Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s behaviour, communication, and social interaction. Over the years, there have been several misconceptions about autism that have led to stigma and discrimination against people with autism. It’s time to dismantle these misconceptions and understand autism for what it truly is.
In this blog post, we’ll be looking at some of the common misconceptions about autism and debunking them with facts.
Autism is a disease
Many people believe that autism is a disease that needs to be cured – this is far from the truth. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is a part of a person’s identity. It’s not something that needs to be fixed or cured. People with autism just have a different way of seeing the world.
People with autism don’t have emotions
This couldn’t be further from the truth. People with autism do have emotions, but they might express them differently. For example, they may not make eye contact or use facial expressions the same way that neurotypical people do. This doesn’t mean they don’t feel emotions like joy, sadness, or anger.
Autism is more common in boys
This is a common misconception, and it’s simply not true. While boys are diagnosed with autism more often than girls, it’s not because more boys have autism – it’s because girls are often not diagnosed until later in life, or their symptoms are subtler than those of boys.
All people with autism are the same
There is a wide range of autism, and no two people with autism are the same. The term “autism spectrum” is used to describe the range of characteristics and symptoms that people with autism have. Some people may experience sensory overload or have difficulty with verbal communication, while others might struggle with social interactions or have repetitive behaviours.
Autistic toys only help people with autism
While toys that are specifically designed for people with autism can be helpful, they are not exclusive to people with autism. Many neurotypical people also benefit from sensory toys and toys that stimulate the senses. A specifically designed autistic toy can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety for people of all ages.
In conclusion, it’s important to challenge the misconceptions about autism and educate ourselves on the facts
We hope that this blog post has helped in breaking down some of the common misconceptions about autism and helped you better understand autism.
