There are still many myths about autism, stemming from a time when it wasn't well understood.

 

Autism is a developmental disability which affects the way someone interacts with people and the world.
As far as we know there’s no single cause, but it's likely to be due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Now, let's get to busting those stubborn myths once and for all!

Myth 1: Autism is caused by vaccines!

Nope, not at all!

The rumours about this one refuse to die and it's actually quite dangerous!
The anti vaccine movement was sparked by very unscientific claims made in the late 1990's.
These claims, that the measles, mumps and rubella jab and the preservative, thiomersal, could cause autism, have been found to be untrue and fraudulent.

Sadly, the legend lives on…
The fact is, there is no evidence that vaccinations can cause autism.

All studies have completely dismissed the idea.

 

Myth 2: There is an autism epidemic!

But, this figure only looks at the number of people diagnosed, not the number of people who actually have autism.
The simple fact is, there’s actually no evidence that the incidence of autism is increasing at all.

We're probably just better at spotting it.
In the past, often people who had autism were thought to be introverted or shy and were never diagnosed.
These days, autism is identified much more easily and earlier.

 

Myth 3: People with autism can’' feel emotions"!?

Can someone with autism love?
Of course they can!

People with autism can feel the full range of emotions including love and affection.
Sometimes they can even be more pronounced than usual.
However, this myth might come from the fact that some people with autism can find it a bit hard to express these emotions and share what they are feeling.
But it should go without saying that people with autism can fall in love, get married, have kids, and love those kids to pieces!

 

Myth 4: Autism is caused by bad parenting!

Occasionally this nasty myth shows it's face, but bottom line is, parenting style does not cause autism.
Mothers of children with autism were dubbed "refrigerator mother" and were said to be cold, neglectful, and even abusive traumatising their child so much they developed autism.

 

Myth 5: All people with autism are like Rain Man!

Hollywood loves a good story, but Rain Man isn't really accurate!
The character was based off a real guy, Kim Peek, but he didn't actually have autism!
That aside, the movie has spread the myth that all people with autism have secret gifts.

But worryingly, it also suggests people with autism have no skills in other areas! Not true.
The truth is Savant syndrome, which causes exceptional talents, is real.
But, it's not that common.
Only 10% of people with autism have some level of savant abilities, but these talents are very varied.
Some people, however, can calculate large numbers in their head.

Others can answer the question,"‘What day of the week was March 22nd 1988?"
And some know everything there is to know about specific subjects.
So while there are hints of facts in the story, we can't say this one is at all true.