5 More Common Myths about the Autism Spectrum

In a previous post, I listed five common myths about people on the autism spectrum. Here, I’ll discuss five more common myths and their factual counterparts.

Myth 1: People on the autism spectrum cannot get married and raise a family

Fact: Many autistics are happily married and parents. While it may be more difficult for a person on the autism spectrum to maintain relationships and deal with the stress of raising children, there is no reason to believe they are incapable of living a normal, happy life.

Myth 2: People on the autism spectrum have excellent memories

Fact: This is a common misconception likely based on the seemingly endless streams of trivia some autistics can recite. However, not all autistics have the profound memorization skills often attributed to them. Some have above average memories, some have average memories, and some have memories that resemble a sieve: the information goes in and then goes back out just as quickly.

Myth 3: People on the autism spectrum are unhappy and miserable

Fact: While many autistics do suffer from depression, it is usually not caused by the autism itself. Instead, the depression comes as a result of the treatment of those around them and society as a whole, who look at the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder and immediately make assumptions about the persons abilities, or lack thereof, based solely on preconceived misconceptions. Placing limitations on an autistic simply because he is autistic is one of the worst things you can do. No one likes to hear he can’t do something because of something that makes him different; that’s what led to the civil rights movement of the 1960s. People on the autism spectrum who are allowed to be themselves, even if that self isn’t “normal,” tend to be much happier and more well-adjusted than autistics who are forced to conform or held back because of their autism.

Myth 4: People on the autism spectrum want to be cured

Fact: Although many people may call for a cure for autism, few of them are on the spectrum themselves. The majority of autistics are against a cure because they don’t feel they should be cured of who they are. Autism isn’t a disease; it is a way of life. To cure autism is to take away what makes the autistic who she is. Some have equated curing autism with genocide. In a way, that is just what it is, for autism cannot be separated from the autistic and to eradicate autism would eradicate one segment of society. Autism doesn’t need to be cured, it needs to be accepted and autistics allowed to be themselves without fear.

Myth 5: People on the autism spectrum are all savants

Fact: It is true that some autistics have special abilities, but there are no more savants on the autism spectrum than there are in any other group of people. Just like neurotypicals (people not on the autism spectrum), autistics have a range of talents, abilities, and deficits. To believe that every autistic must be an expert at something is to believe a lie. Most autistics are average at a variety of things, just like the rest of society. They may work to develop their talents and become impressive musicians or mathematicians, but the majority aren’t prodigies. They are just people who are good at some things and not so good at others.

The important thing to remember about people on the autism spectrum is that they are people who happen to be different. They aren’t a group to be pitied or looked down upon. Most of them would gladly answer the questions of anyone truly interested in learning about the realities of autism. Above all, treat autistics as you would anyone else and allow for the differences that are sure to make themselves known.

5 Common Myths about the Autism Spectrum

Many myths abound about autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Unfortunately, for those unfamiliar with ASDs, it can be difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction. Here are five common myths and the truths behind them.

Myth 1: People on the autism spectrum have no emotions

Fact: This myth is likely the result of many people on the autism spectrum expressing their emotions in atypical manners. Both children and adults on the spectrum experience the same range of emotions and depth of feeling as neurotypicals (people without an ASD). Autistics may laugh when others cry; they may cry when others are happy; they may show no outward sign of emotion, but the feelings are still there. Assuming they have no emotions is very hurtful to an autistic.

Myth 2: People on the autism spectrum are unaware of their surroundings

Fact: Just because an autistic is looking at the floor rather than the people around him doesn’t mean he is unaware of what is going on. Rather, he’s probably focusing on the conversation around him and absorbing every word. Many people on the autism spectrum have few or no filters when it comes to the information they take in. If they were to look at the people involved in a conversation while trying to listen to it, they would likely become distracted by the way a person’s mouth moves, the clothes people are wearing, hairstyles, etc. and miss every word spoken. By focusing on something bland, like the floor, or closing their eyes, it enables them to focus better on the conversation. You just might be surprised by what they have to add to the discussion.

Myth 3: People on the autism spectrum are either mentally handicapped or geniuses

Fact: In reality, people on the autism spectrum have the same range of IQs and in the same ratio as those not on the spectrum. You will find autistics with high IQs and those with low IQs, but the majority will fall somewhere in between.

Myth 4: People on the autism spectrum are lonely

Fact: While this may be true for some, not all autistics crave being the center of attention and surrounded by people most of the time. Many people on the autism spectrum like to be alone. They find it relaxing to not have to try to “fit in” or understand what the people around them might be thinking. It gives them the opportunity to let their minds wander and do what they enjoy. Most people think a solitary life would be torture, but many autistics enjoy it.

Myth 5: People on the autism spectrum cannot work

Fact: Many autistics can and do work. They may not function well in a highly social position, like a cashier at the local supermarket, but they are perfectly capable of working in the right environment. Autistics can be successful in a multitude of jobs, from working in a call center to being a research scientist. Each individual has his own unique abilities and interests which may lend themselves to a long-term career. Others work at whatever job is available that they can handle while looking for a career that involves their interests.

One of the worst things a person can do is to set limitations for people on the autism spectrum. Given a chance, autistics tend to surprise people with their abilities. Yes, autistics are different, but differences are what make the world the wonderful and diverse place it is.