Autism, also called an autism spectrum dysfunction, is a fancy neurodevelopmental dysfunction that impacts thousands and thousands of individuals worldwide. It’s the world’s third most typical developmental incapacity which begins displaying signs normally on the age of 9 months. Nevertheless, with correct screening and diagnostic strategies, most kids could be identified by the age of two. Based on some estimates, India has 18 million instances of autism. Regardless of elevated consciousness and understanding of autism lately, myths about autism live on. As well as, these misconceptions have led to a stigma in opposition to the dysfunction.
Let’s bust some frequent myths about autism! Well being Photographs reached out to Dr Rajiv Uttam, Director and HOD, Pediatrics, Pediatric Important Care, and Emergency, Medanta in Gurugram, to know extra.
Widespread myths about autism you must cease believing
Fantasy 1: Autism is a illness
Reality: Autism is a neurodevelopmental dysfunction that impacts communication and social abilities. It isn’t a illness and autistic individuals are not “sick”. Whereas remedy {and professional} intervention may help, there isn’t a remedy for autism.
Fantasy 2: Individuals with autism don’t really feel feelings
Reality: Individuals with autism can really feel all feelings however could wrestle to speak and join with others. On account of difficulties with communication and social interplay, their means to attach with others could also be misinterpreted as an absence of curiosity. Nevertheless, with remedy, they’ll be taught to attach and interpret social cues like anybody else.
Additionally Learn: World Autism Consciousness Day: 5 actions to assist your little one stability feelings with logic
Fantasy 3: Autism could be cured
Reality: Autism will not be one thing that one can develop out of. It’s a lifelong dysfunction and can’t be cured via remedy or drugs. Whereas autism impacts people in another way and may change all through life phases, you will need to perceive that it’s a spectrum dysfunction. Nevertheless, with applicable remedy and intervention, people with autism can nonetheless lead joyful and significant life.
Fantasy 4: Autistic individuals are intellectually challenged and are unable to talk
Reality: People with Autism Spectrum Dysfunction (ASD) have various skills and features. Some could have mental disabilities or speech difficulties, however others don’t. There’s a broad vary of skills and communication ranges amongst these with ASD.
Fantasy 5: Individuals with autism are usually not able to residing independently or having profitable careers
Reality: This isn’t true. Autism impacts folks in another way. Whereas some people could require further help, many are absolutely able to residing independently and pursuing profitable careers. With the suitable help and sources, folks with autism can thrive in many various areas, together with training, employment, and social relationships.
Additionally Learn: Expensive mothers, acknowledge the strengths in kids with autism
Fantasy 6: Autism can solely occur to kids
Reality: Autism is a lifelong developmental dysfunction, and though signs could also be extra noticeable throughout childhood, autistic traits persist into maturity. In truth, many adults are identified later in life.

Fantasy 7: Signs are the identical in all autistic folks
Reality: Individuals with autism could expertise a variety of signs and skills. Whereas some people could exhibit frequent traits, comparable to issue with social communication, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviours, every particular person with ASD is exclusive and will current with quite a lot of strengths and challenges.
Fantasy 8: Autistic kids are extra violent
Reality: Autistic kids being extra violent is a false impression. Whereas some could have issue expressing themselves, it isn’t true that they’re deliberately violent or extra more likely to trigger hurt. Moreover, it’s noticed that many kids with autism usually wrestle with coping and regulating their feelings.
Fantasy 9: Autism could be brought about as a consequence of unhealthy parenting
Reality: That is unfaithful. Autism is a neurodevelopmental dysfunction that’s believed to be brought on by a mixture of genetic and environmental components and isn’t a results of poor parenting or insufficient care.
Additionally Learn: Even caregivers of kids with autism want care. Right here’s how they are often affected
Fantasy 10: Autism is brought on by vaccines
Reality: Autism is a developmental dysfunction that impacts how folks talk and work together with others. It isn’t brought on by vaccines, as confirmed by intensive analysis. Vaccines are protected and don’t trigger autism.
You will need to bust the frequent myths and misconceptions surrounding autism. It’s essential that we proceed to teach ourselves and others about autism to advertise acceptance, understanding, and help for folks with autism. Moreover, the folks, who know in regards to the incapacity, ought to additional educate others, and make society all-embracing and compassionate for autistic folks.