Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals differently.
Despite growing awareness, many misconceptions about autism persist, leading to confusion, stigma, and barriers to understanding and acceptance.
These myths often arise from outdated information, media stereotypes, and limited exposure to the diverse experiences of autistic individuals.
Misconceptions like the 13 mentioned below can be hurtful to autistic individuals and their loved ones. They oversimplify the complex realities of living with autism and perpetuate misunderstandings that hinder acceptance, accommodation, and inclusion.
By dispelling these myths, we create space for more accurate, nuanced conversations about autism that center the voices and experiences of autistic people themselves.
Myth #1: Autism is a childhood condition
Autistic children become autistic adults. While autism is commonly diagnosed in children, it does not mean that they grow out of it once they are adults. Estimates from 2017 suggest that autism is diagnosed in about 2% of adults.
Likewise, many autistic people get diagnosed as autistic way into adulthood because it was missed as a child.
When much of the research and information on autism is centered on children, it can feel alienating to autistic adults who may be looking for answers or support.
Fact: Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that is part of an individual's identity from birth and throughout life.
Myth #2: You are either high-functioning or low-functioning
The use of “high-functioning” and “low-functioning” labels for autistic individuals is controversial and often disliked by the autistic community.
These labels can be offensive and diminish the strengths and struggles of autistic people.
“High-functioning” can overlook the challenges and accommodations an individual may face, such as things they put in place to prevent intense burnouts.
“Low-functioning” can disregard an individual’s abilities and creativity, such as their skill in making and maintaining strong friendships.
Functioning labels are often based on a person’s perceived value and contribution to society. For example, whether they are able to work and pay rent.
Many autistic people prefer the terms “high support needs” or “low support needs,” which acknowledges that most autistic individuals require some level of support, but the extent varies from person to person.
Fact: Autism is a spectrum, meaning that everyone has differences in their behaviors and needs.
Myth #3: Autism is a learning disability
Although learning disabilities can co-exist in individuals who are autistic, they are not the same thing.
In the same way, mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression are also common in autistic individuals, but that does not make autism a mental health condition.
However, autism can affect learning and language skills in various ways. Some autistic individuals may have difficulty with verbal communication, while others may have advanced language skills.
Additionally, autistic people may have unique learning styles and preferences, such as a strong ability to focus on details or a need for visual aids.
Sensory processing differences can also impact learning, as certain sensory stimuli may be distracting or overwhelming for some autistic individuals.
Fact: Autism is not a learning disability, but autistic people may have learning differences, just like neurotypical individuals.
Myth #4: Autism is a male condition
Autism is not solely a male condition. More males have an autism diagnosis than females, but this can be for several reasons.
The research and early diagnostic criteria for autism were based on how it presents in males, limiting our understanding of how autism may present in females.
Likewise, girls and women are more likely to ‘mask’ their autism as a means to fit in. This can mean that many autistic girls and women are diagnosed much later in life or miss a diagnosis completely.
The male-to-female ratio for autism has long been an estimated 4:1, but research conducted in 2021 suggests the ratio is closer to 2.5:1.
As our understanding of autism in different genders increases, the hope is that the criteria will change so autistic females can be identified more readily.
Fact: Autism can be diagnosed in anyone regardless of gender.
Myth #5: You can tell if someone is autistic by looking at them
It seems to be a common experience that autistic people will hear, “You don’t look autistic” or “I wouldn’t have guessed you were autistic by looking at you,” especially if they are someone who has low support needs or masks a lot.
This can leave a lot of autistic people perplexed and thinking, well, what is autism supposed to look like?
Autistic stereotypes, which can often be portrayed in media, may perpetuate this idea that autism has a certain identifiable look. However, this is not the case.
You may be able to identify whether someone is autistic through their behaviors (e.g., if they stim or struggle with eye contact) rather than their appearance, but this may not be an accurate identification method either.
Autistic people can be anyone from any walk of life, age, gender, race, or profession. So, it is not accurate to say that you can tell if someone is autistic from how they look.
Fact: Autism does not always have visible, identifying characteristics. When it does, these do not apply to all autistic people.
Myth #6: Autism is caused by vaccines or bad parenting
In search of a potential cause of autism, many myths have reached the surface and have not been forgotten.
One of these is that vaccines can cause autism. However, this is not true.
This idea emerged in the 1990s when a research study claimed a highly shaky link between vaccines and autism. The experiment lacked substantial evidence, was not up to scientific standards, was later debunked, and the person behind the study was stripped of his medical license. Unfortunately, the myth prevails despite all this.
Another idea is that autism is caused by bad parenting. Which is not only offensive to loving parents but also untrue.
In the 1950s, there was a Refrigerator Mother Hypothesis, which suggested that ‘cold’ mothers who were neglectful could trigger autism in their children. Of course, this is completely untrue.
We now understand that autism is a neurological difference present from birth, and it is not caused by parenting style or quality. Even the most loving and nurturing parents can have a child who is autistic, just as they can have a child who is not autistic.
It is more accurate to say that parenting styles can help autistic children navigate the world, especially if that parent is accepting and embracing of their child’s neurodivergence.
Fact: While we do not have a solid answer as to what causes someone to be autistic, we know that autism is present from birth, and so cannot be caused by external events such as vaccinations or parenting styles.
Myth #7: ‘There was no autism back in my day’
Some people believe autism is a new condition because they didn’t hear about it in the past. However, autism has always existed; we just have a better understanding of it now.
Stories of our grandparents and great-grandparents may describe similar traits and experiences to those of autistic people today.
