Understanding autism: breaking myths and building awareness

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a disorder or a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people develop and behave. As the name ‘spectrum’ suggests, autism borders a broad range of traits, behaviours and abilities making each person’s experience with autism unique. Even though more people are becoming aware of autism, there are still some misunderstandings about it, leading to criticism, and limited support for individuals with autism.

Autism is a spectrum

The fact that autism is a spectrum is the most important idea to understand when talking about it. This means that individuals with autism each have a different experience with the disorder. There is not one ‘Autistic experience’ and the spectrum includes those who are highly verbal and self-sufficient as well as those who might struggle with communication.

People with autism may share some common traits, such as difficulties with social communication, a preferance for regularity and repetitive behaviours. However, the degree to which these characteristics appear can differ greatly. Because of this variation within the spectrum, autism is both complex and misunderstood. The word ‘autism’ is frequently used too broadly, neglecting the unique aspects of each person’s experience. It’s important to keep in mind that everyone with autism has a different set of strengths and challenges, and that autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition. 

Dispelling Common myths about autism:

All people with autism are non-verbal:

• While many individuals have difficulties with communication, not all individuals with autism are non-verbal. Many people with autism develop language skills and can share their thoughts effectively, even though they might struggle with understanding social signals or engaging in reciprocal conversations. Some people might also use different form of communication, such as assistive technology, to express themselves.

Autism can be ‘cured’:

• Autism is not a disease but a neurodevelopmental condition. Although therapy and early intervention can help individuals improve their skills and create coping strategies, autism itself cannot be ‘cured’. Rather than trying to ‘fix’ the person, it is important to focus on support and acceptance. Promoting understanding requires embracing neurodiversity, this recognises that different brain diseases are merely variations of human experience.

People with autism lack empathy:

• Another myth is that individuals with autism do not experience empathy or care about others. In reality, many people with autism experience emotions deeply but may struggle to express or recognise those emotions in others. Social interactions can be really overwhelming or confusing, which makes it hard for them to react the way people usually want. This does not mean they lack empathy; rather their way of expressing these emotions may be different.

Autism is caused by bad parenting or neglect:

• This idea has been proven wrong by scientific research. Autism is a condition that develops in the brain and is influences by both genetic and environmental factors. It is not caused by the way a child is raised. The misconception that autism results from bad parenting or neglect places unnecessary blame on parents, adding to their emotional burden. Understanding that autism is a biological condition helps support families in seeking the right interventions and resources to support their children.

Advocacy and Resources for people with autism:

Creating a more welcoming society requires promoting people on the spectrum and increasing understanding about autism. Advocacy efforts can come in many way, like educating the public about the realities of autism and fighting for laws that provide better resources and support to families and individuals with autism.

Education and public awareness:

• A vital step in raising awareness is education. Schools, workplaces and communities need to have a better understanding of autism and how to create and manage supportive environments. This means teaching teachers and employers to recognise the strengths and challenges of individuals with autism, and figuring out how to help them, by providing quiet spaces, adaptable communication methods or helping with social skills.

Therapeutic and educational resources:

• Early intervention is crucial for individuals with autism. Studies have found that therapies such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy (OT) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) increasingly help with an individual’s progress. Many children with autism can thrive in inclusive classrooms where they learn alongside their developing peers. Special accommodations can help them succeed in an educational environment.

Transition programs:

• As individuals with autism grow older, transition programs help prepare them for life after school. These programs teach them important job skills, independent living skills, and social skills so they can live independently and participate in society.