Autism affects more than three million individuals in the United States and tens of millions globally. Statistics suggest that autism's prevalence rates have increased from 10 to 17 percent annually in recent years.
The continuing increase in autism, however, has no established explanation but experts are considering improved diagnosis and environmental influences for the rising cases, Autism Speaks notes. As the cases continue to grow, the world becomes suffused with misunderstood ideas about raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and autism.
Since its Autism Awareness Month, it's about time to finally set the record straight when it comes to raising a child with autism. So, here are 3 intriguing myths that parents and the society alike should ditch.
1. Autism is a mental illness or disease.
Parents should be the first to know and understand that autism is not a mental illness or disease. Though it's understandable that it is often viewed as a mental illness, it is really not.
Autism is actually a developmental disability that has its roots in very early brain development, Forbes notes. It can be associated with intellectual disabilities, difficulties in motor coordination and attention as well as physical health issues.
2. Autism should be blamed to parents.
In the past, many believed that parents or "emotionally closed-off refrigerator moms" were the culprit of their children's autism. But the fact is - there's no single known cause of autism and mothers or parents were wrongly blamed for causing autism.
Experts also stressed that there are several genetic and non-genetic factors causing autism. But it is much more complicated than just a single cause.
"One myth is that there is a single cause of autism ... one [specific] thing that has clearly changed in the world in the last 20 to 30 years resulting in more individuals with autism," Emory Autism Center director Catherine Rice said, as per Huffington Post. "It's much more complex than that."
3. Autism is a childhood-only condition.
Another preconceived notion or myth about autism is a childhood-only condition. Despite the fact that most studies treat autism as a childhood condition, it's wrong because the condition is "lifelong."
Autistic adults exist but they are kept away in institutions, where they are labeled with altering diagnosis, as Steve Silberman wrote in his book, "NeuroTribes." They are also reportedly dehumanized.
Are you ready to let these myths about autism go? Always remember, misconceptions matter because in a world filled with misconstrued information and understanding about autism, acceptance will just be a fantasy and the stigma continues.
