccines to ASD. On the contrary, there are several studies that demonstrate that there is no link between vaccines and ASD.
What causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?
There are certain environmental and genetic factors that are associated with a high risk of ASD due to their potential impact on brain development. Currently, there are 61 genetic variations associated with ASD risk, and repeated/deleted sections of DNA and chromosomal abnormalities have also been implicated. Environmental risk factors include: advanced paternal age (over the age of 34), poor maternal physical and mental health, maternal exposure to chemicals, preterm birth, complications during birth, low birth weight, jaundice, and post birth infections (Karimi, Kamali, Mousavi, & Karahmadi, 2016).
Treatment Approaches for ASD
Myth: There is a cure for Autism or children can outgrow ASD.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is considered a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder and one cannot simply “outgrow” it. However, with appropriate treatment and intervention, the manifestation and severity of symptoms can change over time. Early intervention is key when it comes to treating ASD. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most widely accepted and efficacious treatment for ASD. The goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful or effect learning. It is an approach that can be adapted to meet the needs of each unique person and can be provided in various settings, including at home, in school, and in the community. ABA aims to teach skills that are useful in everyday life. As such, goals can cover many different skill areas, such as: communication and language, social skills, self-care, play and leisure, motor skills, and learning/academic skills.
It is important to note that there is no one size fits all treatment approach for ASD. Consult with your child’s service providers to see what approach may work best for them based on your child’s specific presentation.
Other Myths Related to ASD
Myth: Individuals with Autism are not interested in and not capable of building social relationships.
Given that Autism falls on a spectrum, this is a generalization that does not apply to all individuals with ASD. Although impairments in social interactions is a diagnostic feature of ASD, not every person will experience the same degree of difficulty. Individuals on the spectrum are capable of having meaningful connections with their family members, forming friendships, and being in romantic relationships.
Despite showing an interest or desire in building meaningful relationships, individuals with ASD may have trouble with how to go about doing that. It can be challenging for them to understand nonverbal social cues, engage in reciprocal conversation, take on others’ perspectives, understand sarcasm, or sugarcoat their thoughts. Allowing your child more opportunities for interacting with children who have and do not have ASD can be helpful. In addition, a social skills group may be a good fit for your child, as this allows for an adult-facilitated space in which a child can explicitly learn about certain social skills and practice applying them with their peers.
Myth: Everyone with Autism is non-verbal, engages in aggressive behaviors, and has low cognitive functioning.
Although this is a presentation that we may commonly see in movies and on television, this is not the case. As it says in its name, Autism falls on a Spectrum. ASD is a diverse diagnosis and no two individuals on the spectrum are the same. Some individuals engage in eye contact, while others struggle with maintaining it. Some individuals on the spectrum are sensitive to touch, while others enjoy tickles and hugs. Not all individuals on the spectrum become aggressive when frustrated or engage in repetitive behaviors, like rocking, spinning, or hand-flapping. Likewise, cognitive, academic, and communications skills also vary among people on the spectrum. Those who are on the higher end of the spectrum can have highly developed verbal skills and be academically savvy, whereas those on the lower end of the spectrum might struggle in these areas.
Myth: People with Autism are not capable of being successful in life
The outcomes for those on the spectrum can vary from person to person. Some may require support and care well into their adult life, while others will go on to live independently and have a career. There are many individuals on the Autism Spectrum who have gone on to do great things in their life. Some examples, include: Elon Musk (CEO of Tesla & SpaceX), Daryl Hannah (actress), Dan Aykroyd (writer of Ghostbusters), Temple Grandin (scientist), and Satoshi Tajiri (the creator of Pokemon).
Reference:
Karimi, P., Kamali, E., Mousavi, S.M., & Karahmadi, M. (2016). Environmental factors influencing the risk of autism. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 21(11), 1-12.