Published on 29 March 2018
Most people have heard of Autism.
In the UK alone, there are 700,000 people diagnosed with the condition – and many more undiagnosed
But do they really know what it is, where it comes from and how it affects our relatives, friends, work colleagues and neighbours?
As part of Autism Awareness Week, Dr Amy Pearson, from the University of Sunderland, helps clear up many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the condition.
Myth:
Autistic people are really good with maths and numbers.
Reality:
Autism is an incredible diverse condition, and each autistic person is as individual as the next.
While some may be great with numbers, others may find math difficult, or even have dyscalculia (a disorder of number similar to dyslexia).
Myth:
People with Autism struggle in social situations
Reality:
Just like everyone else, those with autism want to have friends and be accepted in all social situations.
Just because some may slightly struggle with interactions and some forms of communications does not mean they are aloof or uninterested.
Myth:
Autism is a mental health condition
Reality:
This is not the case. It is a neurological condition which means the brain processes information slightly differently.
People with Autism can, just like everyone else, suffer from mental health conditions.
Myth:
The ‘Rain Man’ myth – All children with Autism have some kind of special super-human ability
Reality:
It’s not quite so black and white. Most people with Autism do not have ‘amazing gifts’ just as many gifted people do not have Autism.
A minority may have some special abilities – the proportion varies on who you ask - but those you see on TV or read about in the newspapers should not be a guide to everyone with Autism.
Myth:
Autism can be caused by the MMR vaccine
Reality:
This made headlines back in the late 1990s based on research carried out on just 12 children. Two major studies have since found no link and the theory has been discredited.
Myth:
People with Autism lack emotions
Reality:
No. Autism doesn’t mean individuals don’t feel emotions, but in some cases those emotions are just communicated in a different way.
Dr Pearson is a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Sunderland and an expert in Autism.
She said: “When people hear the word Autism they often think of characters like ‘Rain Man’ or Christopher from the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. However, Autism is an incredibly diverse condition.
“At one time Autism research was focused mostly on impairment in autism and things that autistic people couldn’t do, but now our ideas about Autism, and autistic people, are changing.
“The Neurodiversity movement uses the slogan ‘different, not less’. It re-characterises Autism and other conditions such as ADHD or dyslexia, as natural differences within the population and asks that we accept Neurodiverse people as they are – people with both strengths and weaknesses.”
Autism Awareness Week lasts until Monday, 2 April.
As part of the week, the National Autistic Society is encouraging people to educate themselves on autism and how the disability can affect someone's day to day life.
There is no known cause of autism, but experts believe a number of complex genetic and environmental factors are involved.