Myths And Facts about Autism
By: Sharvari Tamboli
Tags: Myths, Autism, Facts, Kidaura, Awarness

Autism is a concept that is misunderstood by lots of people starting from calling it a disease to searching for medicines to cure it. People not having sufficient knowledge about it tends to believe in the myths that are revolving in the society and create a false image that changes their perspective to look at this aspect. Unless this false image is corrected, the help people are trying to contribute may not be useful and this will, in turn, affect the autistic person. Hence, people must collect sufficient information and know the myths and their truths before coming to a conclusion.

Here are some of the myths and the corresponding facts regarding autism.

MYTH: Individuals with autism are geniuses

FACT: Autism is a spectrum disorder. This means that its characteristics differ from one person to another. Its limitations and benefits demonstrate differently to everyone. Thus, it cannot be generalized. More often, it provides exceptional abilities aside from the limitations. While many individuals with autism have normal intellectual activity, some may be extremely good at math and arts. The definition of a genius is having an IQ above 120 and, while this is certainly possible for people with ASD(Autism Spectrum Disorder), it is much less likely than in the general population

MYTH: Special diets can cure autism

FACT: Research shows that, in conclusion, diet does not have a direct effect on autism. Individuals with autism may have digestive issues, just like other individuals, and special diets can be helpful in this perspective. Many individuals with autism also have food allergies, which can also be managed with special diets.

MYTH: Autism can be cured with medicine

FACT: Unfortunately, autism is a lifelong disorder; it cannot be cured with medicine. Despite the fact that it lasts a lifetime, individuals with this disorder can live independent, productive and comfortable lives. With therapies, interventions, and education, the challenges that come with autism can be managed. On the other hand, medication can be used to deal with gastrointestinal disorders or problem behaviors that are caused due to autism

MYTH: Only boys are affected by autism.

FACT: Autism is seen in both girls and boys, however, studies show that boys have a higher diagnosis of autism. It is certainly true that girls can have ASD, but they tend to be more severely affected than boys. However, this may be because girls with ASD are not as readily recognized. Some evidence suggests we should be using different diagnostic criteria for girls than for boys to take account of these variations.

MYTH: People with autism cannot talk.

FACT: Communication is more than talking. Some students with autism will develop speech seemingly effortlessly but will require help to communicate appropriately with their peers. Others will require assistance to communicate their basic needs and wants, using a combination of words, gestures, and augmentative communication systems such as PECS.

MYTH: Autism is a mental health disease

FACT: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors It is an umbrella term for a group of developmental disorders that are neurological in origin and cause social, communication and behavioral challenges. Autism is not a mental disease.

MYTH: autistic children don’t have emotions

FACT: autistic children are like other children, they have emotions, it’s just that they express it differently or sometimes are unable to express due to difficulty in communication.

MYTH: Symptoms of autism are similar in all children.

FACT: Autism is known as a spectrum disorder because its symptoms and characteristics appear in a variety of combinations that affect different people in different ways. The challenges faced by children with autism are unique.

MYTH: — Children with autism can’t learn

FACT: with the right guidance and interventions, the majority of children will improve. Only the grasping speed may vary from individual to individual. Still, things can change and lives can improve, slowly and steadily, so long as family and teachers are persistent and using an effective method of teaching.

Kidaura is on a journey to rejoice the differences, to create a more inclusive world. Kidaura helps to spread awareness about autism and to do away with the myths prevailing in society. Kidaura cares, provides support and early intervention so that children can make the best use of their potential.

REFERENCE:

India Today news: New research busts old myths and brings new hope [Accessed 11 July 2019] https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/health/story/20131118-autism-autisitic-mind-western-syndrome-myths-about-autism-autistic-children-768458-1999-11-30

Kidaura: a young initiative helping children find their hidden potential and nurture their personalities by rejoicing the differences [Accessed 11 July 2019] https://www.kidaura.in/