Autism Soccer: Breaking Myths about Autism

Throughout history, there have been some misconceptions about ASD.

Individuals (most often children) with autism are stigmatized and rejected by their peers and sometimes even their teachers. While early studies have reported negative attitudes towards individuals with autism, it’s still unclear how understandings of autism influence their attitudes towards them. In this exploratory article, misconceptions or myths about autism, that is, the cognitive component of attitudes will be examined and explained.

10 Misconceptions or myths about the Autistic Spectrum Disorder

The lack of comprehension and empathy about autism can make it difficult for people on the autism spectrum to have their condition be validated and get the support they need. False and often negative conceptions about this particular condition, as well as superstitions or urban myths, can lead to some people with autism to be isolated, rejected and, in extreme cases, to be victims of verbal abuse and bullying.

Autism Soccer hopes to bring some truth on some of the most common myths and misconceptions about autism.

Autism is a disease: THIS IS FALSE, autism is not a disease. The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects an individual’s abilities to communicate and interact with others. There’s more than one type of autism caused by different genetic combinations and environmental factors. However, that’s who they are, not an illness that defines them; they are not sick. Autism is treated as a spectrum to allow the individual and their families to live just like anyone else.
Individuals with autism are geniuses/intellectually disabled: as mentioned before, the autism is a spectrum. This means that its quirks differ from one person to another. You may have seen a movie with an individual with autism in it, but they might not be the case of your brother, who also has autism. Its limitations and benefits prove to be different in each case. This means that it can’t (and it shouldn’t) be generalized. More often than not, it provides exceptional abilities aside from the limitations.
Autism is a childhood-only condition: sadly, no. Autism is a lifelong condition. In fact, in the UK there are more autistic adults than children. Autistic adults have been overlooked in research, though, so we're supporting some studies to find the best ways to help them at every stage of their life. Research suggests that outcomes can change for people over time if they get the right support, for example, with language and communication and anxiety issues.
Only boys are born autistic: this isn’t as far from the truth as a complete lie is. Autism seems to be more frequently diagnosed in boys. But girls are more likely to 'mask' their autism. Nonetheless, they have proved to learn the skills to interact with the world better than boys. This can mean that many autistic girls get a diagnosis much later in life than boys do, and some don’t even get diagnosed at all.
Vaccines “cause” autism: this is a very common myth in modern society. Vaccines don’t cause autism. The Institute of Medicine and other institutions researched on this topic with enough depth and found no cohesive evidence that connects vaccines to autism.
Autistic people are all anti-social: autistic people might need support with their social skills or interact differently with the world that surrounds them, but most autistic people DO enjoy having relationships.
Individuals with autism are incapable of feel emotions: autism doesn’t make an individual emotionally numb. However, since it affects their ability to communicate emotions, it may seem like they are not feeling anything at all. They struggle with interpreting other people’s facial expressions as well as their body language.
Autism can be cured: sadly, this is also a myth. While autism is different for every individual, most autistic adults and families among our readers feel that autism is a big part of their life, and not something that they would take away.
Certain diets can cure autism: recent studies show that, after many experiments, diet doesn’t have a direct influence on autism. Individuals with ASD may have digestive issues, just like any other individual, and special diets can be helpful in this perspective.
Children with autism can’t learn: this is a BIG LIE. The key to success in educating an individual within the spectrum is to first educate yourself and find the correct approach to the child. With the proper methods, therapies, and lots of support and love, they can learn just fine.

Here at Autism Soccer, we aim to make the world into a more tolerable and inclusive place no matter what condition you have, so don’t hesitate in writing your comments and questions in the section below, as well as following us on our social networking.