What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Autism? 11 Myths Parents Should Know

This list covers some of the most common autism myths that can create unnecessary confusion or fear for parents and autistic children.

1. Autism Is a Single Entity, Not a Spectrum

Throughout this list, you are going to see “autistic people are/have…” and this is the core of many misconceptions of autism. Not every autistic person experiences life the same way. While some people with autism may share similar symptoms, each is an individual, so any blanket statements are inaccurate and often harmful.  This is why autism got a new official name—autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—because it represents a spectrum of symptoms and experiences. It is not a one-size-fits-all situation.

2. Autism Is a Disease/Mental Illness

Autism is neither a disease nor a mental illness—it’s a neurodevelopmental disorder. In simple terms, it’s how the individual’s brain formed and how it works.  An autistic person’s brain operates distinctly from what is considered “typical,” but there is no detriment to the person. They just see the world differently. 

3. Autism Can Be Cured or Outgrown

Since autism is not a disease, it cannot be cured or outgrown. Autism does not go away with time. An autistic child will always be autistic because that’s simply how their brain works.  However, some interventions can help those with autism better manage their symptoms, emotions, and behaviors. 

4. Autistic People Can’t Live Happy, Independent Lives

While there is no cure, that does not mean that those with autism can’t live happy and independent lives. This may be one of the most painful myths for autistic children and their parents.  As mentioned before, interventions can help manage symptoms, which leads to increased independence. Many autistic children become adults who move out, go to college, work, travel, get married, etc., with no problem. It is important to note that some autistic people need more support and may not be able to live independently. Again, this condition is a spectrum of needs and symptoms. But we shouldn’t assume that autistic people with caregivers aren’t living a full life as well. 

5. Bad Parenting Causes Autism

Parenting is already hard enough. We don’t need to add any extra guilt. No, autism is not caused by bad parenting—it’s simply how your child’s brain developed. The bad parent myth comes from an outdated theory that cold, detached parents (“refrigerator mothers”) or childhood trauma create autism in children.  However, there was never any evidence of this. Instead, science says that parenting has nothing to do with autism development. 

6. Autistic People Lack Empathy or Emotions

Autistic people absolutely have empathy and experience emotions. They simply don’t express themselves in “typical” ways.  This misconception most likely comes from the fact that some people with autism don’t understand social cues and may act “inappropriately” for the situation. An example of this could be interrupting someone or talking about when they were in a similar situation.  They are showing they care, it’s not how most people expect it to look. The interruption could be because they thought of something that has to do with the conversation subject and are excited to share—accidentally forgetting someone else is talking.  If an autistic person is talking about being in a similar situation to you, it could be their way of showing empathy/sympathy. They’re sharing that they know what you’re feeling because they’ve been there too. It may have been simply the wrong time and place to do so. 

7. All Autistic People Have Intellectual Disabilities or Are Savants

This is false and again implies that all individuals with autism are the same—they are not. Some autistic individuals may have co-occurring intellectual disabilities, while others have exceptional abilities in specific areas, but neither defines autism itself.  This is why the autistic community is incredibly diverse! It’s best to treat each autistic individual as just that—an individual. 

8. Autistic People Don’t Want to Socialize

Of course, autistic people want to socialize. A small number of autistic people may prefer to be alone, but to assume all autistic people are antisocial is incorrect.  Autistic individuals socialize in very different ways, just like those without autism. For example, someone may be quiet but still enjoy the company of others. If an autistic individual shares extensively about their thoughts or interests, it could mean that they are excited to spend time with you. They want to share all their thoughts—not realizing that they may be overwhelming.  So instead of thinking of autistic individuals as antisocial, people should understand that they socialize differently.

9. Vaccines Cause Autism

This myth persists today because it targets parents’ fears and efforts to ensure their kids are happy and healthy.  The British medical journal The Lancet published a study by Andrew Wakefield in 1998. The study claimed that the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine caused autism. Having a scientific study claim this obviously made the news, leading to misunderstandings even decades later.  Here’s why this study is a lie:

