Myths about Autism
Myth! Children with autism never make eye contact.
Many children with autism establish eye contact. It may be less than or different from the typical child, but they do look at people, smile, and express many other wonderful non-verbal communications.
Myth! Inside a child with autism is a genius.
The myth that a genius is hidden in a child with autism may exist because of the uneven nature of the skills that many children exhibit. Children with autism may have splendid physical skills, but no functional language. A child may remember the birthday of every child in his class at school, yet be unable to determine when to use the pronouns “you” or “me” appropriately. A child may read with perfect articulation and not understand the meaning of what he has read. Children with autism exhibit a full range of IQ scores. Most children with autism will exhibit significant delays in some areas of mental processing. A very small percentage exhibit above normal intelligence; an equally small percentage of children exhibit very low intellectual functioning.
Myth! Children with autism do not talk.
Many children with autism develop good functional language. Most other children can develop some communication skills, such as sign language, use of pictures, computers, or electronic devices.
Myth! Children with autism cannot show affection.
Probably one of the most devastating myths for families is the misconception that children with autism cannot give and receive affection and love. We know that sensory stimulation is processed differently by some children with autism, causing them to have difficulty expressing affection in conventional ways. Giving and receiving love from a child with autism may require a willingness to accept and give love on the child’s terms. Sometimes the challenge for parents is waiting until the child can risk a greater connection. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends may not understand a child’s aloofness, but can learn to appreciate and respect his/her capacity for connection with others.
More myths and misunderstandings about autism:
* Progress means that the child doesn’t have autism.
* People with autism do not notice others and don’t pick up cues from peers/adults.
* People with autism do not want friends.
* Individuals with autism do not relate to peers/adults.
* People with autism could talk if they wanted to.
* Autism can be outgrown.
* Autism is an emotional disability.
* Children with autism cannot learn.
* Children with autism will show no imagination.
* Bad parenting causes autism.
* Autism is rare.
Source: www.asaga.com