In the past, autism was often stigmatized, misunderstood, or unrecognized, especially in adults and females. As diagnostic criteria have evolved and awareness has grown, more people are being diagnosed.
The apparent increase in autism prevalence reflects our improved ability to recognize and support autistic individuals rather than an actual rise in the number of autistic people.
Fact: More people are diagnosed as autistic as our understanding of autism increases, and more people resonate with the signs.
Myth #8: All autistic people have a special ability
The idea that all autistic individuals have a savant skill is a misconception perpetuated by media portrayals and stereotypes.
In reality, autistic people have a wide range of abilities, just like non-autistic individuals. Some may excel in certain areas, while others may struggle with specific tasks or skills.
It’s common for autistic individuals to have special interests in specific topics, meaning that they have an intense interest and high level of knowledge in a chosen area. However, this is often not to the extent that it is almost a superpower.
Assuming that all autistic individuals have a special ability can lead to unrealistic expectations and overshadow the unique challenges they may face.
Fact: Savant skills are not common in autistic individuals, but many may have an intense interest in certain topics.
Myth #9: Autistic people lack empathy
There is a misconception that autistic people cannot experience empathy, which is hurtful and untrue.
In fact, many autistic individuals can experience empathy very strongly, can detect subtle shifts in others’ emotions, and may be some of the best advocates for injustices against others (if they have a special interest in a cause, for instance).
Autism can impact communication and social interaction, which may lead to some autistic behaviors being misinterpreted as rude or cold, even when that is not the intention.
For example, an autistic person may avoid eye contact during intense conversations, withdraw when emotionally overwhelmed, or have neutral facial expressions, which could be misread as indifference despite their genuine concern.
On the other hand, some autistic people can be very expressive and passionate about their emotions and how they display empathy. They may also share their own experiences with similar situations as a way to relate to and comfort the other person.
Understanding the diverse ways in which autistic people express their emotions can lead to a better appreciation of how they experience and convey empathy.
Fact: Autistic people can be empathetic and express this in different ways than how neurotypical individuals express empathy.
Myth #10: ‘Everyone is a little bit autistic’
A common misconception is that if someone can relate to a few autistic traits, such as having a preference for routines or not liking certain textures, they are ‘a little bit autistic.’ This can be very invalidating to the autistic experience.
Autistic and neurotypical people can share similarities, but it does not mean that everyone is a little bit autistic.
Autism affects how the brain works, processes information, and how you think and experience the world. It is more than just being introverted or socially awkward.
Fact: Being autistic is a part of someone's identity as it can impact every aspect of their lives.
Myth #11: Autistic people are anti-social
Autistic people may be seen as not wanting to socialize and prefer to be alone. This is not necessarily true.
While some autistic people may prefer solitude, this is not the case for everyone. Many crave friendships and are very loyal, caring people.
Due to their differences in communication, such as differences in body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, can make it difficult for autistic people to make friends. They may have even been bullied in the past, which may make them anxious about making new friends.
It may take a lot of effort for autistic people to interact and so they may need more frequent breaks, a quieter place to hang out, or need more time to recover after a social interaction.
It is essential to take the time to understand and appreciate the unique ways in which autistic people communicate and interact. By doing so, we can create more inclusive environments and build strong, meaningful relationships with autistic individuals.
Fact: Autistic people have different ways of socializing, with some being shy and quiet, while others can speak a lot, especially about something they are passionate about.
Myth #12: Autism can be cured
Since autism is not a disease or an illness, it cannot be cured. It is a part of a person’s identity, and suggesting that it needs to be cured is unhelpful and disheartening.
Many autistic people do not want to cure autism, and they can live healthy and happy lives as they are.
Accommodations, support services, and family involvement can help make an autistic person’s life as fulfilling as possible.
Primarily, embracing people’s neurodiversity through advocacy and listening to autistic voices can help to increase the acceptance of autism in society.
Fact: There is no cure for autism.
Myth #13: All autistic people are the same
Although autistic people share the same diagnosis, it does not mean they are all the same.
There is a common saying, “If you have met one autistic person, then you have met one autistic person.” How autism presents itself in every person varies. It does not make sense to see a 5-year-old autistic boy and think that they will display similar traits to a 35-year-old autistic woman, for example.
Some autistic people may struggle to make friends and be withdrawn, while others may be social butterflies and have a large social circle. Likewise, some autistic people may be hyper-sensitive to light and loud noises, while others may enjoy bright, colorful lights and attending concerts where the music is blasting.
Recognizing that autistic people are all different and have varying support needs helps with society’s understanding of autism as a neurodiverse condition.
Fact: Autism is a spectrum, meaning that it can affect people in different ways.
References
Dietz, P. M., Rose, C. E., McArthur, D., & Maenner, M. (2020). National and State Estimates of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 50(12), 4258–4266. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04494-4
Kirsch, A. C., Huebner, A. R., Mehta, S. Q., Howie, F. R., Weaver, A. L., Myers, S. M., Voigt, R. G. & Katusic, S. K. (2020). Association of comorbid mood and anxiety disorders with autism spectrum disorder. JAMA pediatrics, 174(1), 63-70.
Loomes, R., Hull, L., & Mandy, W. P. L. (2017). What is the male-to-female ratio in autism spectrum disorder? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 56(6), 466-474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2017.03.013
Posserud, M. B., Skretting Solberg, B., Engeland, A., Haavik, J., & Klungsøyr, K. (2021). Male to female ratios in autism spectrum disorders by age, intellectual disability and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 144(6), 635-646. https://doi.org/10.1111/acps.13368