1. The study used an unscientifically small sample size of 12 participants and an uncontrolled design. 
2. Epidemiological studies conducted shortly after the article was published refuted the link the article purported to find. Later investigation revealed that Wakefield and others had falsified data.
3. The author’s conclusion was questionable from the start because the only connection between the vaccination and autism is that both happen in early childhood.
4. 10 of the 12 cowriters of the study quickly retracted the interpretation of the data, saying no link was established. 
5. Wakefield did not disclose the financial interests of the study to The Lancet. The study was funded by lawyers representing parents in lawsuits against vaccine producers—leading to a strong bias against vaccines. 
6. In 2010, the UK’s General Medical Council charged Wakefield with dishonesty regarding the study and article, and removed his name from the official register of medical practitioners in the UK. 
7. In 2010, The Lancet officially retracted the paper, saying there were multiple inaccuracies in it. 
8. A study done in 2019 definitively stated that the MMR vaccine doesn’t increase the chance of developing autism.

10. Autism Only Affects White Males

For the longest time, it was believed that autism only affects white males, but that’s not true.  The truth is more nuanced: 

• Yes, autism is diagnosed in boys and men over three times more often compared to girls and women. 
• Autism in white children is actually lower than in other races: white 27.7%, Asian or Pacific Islander 38.2%, American Indian or Alaska Native 37.5%, Black 36.6%, Hispanic or Latino 33%, and multiracial 31.9%.
• Girls and women are still being excluded from scientific/medical studies, often show different symptoms of autism, and are often pressured to mask more than males. 

11. Modern Lifestyles Cause More Autism

Many people believe that autism is a relatively new condition caused by modern life, whether that’s environmental toxins, screen time, or processed foods.  The reality is that autism has always been around. It’s just now getting the attention it deserves. The disorder has stepped out from the medical field and into the general public, leading to more recognition, advocacy, and easier access to information (like this article). Improved diagnostic criteria and awareness are also making autism seem more common than before. Doctors have better information about signs and symptoms and therefore can recognize and diagnose children with autism.  Instead of seeing the increased mentions of autism as a bad thing, it should be celebrated. More recognition will hopefully lead to better lives for those with this condition. 

How Parents Can Respond to Stigma and Everyday Misconceptions

Being the parent of an autistic child can be complicated because of these misconceptions and the stigma they bring. However, there are tools you can use to tackle these stigmas and advocate for your child. 

Know You Are Doing Your Best

First and foremost, be confident in your approach to parenting. No one is perfect, and you are doing your best. People often point out the faults in parenting instead of the wins. You know your child best, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries with those around you if you feel they are harming your child. 

Educate Those Around You

As you can see, many of the misconceptions are staying strong despite all the evidence against them. Sometimes you may need to educate people regarding these myths and explain what the truth actually is. Many people may simply be misguided in their understanding, rather than being cruel, and just need guidance. 

Advocate for Your Child Whenever It’s Needed

Never be afraid of confrontation when your child needs assistance. It’s not being rude, it’s advocacy.  Know your rights with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and demand them from institutions. Whether it’s a doctor, a school, or whatever else may be limiting your child’s experience.  How you advocate can be a mix of education and sternness, depending on the situation. 

Stay Up to Date with Autism Information

New information about autism is appearing every day, so make sure you stay up to date on the latest developments. You check out local advocacy groups, scientific studies, or even autistic influencers.  A great place to start is Autism Parenting Magazine.

Try Different Autism Interventions

Autism is a spectrum, so if one intervention doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean they all won’t work. Some people have great experiences, others don’t. Some people find success with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. Newer methods, like biofeedback and vision training, can also help manage autism symptoms. 

Where to Find Autism Care that Treats Your Child as a Whole Person

Just like finding the right information about autism, parents may struggle to find a health provider that can help their autistic child.  If you live in the Palo Alto area, give Abbey Neuropsychology a chance. We offer holistic interventions that focus on what your child needs, not their diagnosis.  Our natural therapy starts with a neuropsychological assessment to truly understand your child’s needs. From there, we create a custom plan for your child.  Our treatments include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Play- and art-based therapy
• Family therapy
• Parent coaching
• Biofeedback
• Neurofeedback
• Neurovisual training
• Cogmed Working Memory Training®

Our team would love to support both your child and you. 

Take Things One Day at a Time

Parenting, whether having an autistic child or not, can be overwhelming. It’s easy to let misinformation make you believe you can’t help your child.  But you absolutely can.  By loving them and understanding their condition, you can provide the support they need to grow into wonderful individuals. And if you need professional help, just contact us. We’re more than happy to offer our expertise to make your child’s growth journey easier.