Five Myths (and Truths!) About Autism Spectrum Disorder
We’ve learned a LOT about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the last few decades. Public awareness and understanding has come a long way, and there have been huge strides in research on what causes ASD, early signs and symptoms, and its long-term impact. But there’s still a lot we don’t know, and a lot of outdated misconceptions that are still common in public perception. We’re breaking down five myths about ASD and highlighting what’s actually true.
Myth: ASD is one specific disorder.
Reality: ASD is a complex developmental condition, with characteristic behaviors that can range across a spectrum from non-existent to significantly impactful.
Originally, autism was thought to be a singular disorder. Then, Asperger’s syndrome was recognized as a “milder” form of autism in which the symptoms were similar, but less pervasive. In the 1990’s, autism was categorized as a spectrum, with five separate conditions that fell under the ASD umbrella. Around twenty years later, these distinct conditions were done away with and the diagnostic category of ASD was adopted. Now, anyone who exhibits the core symptoms of autism is classified with the same ASD diagnosis, which can be described with varying levels of severity. Some non-autistic individuals might exhibit some of the same core traits as those with autism, but on a level such that it doesn’t warrant a diagnosis (i.e., it doesn’t significantly impact their day-to-day functioning). Even now, we don’t have a great way of classifying the differing level of impact of ASD symptoms. It effects everyone differently, with some core features that are consistent.
Myth: Someone with autism will always experience ASD symptoms.
Reality: To be diagnosed with ASD, certain skill deficits have to be present to the extent that an individual’s current functioning is impaired. This can change across the lifespan.
It’s not common that an individual is diagnosed with ASD at a young age and then eventually has that diagnosis rescinded. However, ASD is not a singularly genetic condition, so it isn’t diagnosed by looking at an individual’s biology or brain. It’s based on behavior, and behavior is dynamic. Early and targeted intervention has been shown to have long-lasting and significant effects on cognition, social-communication, language, and adaptive skills. It’s possible for a child to be diagnosed with ASD and then, after receiving instruction and support tailored to their unique skills and deficits, experience enough of a reduction in the daily of impact of their symptoms such that their behavior doesn’t warrant a diagnosis anymore.
Myth: Autistic individuals always engage in a certain type of behavior, or always have similar strengths and weaknesses.
Reality: The characteristics of ASD can vary widely from person to person.
To be diagnosed with ASD, an individual has to demonstrate deficits in two domains: social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior. Beyond that, the differences and similarities between behaviors, preferences, strengths and weaknesses, hobbies, etc. of one autistic individual to another can vary just as much as they can between one neurotypical individual to another. There are some common patterns, but like we discussed earlier – autism is a spectrum, and the way it impacts each individual is complex and unique!
Myth: ASD is caused by vaccines.
Reality: Scientists are still not sure what exactly causes ASD, but there is no evidence-based connection between autism and vaccines.
The original study linking the MMR vaccine to ASD was redacted and the author was banned from practicing medicine due to unethical practices (specifically linked to the data published in this study). Nothing else indicating a clear correlation has been published since. Since one clear and definitive cause of autism has not yet been found, there’s a lot of grey area about what can cause it. It is currently thought that both genetic and environmental factors play a contributing role.
Myth: You should always use person-first language when referring to individuals with ASD.
Reality: It depends. If you really want to know, you should ask!
Over the last few decades in particular, person-first language has become the norm when referring to individuals with disabilities. This means referencing the individual first, rather than the diagnosis or difference in ability – so, “a child with a disability” rather than “a disabled child.” This kind of language has been thought to be more respectful to the individual by allowing them to exist distinctly from their diagnosis. Identity-first language has also been used in a derogatory manner and can be stigmatizing. However, surveys of the autistic community have indicated a preference for identity-first language, largely because many individuals with ASD feel that their autism is a fundamental part of who they are, and not something they feel the need to be separated from. Ultimately though, it depends on the person. If you’re unsure of what to say or how to say it, the best practice is simply to ask!
