Autism – Myths, Misconceptions and the Reality
Do you still take an alternative route if a black cat crosses your way? Or does your mom still not let you wear a black outfit because it is not auspicious? Myths like these have been quite common in Indian culture for centuries.
Similarly, autism has several myths and misconceptions too, except that they don’t just confuse commoners, but they also create a stigma and exclusion for autistic individuals.
Here are five popular myths we have debunked to create a more inclusive society for autistic individuals.
Myth 1: Children with Autism Cannot Communicate
Fact: Communication Is Not Just About Talking
Think about this: You send an email to your boss to let them know you’re on leave. You show your friends photos from the Coldplay concert to share the fun you had. You switch on your indicator to let drivers know you’re turning right. It could be a text message, a smile, a raised eyebrow, a thumbs-up, a voice note, or even a subtle shift in body language. Everyday, we're constantly exchanging messages - through gestures, facial expressions, technology, and, of course, words. In short, communication is everywhere. And it’s not just what we say, it’s how we say it, and sometimes, it’s what we don’t say at all.
Autism is a spectrum and the characteristics uniquely vary from one child to another. Some kids on the spectrum use words to communicate, and others use augmentative and alternative communication. Many others depend on all forms of communication such as facial grimaces, gestures and whole-body movements.
All of them communicate their needs in some way or the other. What we need to do as a community is to embrace all forms of communication and create a truly inclusive society.
Myth 2: Autism can be cured with medication
Fact: There is no cure for autism - and it’s not something that needs to be "cured" in the first place.
According to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual V (DSM-V), children with Autism have persistent differences in social communication, social interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. It is not a disease to be cured with medicines.
To date, there is no evidence from research for pharmacological treatments for Autism. If medicines were prescribed by your doctor, they must have been for the treatment of comorbid conditions associated with autism, like seizures or sleep disturbances. However, there is strong evidence that rehabilitative interventions such as speech therapy and occupational therapy can help autistic kids regulate, communicate and manage life skills independently to a large extent.
Myth 3: Autistic children cannot attend school
Fact: Autistic children can attend school - and they should.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the prevalence of Autism is 1 in 100 children worldwide. With the prevalence of autism on the rise, healthcare professionals, educators and the government are actively working towards providing equal opportunities and improving the quality of life of these individuals.
Under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, the government of India provides free education for all, including children with disabilities including Autism. Some children on the spectrum may require a shadow teacher while others may be able to manage on their own. Parents and educators collaboratively need to create a specific plan to help autistic children navigate school to the best of their potential.
Myth #4: Can Neurotypical Children ‘Catch’ Autism?
Fact: Autism is not contagious.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, not an illness you can catch like a cold or flu. It is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that affect brain development early in life—even before birth.
Scientific research shows that there is no evidence to support the idea that autism can be transmitted from one person to another through interaction or observation. Just like being left-handed or having a unique learning style, autism is simply a different way of experiencing and processing the world. Spending time with autistic individuals promotes social engagement and interaction - not autism.
Myth 5: Children Grow Out of Autism
Fact: Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition
The brain of an autistic child functions differently from their neurotypical peers. Autistic individuals are neurodivergent, which means their brains are wired differently from neurotypical individuals. Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, not a phase or something that fades with time.
Sometimes, with the right support and environment, a child may appear to “outgrow” autism - but what’s happening is that they’ve found ways that help navigate the world better.
This Autism Acceptance Month, let’s commit to being more inclusive and supportive of every autistic person we meet. Let’s create spaces that embrace differences and offer the accommodations they need to thrive.
By,
Dhivya Sarratha Ramamoorthy
Speech Language Pathologist
Chitra Thadathil
Head Speech Language Pathologist
Founder & Director of DCCD
References
Aylott, J. (2000). Understanding children with autism: Exploding the myths. British journal of nursing, 9(12), 779-784.
Eissa, N., Al-Houqani, M., Sadeq, A., Ojha, S. K., Sasse, A., & Sadek, B. (2018). Current enlightenment about the etiology and pharmacological treatment of autism spectrum disorder. Frontiers in neuroscience, 12, 304.
Howlin, P., Goode, S., Hutton, J., & Rutter, M. (2004). Adult outcome for children with autism. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, 45(2), 212-229.