When we don’t know something, our brains like to fill in the blanks with whatever information is floating around. Autism is talked about more than ever, but not everything people say is true. We’re here to share some of the most common autism myths and shed light on the truth behind the tall tales.
5 Common Myths About Autism: Understanding the Facts
Disabilities are diverse and complex. Many non-disabled people, especially those who don’t know many autistic people, may not have access to reliable autism facts and information.
That’s why we’re here to address, explain, and debunk some of the most common myths about autism: so you can practice self-advocacy and advocate for others in a world that doesn’t always make it easy.
1. Autistic people don’t want friends or relationships.
While many autistic people can find it challenging or stressful to navigate social norms, most want friends and romantic partners, just like anyone else. Autistic people can, without a doubt, find, form, and maintain healthy relationships throughout their lives.
Autistic people desire and deserve close relationships, but they are sometimes seen as blunt, rude, or anti-social. That doesn’t mean they aren’t friendly—it’s merely a lack of understanding from non-disabled people.
There is a lot that autistic people can do to learn about body language and social skills to open themselves up to others, but non-disabled people also need to broaden their view of what connection and communication can look like.
2. Non-speaking autistic people aren’t intelligent.
This misconception is based on neurotypical and non-disabled people’s misunderstanding of what intelligence looks like. Many uninformed people assume that just because someone does not speak, they don’t have interesting thoughts and feelings to express.
Non-speaking autistic people can communicate in many ways, whether through the use of assistive technology or not. They may choose to write, use sign language, body language, or use a device with words, images, or speech-generating functions to make themselves heard.
There is a vast world of communication styles, and just because someone expresses things differently, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t intelligent, clever, and creative!
3. Autistic people can’t be successful.
Many autistic people live full, happy, fulfilling lives. Autism looks different for everyone, and some autistic adults face more challenges than others. They are capable of setting personal goals, making decisions for themselves, and pursuing the things in life that bring them joy.
Autistic people may need extra support in school or certain accommodations to succeed in the workplace, but they are just as capable as neurotypical people of living successful, independent lives!
A lack of autonomy and social isolation are some of the most common barriers to self-determination for adults with disabilities. Others underestimate their abilities, make unfair judgments, and put them in a box that keeps them from fulfilling their full potential.
4. All autistic people are geniuses at something.
This is one of the more popular autistic stereotypes, largely thanks to depictions in the media. The “autistic savant” is a trope you’ll find in movies like Rain Man (1988) or characters like Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory.
Many autistic people have a special interest or hobby that they can become incredibly skilled in. They can also develop a vast knowledge of certain topics they find especially fascinating, or hyper-fixate on a task until they master it. This can definitely be a strength for some people, and many autistic adults are incredibly smart, but it doesn’t mean that they are all Sherlock Holmes in disguise.
5. Autistic people have a certain “look.”
Autistic people might have some social mannerisms, personal quirks, or stimming behaviors that make them stand out, but you can’t know that somebody is (or is not) autistic simply by looking at them.
Many disabilities and disorders are invisible. Some autistic people have other conditions that are more apparent, such as Fragile X syndrome or Down syndrome, which have distinct physical characteristics. But this is not true for all autistic people, and there is no specific “look.”
Find More Information, Resources, and Guidance with NeuroNav
There are many myths and misconceptions out there about people with disabilities. People with specific, unique experiences are often left without the resources and support they need to thrive. At NeuroNav, we strive to be your source for accurate information, advocacy, and personalized guidance.
If you’re a resident of California, you may benefit from the Self-Determination Program (SDP). Our independent facilitation services are here to help you navigate the program so you can have more say in the disability services you receive. No matter your goals, you deserve flexibility and freedom in choosing the supports that will help you see them through.
Book a free consultation today to learn more about how we can join you on your mission to live a more independent life.
