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Key Takeaways
- Many misconceptions exist about autism spectrum disorder, including that vaccines cause autism, autism is a disease and all autistic people are the same.
- It’s important to combat misinformation and rebut harmful misconceptions, as stereotypes and misinformation shape public opinion. True autism acceptance can only happen if we challenge misconceptions.
- Affirming therapy can help autistic adults develop coping skills and manage stress.
Introduction to autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts how people communicate, learn and interact with the world. Some autistic traits in adults include having difficulty understanding what others think or feel, taking things literally, avoiding eye contact and having intense, narrow interests known as “special interests.”
Understanding autism is crucial because it promotes accurate recognition of the rich diversity in how autistic people perceive, process and interact with the world, thereby reducing stigma and enabling tailored supports that respect individual strengths and challenges. Further, by dispelling myths and misconceptions, we foster inclusion, improve mental health outcomes and empower autistic individuals to thrive.
Debunking common misconceptions about autism
Autism myths and misconceptions not only harm autistic individuals by promoting dehumanizing and discouraging stereotypes, but they also hinder research and advocacy efforts as a whole. Recognizing common misconceptions and providing factual counterpoints is important to keep conversations productive and affirming.
The misconception: Vaccines cause autism
The link between vaccines and autism has been extensively studied, and scientists agree—there is no link. The original study claiming that the MMR vaccine leads to the development of autism was published in 1999 and was subsequently rejected and removed from the scientific record.
The study was found fraudulent, and its findings were misrepresented and misleading. Since then, no credible study has found a link between immunizations and autism spectrum disorder. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, and it is present at birth.
Researchers are still studying whether possible environmental exposures during pregnancy could trigger the development of autism spectrum disorder. However, there appear to be several different genetic factors that can result in autism.
The misconception: Autism is a disease that can be cured
Though scientists are still working to identify all possible reasons that autism occurs, they agree on this: there is no cure. Interventions and accommodations exist that can make life easier for autistic individuals, but autism itself cannot be cured.
The misconception: Autistic individuals do not feel empathy
In the 2000s, a series of works described the differences between autistic and non-autistic individuals. At the center of these works was the claim that autistic people have a “deficiency in empathy” when compared to non-autistic people. This phenomenon was coined “the extreme male brain theory,” since it leaned on the stereotype that men are not as empathetic as women. Since then, however, research has come to support that autistic individuals feel a wide range of intense emotions, including empathy. When asked, autistic participants revealed a series of truths about their experiences with empathy:
- Rather than a consistent empathy deficit, some participants reported overwhelming empathy, to the point that it was disruptive to their daily lives. In contrast, others reported that they did feel a lower level of empathy than non-autistics.
- Empathy, for some, is a conscious effort rather than an instinct. Some found empathy to be an effortful process because of the added difficulties with interpreting social and emotional cues. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t feel empathy; it just means that they work a little harder at it.
- Some found it easier to empathize with other autistic people or people they already feel close to. Some also found it easier to empathize with animals than with humans.
The misconception: There is an autism epidemic.
While it’s true that autism diagnoses are on the rise, the increase in the number of diagnosed autistic individuals is likely because we’re getting better at diagnosing it. Our diagnostic standards have been expanded to include people with both higher and lower support needs, and increased societal awareness is leading to more accessible diagnoses.
The misconception: Autistic people cannot live independently.
Autism is a spectrum, and different autistic individuals will have different support needs. Yes, some autistic individuals need to live with a loved one or caretaker and need assistance with daily tasks. It is vitally important that those individuals have access to the support they need, and that their humanity and dignity are honored and respected.
However, many autistic individuals can and do live independently—myself included. With the right support and accommodations, many autistic people form relationships, hold jobs and live independently.
The misconception: Autism is caused by bad parenting
In the 1940s, Austrian psychiatrist Andrew Kenner became the first person to describe what would eventually be known as “autism spectrum disorder.” He theorized that children with cold and uncaring mothers (whom he called “refrigerator mothers”) would become autistic as a result of having emotionally unavailable caretakers.
Though the phrase “refrigerator mothers” isn’t prevalent anymore, the myth that parenting styles can cause autism persists even today. However, the research is clear. There was never any evidence to support Kenner’s theory, and there’s no evidence to support that parenting styles contribute to autism in any way.
The misconception: All autistic people are (blank).
No matter what word or sentiment you insert into the blank—distant, violent, unable to live independently, good at math, and so on—you’re wrong. Autism is an infinite spectrum, and each autistic individual is unique. There’s a phrase in the autistic community, “If you’ve met one autistic person, then you’ve met one autistic person.” This means that no two autistic people are exactly alike, just like no two neurotypical people are exactly alike. Attempting to generalize all autistic people into any kind of tidy box is a misguided effort.
How do misconceptions impact autistic individuals?
Misconceptions about autism—like the idea that it’s a disease to be cured, that autistic people lack empathy or that we’re all either geniuses or completely incapable—cause real harm.
These myths can lead to stigma, social isolation and mental health struggles like anxiety, depression and burnout. They also contribute to missed or delayed diagnoses, especially for girls, women and people of color. When society assumes autistic people can’t succeed or don’t want connection, it limits their opportunities and access to care, when in reality, we just need understanding and the right accommodations to thrive.
