Myths Surrounding Autism

 For many of us, if not all of us, there are certain mysteries surrounding autism and people in the special needs community. Dealing with some of the effects of autism can often leave us scratching our heads in confusion. Those who do not deal with special needs can often have their own views or beliefs. Sometimes this is due to no exposure to the special needs community. Other times, it can be related to things they have heard about autism or autistic individuals. I thought it might be helpful to discuss some of the popular myths surrounding autism in order that we might understand it better and be able to better share that information with others. 

Myth # 1

People with Autism Don't want Friends

This is false. People with autism can sometimes have problems with speech, such as forming words or problems making certain sounds. Due to this difficulty, it can be difficult to socialize with others and create a potential friendship. This doesn't mean they don't want friends. They just have difficulty making friends. 

Solon is a social butterfly. He loves to talk to people. The happier he is, the more talkative he becomes. Even though Solon can speak, he has difficulty maintaining a conversation or discussing the interests of other people. He talks about what he enjoys, not understanding it may not be something the other person enjoys. Solon wants to make friends and he is in the process of learning how. 

Myth # 2

People with Autism cannot Feel or Express Emotion - Happy or Sad

We know that this is false. Just because a person is autistic does not mean they are not human. Human beings feel things, some more deeply than others. Anyone who has worked within the autistic community knows that they feel emotion. Another common misconception here is that autistic children can only express anger. This is also false. Autistic individuals can feel things just as intensely as you. Because they have a different way of thinking, they may have a different way of expressing emotion or understanding certain facial expressions. They only need to be taught what to look for. 

Solon is typically a very happy child. He loves to laugh and make jokes and sometimes pulls an occasional prank. Solon also has something of a temper and it can flare without warning. Solon has times when he is angry with no ready explanation. He's a teenager now and I think that may be part of it. 

In addition to anger, Solon expresses sadness or depression. He shows disappointment or frustration. Through the years, we have learned to work together to help him through these feelings. However, I am fortunate that Solon is usually very happy. And in turn, that makes me very happy as well. 

Myth # 3

People with Autism are Intellectually Disabled

Again, this statement is false. The spectrum for autism is expansive. Once you have met one autistic person, you have met one autistic person. Autistic people are still unique individuals. Some may excel in things like music or math or science. Others may have average IQ's. Sometimes, their abilities can be just as extraordinary as their limitations are frustrating. Having autism does not mean they are intellectually disabled. 

Solon is usually the smartest kid in his class. When he puts his mind to his work, he can score with the top of his class. He's very good at math and reading. Despite his intelligence, I have yet to find that niche that he can fit into. Solon is very interested in his toy cars and I spend some time talking to him about mechanics and what can make a car move. This is a learning experience for us both. Whether or not he develops an interest in mechanics is purely up to him. In the meantime, I am just intent on enjoying my time with him and exploring all of his new interests as they come. 

There are many more myths we could  discuss and I am sure I that I don't know what they all are. Please feel free to drop a comment with an autism myth that you have heard or would like to discuss. I found these myths and many others at https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/11-myths-about-autism. You should check it out if you'd like to learn more. 

I hope that you have found this information helpful. It is our never ending fight to help our children excel and to be the best versions of themselves, despite what many others might believe. 

As always, stay positive - Jen

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