Myths & Facts about Autism
There are many misconceptions about autism floating around. Let us look at some of the myths about autism that are not true.
Fact
A person is either autistic or not. Autism isn’t just about habits or being different — it’s a brain condition that affects how someone sees and understands the world. Saying ‘we’re all a little autistic’ may seem kind, but it can make the real challenges of autistic people feel less important.
Myth 1: “We’re all a little autistic"
Myth 2: “_________ causes autism"
Fact
Autism research is still new but growing fast. Experts don’t yet know the exact cause of autism. Many studies show it can be passed down in families (genetics), and some suggest the environment may also play a role. Most likely, it’s a mix of both.
Myth 3: “You don't look autistic"
Fact
Autism is a hidden disability. You can’t tell if someone is autistic just by looking at them. There is no special ‘autism look’. Some autistic people may not make eye contact or show facial expressions easily, but these are just behaviors, not signs you can see on the outside..
Fact
The truth is that girls can also have autism, but it is often missed or diagnosed late. Girls may better hide their struggles or be seen as shy. For many years, doctors mainly studied autism in boys, so some girls don’t fit that picture We still don’t know if autism is more common in boys — we just need more research on girls
Myth 4: “Girls can't be autistic"
Myth 5: “Children with autism just need more discipline"
Fact
Autism is a developmental condition, not a behavioural problem. Sometimes autistic children may act out, get upset, or hurt themselves — but it’s not because they are spoiled or need more discipline. They may be feeling overwhelmed, tired, hungry, or confused.
Myth 6: “Kids with autism don’t show affection"
Fact
Some children with autism may not like hugs, kisses, or being touched, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t loving. They just show affection in their way. Even if they don’t say ‘I love you,’ they have their own special ways of showing they care
Fact
Autism is a lifelong condition that starts in the brain. Children do not ‘grow out of’ autism. If a child’s diagnosis changes later, it may be because they learned to mask or were misdiagnosed. Saying autism can be cured is a harmful myth. It’s important to accept and support autistic children as they are.
Myth 7: “Autism can be cured"
Myth 8: “There are mild and severe cases of autism"
Fact
Words like ‘mild,’ ‘severe,’ or ‘high-functioning’ are often used for autism, but they can be confusing and hurtful. Every autistic child is different and has their mix of strengths and challenges. These labels can stop children from getting the help they need. Autism is not more or less — it’s different for each person. What matters is giving the right support, not the label.
Myth 9: “Autistic people can’t live ‘normal’ lives"
Fact
Autistic people face challenges like anxiety, depression, and bullying, which can add stress and health risks. They may also struggle in social situations. With care and understanding, autistic people can live full and meaningful lives
Fact
Some people call autistic children ‘high-functioning’ or ‘geniuses’ if they are good at something or have a high IQ. Many autistic children (about 70%) have learning or intellectual disabilities. We shouldn’t assume how smart someone is just because they are autistic.
Myth 10: “People with autism are all geniuses"
Myth 11: “Autistic people are violent/dangerous"
Fact
Some autistic children may hit, throw things, or hurt themselves during a meltdown. This is not because they are violent, but because they are overwhelmed and can’t control their emotions or bodies. These behaviors can look scary, but they are signs of distress, not danger. It’s important to see these behaviors as a cry for help, not as a threat.
Myth 12: “You can catch autism"
Fact
You cannot ‘catch’ autism by spending time with an autistic person. It’s not an illness. Autism is a brain difference that a person is born with. If someone seems to become autistic later, it usually means the signs were always there but went unnoticed. Children may copy each other’s behavior, whether autistic or not. That’s normal and doesn’t mean a child has autism.