Understanding autism treatments and support
Autism is not something to be “cured,” but there are a variety of supports, therapies and accommodations that can help autistic people navigate daily life, build on their strengths and meet their individual needs. These fall into several key categories:
Therapy
Many autistic individuals benefit from therapies that are supportive, respectful of neurodiversity and tailored to their unique communication styles and goals. Some modalities of therapy that are especially helpful are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and mindfulness-based therapy. Finding the right therapist and exploring different types of therapy can be very helpful for autistic adults who want to learn coping skills and find support for their unique mental health needs.
Educational and occupational accommodations
Whether an autistic individual is in the workforce or enrolled in school, they may be able to access accommodations to help them thrive. Those accommodations include individualized education plans (IEPs) in schools, which allow for specific and personalized support in the classroom. These supports may include additional time when taking tests or individual instruction.
Professionally, accommodations can include:
- Modified work schedules to allow for short breaks
- Regular check-ins or feedback to allow individuals to know if they’re meeting expectations
- Alternative lighting or other sensory accommodations
- Written instructions instead of verbal instructions
Sensory and communication tools
Communication devices—such as augmentative and alternative communication software (AAC), and sensory tools—like weighted blankets and noise-canceling headphones—can help relieve frustrations related to communication differences or sensory difficulties.
Medication
Though there are no medications to “treat” autism, autistic individuals often have co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, depression and ADHD. Medication may help provide relief from the symptoms of those co-occurring conditions, which can, in turn, improve overall well-being. As always, any decisions about medication should be made with thoughtful and informed guidance from a primary care doctor or psychiatrist.
The role of autism advocacy and awareness
Autism advocacy and awareness play a crucial role in combating misconceptions by promoting accurate, respectful information and amplifying the voices of autistic people. Advocacy helps shift the narrative from outdated, deficit-based views to one that recognizes autism as a natural neurodevelopmental difference. Advocacy challenges harmful myths and promotes acceptance, inclusion and appropriate support.
Awareness and acceptance campaigns, especially when led by autistic individuals themselves, educate the public, influence policy and encourage environments where autistic people can thrive without having to mask or conform.
Exploring neurodiversity and its impact on perceptions
The neurodiversity movement is a social and cultural movement that views neurological differences, like autism, ADHD, dyslexia and others, as natural variations of the human brain rather than disorders to be cured or “fixed.”
The neurodiversity movement’s impact on public perception of autism has been significant. It challenges the deficit-based model that sees autism only as a set of “flaws” and instead emphasizes acceptance, inclusion and self-advocacy.
The movement has helped shift language from “autism awareness” to “autism acceptance,” sparking more interest in supports that empower autistic people. It’s also led to more autistic individuals being recognized as the experts of their own experiences, allowing autistic adults to be increasingly involved in shaping research, policy and public discourse.
The importance of autism research and education
Continued research about autism spectrum disorder is incredibly important. As we conduct more research, we can learn more about not only the breadth of autistic presentations and experiences but also the resources and supports that are most effective for autistic folks. Further, credible research is the best defense against harmful stereotypes and misconceptions.
Educating people about autism helps further the cause of autism acceptance. When people learn what autism really is—or more importantly, what it isn’t—they’re better able to accept and value neurodiversity. They may be better equipped and more willing to acknowledge all the beautiful ways autistic people enrich our shared world. As attitudes shift from judgmental to accepting, schools, workplaces and society as a whole will naturally become more accepting.
How Prosper Health can help
At Prosper Health, we understand that all autistic individuals have unique experiences and needs. Whether you’re looking for an adult autism assessment or hoping to start therapy with a caring and knowledgeable neurodiversity-affirming provider, we’re here to help!
We offer fully virtual adult autism assessments, and we work with most major insurers. We’re also proud to offer affirming therapy for neurodivergent adults who are looking to add a therapist to their support system. Contact us today to get started!
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8694782/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21094892/
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/autism-and-empathy
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/autism-myths-and-misconceptions
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/aug-alt-comm
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However, studying the causes of autism with the intention of curing it is a controversial topic. Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that cannot––and many argue, should not––be “cured.”
Is There a Rise in Autism? Understanding the Trends and Implications
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by communication and social differences, strict adherence to routine and intense, narrow interests. No two autistic individuals are exactly alike, and autistic traits and severity vary from person to person.
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This increase has led to renewed conversations around autism. What causes it? Why is everyone autistic all of a sudden? How can we prevent it? (Although prevention should never be the goal.)
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Unlocking Support: The Importance of an Adult Autism Diagnosis
When I was growing up in the 90s and early 2000s, autism spectrum disorder was heavily stigmatized and misunderstood. Since I did exceptionally well in school, no one in my family even considered I might be autistic. Throughout my life, I struggled a lot with focus, sensory sensitivities and interacting with other people. When I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in 2019, I learned how common it is to have ASD or ADHD with EDS. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2021, but it still felt like I was missing a piece of the picture.
Until recently, most adults were not diagnosed with autism in their youth. There are likely several reasons for this, including a variety of issues within the diagnostic process. People of color, nonbinary people, transgender individuals and women have been historically underdiagnosed. This is due to discrimination, stigma or misconceptions. The diagnostic process started to improve in the early 2000s, with new diagnostic criteria that more accurately represents how autism shows up in the world.
For those of us who weren’t diagnosed earlier in life, though, getting an accurate diagnosis can be hard. Some of us have learned how to mask or camouflage so efficiently that we blend into a neurotypical world really well, making it difficult to find a provider who will take our request for an autism assessment seriously.
This is one of the many reasons why working with a neurodivergent-affirming clinician is critical when seeking a formal diagnosis. Regardless of the outcome, the diagnostic assessment process can play a helpful role in better understanding yourself.
