Myths about Autism
- Rebecca Mortby
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 2
We debunk some common misconceptions.
Autism is a childhood condition
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. While it is often diagnosed in childhood, autistic children grow up to be autistic adults.
Autistic traits and behaviours may become less visible in adulthood, as adults learn to 'mask'. Masking involves suppressing or hiding behaviors, traits, or difficulties associated with autism to blend in and avoid misunderstandings, judgment, or discrimination. It can be a survival strategy, enabling individuals to secure jobs, build relationships, or avoid negative attention.
Masking requires a conscious effort to behave in a way that is not authentic or natural, to avoid disapproval or rejection. This can often lead to burnout, and means that individuals do not get to experience real acceptance.
Only by learning about neurodiversity and accepting it, rather than encouraging confirmity, can we help autistic people no longer have to hide their true nature.
Autism is caused by vaccines
In 1998, a study was published by Andrew Wakefield and colleagues in The Lancet, that claimed there was a link between the MMC (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and autism. The study was later discredited, due to serious flaws in methodology, conflicts of interest and poor ethics.
Subsequent research has thoroughly debunked the claim, showing no evidence of a connection between vaccines and autism. The paper was retracted, and Wakefield lost his medical license. Despite this, the study fueled vaccine hesitancy, which remains a challenge today. It's a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous scientific standards.
Autism is a mental health disorder
Autism is a neurological condition, not a mental health disorder. However, individuals with autism can have co-occurring mental health conditions.
External factors like societal stigma, lack of understanding, or the pressure to conform to neurotypical norms, can be an increased pressure on an individual's mental health. It can be difficult for individual's with neurodiversity to get the necessary help and support, due to a lack of understanding and systems that do not meet their needs.
Creating supportive, inclusive spaces and promoting acceptance can significantly reduce these risks.
Autism is a learning difficulty
Autism is a spectrum, meaning it encompasses a wide range of abilities and challenges. This is why the more popular name for it is Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
While some autistic individuals may have intellectual disabilities or struggle with certain types of learning, others may excel in specific areas like mathematics, music, or memory.
Autistic individuals lack empathy
People with autism do usually experience empathy, which refers to the capacity to feel and respond to other's emotions. However they may have difficulties recognising how another person is feeling, through body language, non-literal language or facial expressions; this is called 'cognitive empathy'.
Additionally, autistic people may express empathy differently, therefore not reacting the way others might expect.
Autism is caused by poor parenting
The misconception that autism is caused by bad parenting originates from outdated theories such as the "Refrigerator Mother Hypothesis". This theory from the 1950s suggested that autism was triggered by emotionally cold and neglectful mothers. However this was scientifically unfounded, as autism is a neurodevelopmental condition and cannot be brought about by environmental factors.
Unfortunately, due to a lack of understanding and awareness, parents of autistic children still experience judgement, unsolicited advice and unfair blame. Cultural expectations of how a child should behave, mean autistic traits can be misinterpreted as poor behaviour; such as emotional meltdowns, lack of communication, sensory sensitivities or refusal to do something. While parents of autistic children may respond in a way that is appropriate for their child, this may not always fit societies expectations of what is a normal parental response.
Autism is different to Aspergers
'Asperger's Syndrome' is generally considered an outdated term after it was reclassified in 2013 under the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
This shift was made to reflect the understanding that autism exists on a spectrum rather than as distinct conditions.
It's worth noting that Hans Asperger, the researcher the term was named after, has a controversial history, which has added to the move away from the label. Using "Autism Spectrum Disorder" is more inclusive and aligns with current medical and scientific standards.
Autistic people don't get humour
Understanding neurotypical humour can be difficult for people with autism, when jokes rely on sarcasm, social cues or non-literal language. However, this isn't about lacking humor; it's more about differences in processing and interpreting nuances.
Many accomplished comedian's have Autism, including Stuart Lee, Jerry Seinfield and Hannah Gadsby, and their unique perspective on things can offer an intelligent, witty observational remarks.
Pierre Novallie, who has Autism wrote a stand up show 'Why Can't I just Enjoy Things?' based on his own experiences. He says he believes some autistic traits have helped in his career as a comedian; “you need to be obsessive and enjoy repeating things”.
Autistic people are violent
Autism does not make people violent. Some individuals, and particularly children, may exhibit challenging behaviours such as hitting out, experiencing emotional meltdowns or throwing things, but these behaviours are usually an expression of distress rather than intentional violence.
Unfortunately a lack of understanding around autism may lead some people to interpret these behaviours as intentional self-harm or harm to others, rather than understanding the causes, such as sensory-overload or communication difficulties. This misconception has been further spread through the use of stereotypes in the media.
Autistic people are 'high functioning' or 'low functioning'
The terms "high functioning" and "low functioning" autism are often used to describe the perceived level of support an autistic person might need, however they are not a medical term. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) instead categorises autism based on the level of support required.
'High' and 'low' functioning labels oversimplify the diverse and unique experiences and abilities of individuals with autism. To be 'low functioning' can be stigmatising and dismissive of an individual's unique strengths and abilities. To be 'high functioning' can minimise the support they receive and overlook their challenges. It is more helpful to look at the levels and areas of help an individual may need.
Summary
Dispelling autism myths breaks down harmful stigma and fosters understanding. It empowers tailored support, celebrates unique strengths, and builds inclusive communities where everyone thrives as their authentic selves.
