Many myths today plague the concept of autism. Whether the majority believes them or not, these misconceptions slowly, but surely, infect the minds of an impressionable world when let loose, causing it to gradually grow from measly assumptions to greater, worldwide issues.
One may ask, "What are these problems," and "How does it affect the autism community?"
1. "Autism is caused by vaccines."
One of the biggest misconceptions of autism is it is caused by vaccination. This is not true. Vaccines have been tested by professionals and none of the vaccines seems to have an unusual effect that causes one normal person to turn into someone with autism.
2. "Autistic people have a special talent."
We know that another term for autism is "special child", but this should not be taken seriously, because even people with autism have strengths and weaknesses and it doesn't necessarily mean that they have some kind of supernatural power that only they posses.
3. "Autistic people are void of emotion."
We might see someone with autism that seems like they do not care or just ignores the problem right in front of them but it doesn't mean that they have no emotions. This is just due to their lack of thinking process. They have so much on their mind that they don't have the time to think about a solution in an instant.
4. "Autism can be cured"
Commonly, people would think that autism can be cured, but in reality, it can only be taught and helped to improve their behaviors and teach them how to control and manage their emotions more effectively. Examples of these are when people with autism seek therapy.
5. "Only boys are autistic"
Autism may be common among boys but it doesn't mean that boys are the only that can be diagnosed with autism. Girls who have autism are mostly more cautious about how they act and behave, but it doesn't mean that they don't have autism.
6. "Autism is caused by bad parenting"
No one knows what the cause of autism is, but it is definitely not caused by bad parenting! Shouting or raising your voice at them will affect them because loud noises will startle them and they will react with fright, but that is normal.
