5 Popular Myths About Autism
“Ignorance is a disease, knowledge is the only cure” - Daniel Uche Ehioghe
There are many myths and erroneous beliefs about autism that are not based on scientific evidence. As such, it is important to arm oneself with information in order to have a more accurate understanding of the condition. Some common myths include:
Autism is caused by bad parenting: This myth suggests that parents are somehow responsible for their child's autism, but there is no evidence to support this claim. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Autism can be cured/the child will grow out of it: There is no known cure for autism and individuals will not grow out of it. However, early intervention and therapy can help children with autism develop the skills they need to communicate, interact with others, and succeed in school and life.
All persons with autism are the same: Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that it affects each person differently. While some individuals with autism may have similar challenges, such as difficulty with social communication, each person's experience of autism is unique.
Persons with autism have exceptional skills or abilities, such as a photographic memory or exceptional musical ability. While this may be true for some persons, not all individuals with autism have these skills.
Autism only affects children: Autism is a lifelong condition that affects individuals across the lifespan. While symptoms may become less severe over time with appropriate support, individuals with autism continue to experience challenges with social communication and other areas throughout their lives.
It is important to dispel these and other myths about autism spectrum disorder so that persons are better able to understand and support individuals with the condition and their families. By increasing awareness and promoting awareness, we can create a more inclusive society for everyone.
According to worldpopulationreview.com, the prevalence of autism in Jamaica stands at 85 per 10,000. There are fears that the actual prevalence may be higher than reported and in recognition of this, more needs to be done to improve reporting in order to drive policy support and other interventions.
Terry-Ann Malcolm-Alleyne
For more tips on how to deal with children on the autism spectrum check out our YouTube channel “Autistic Edge”