Recently mentioned during the American presidential debate and on Oprah, Autism Spectrum Disorder is fast becoming a well known issue; however, many misconceptions surround this complex disorder.
The correct term for Autism is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is because people who have ASD often exhibit various degrees of signs and symptoms, which lends to debunking the first myth about ASD: that all people with autism are alike.
Although there are general characteristics that may be common among those diagnosed with ASD, no one case is exactly the same as the next. Some people with ASD are verbal; some are not. Some people with ASD are independent; some are not. Some people with ASD have aggressive behaviors; some do not. To understand ASD is to acknowledge the vast spectrum of characteristics that can lend to a diagnosis.
The second myth about ASD is that it is caused by poor parenting. This is not true. To date, the specific cause of ASD is unknown.
Current research has found no psychological factors that are related to the development of ASD. The research community has made some progress in identifying similar genetic patterns among twins who have autism, which does suggest a genetic component to the disorder. However, there is still a long way to go before the causes of ASD are irrefutably identified.
Just as there is yet to be a conclusive cause of ASD, there is also yet to be a cure. The third myth about ASD is that it is curable. No amount of diet limitations or intensive therapy has ever been proven to cure a person with ASD.
Despite recent celebrity endorsements (e.g. Jenny McCarthy) that suggest a strict diet and proper intervention strategies can cure a person diagnosed with ASD, the medical community has yet to stand behind such claims.
The final myth that warrants attention is that people with ASD are hidden geniuses. Although some people diagnosed with ASD do exhibit high IQ scores or do have a unique skill or talent, it is important to note that this tends to be more the exception than the rule.
The media often highlights people with special needs who have a specific talent that sets them apart from the general population, which often lends to the misconception that all people with ASD have a unique ability (e.g. are superior at math).
To review, Autism is a spectrum disorder that can not be solely defined through a standard set of characteristics. There is no known cure or cause of ASD and not everyone with ASD displays high IQ scores.
The truth about ASD is that we know very little in comparison to what there is to be known. By debunking popular myths about ASD, one can see the vast complexity of this disorder and understand the dire need for more research into this field.
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