Learn the Truth About Autism

More and more children are being diagnosed with some form of autism. But what is autism, exactly? There are many myths and misconceptions about autism. There are also many things that the medical community used to believe about autism, and that some people still believe, despite the fact that the medical community now knows differently. Here are some examples.

Myth: People with autism never make eye contact.

Truth: For some people with autism, eye contact is unpleasant. But not all people with autism have this particular problem. And even if they do, they are sometimes able to overcome it and learn to make eye contact.

Myth: Autism is caused by bad parenting, or Refrigerator Mothers.

Truth: All of the causes of autism are not known, but it is know that bad parenting is not one of them.

Myth: If you drop a box of toothpicks on the ground, a person with autism can take one look and tell you exactly how many toothpicks are there.

Truth: That happened in "Rain Man," and it may be possible for a few people with autism to do that. But its pretty rare. Many people with autism do have special skills or talents, such as drawing or painting, writing, singing, playing an instrument, etc.

Myth: People with autism cannot speak.

Truth: Many people with autism have trouble with verbal skills. Children with autism may not learn to speak until later in childhood than typical children. But many children with autism do learn to speak very well. Often, those who do not learn to speak, can learn to communicate in other ways, such as using sign language, typing, or using picture cards.

Myth: A special diet, or special therapy, can cure autism.

Truth: There are many diets and forms of therapy that are known to help some people with autism make great improvements in their lives. But there is no cure for autism. A person with autism can learn to cope wonderfully with it, but the autism will still be there.

Myth: People with autism do not have emotions, and do not make connections with others... not even with their own parents.

Truth: This is the saddest myth of all! People with autism definitely do feel very deep emotions. They do express their emotions, although not always in typical ways. They do form connections with others... although sometimes, this is made difficult by the non-autistic people around. A child with autism may want to have friends, but his non-typical way of acting, thinking and speaking may cause his peers to stay away. Sadly, this is the same for adults with autism. However, people who have a child, family member, or friend with autism will be the first to tell you that people with autism can be very friendly and loving.

If you'd like to learn more about autism, a good place to start is the website of the Autism Society Of America.