Misconceptions About Autism

Misconception	Reality
Autism is an emotional condition that is caused by a child's withdrawal from parents who are cold and unwilling to accept him/her.	Autism is a neurological disorder resulting in a developmental disability characterized by difficulties in social reciprocity, language acquisition, and attention to the normal range of environmental events. The cause of this neurological disorder is largely unknown. Recent evidence indicates that abnormalities of the cerebellum, the limbic system and of neuro-chemical transmitters may be involved. There is no evidence that autism is caused by an atypical parenting style. Families of children with autism exercise the same variations in parenting as families of typical children. Also, many children with autism have typical siblings without autism.
Autism is a low- incidence disability.	According to recent statistics from the National Institute of Health, autism spectrum disorders represent the third largest developmental disability group in this country. This increased incidence is thought to be a function of improved methods for identifying children who present with symptoms.
Dustin Hoffman's character in Rain Man is a typical example of a person with autism.	People with autism present with an enormous range of individual differences. Dustin Hoffman's character illustrates one point on a very wide continuum of personalities and skill levels. As in the typical population, some but not all individuals with autism excel in an area of interest (e.g. math, reading, music, art, etc).
Children with autism lack the ability to form emotional attachments.	Many children with autism are normally attached to their parents and other members of the extended family. Some may present with sensory dysfunctions (e.g. overreaction to touch, vision, sound, etc.) which lead them to express and receive affection in unconventional way. However, the stereotype of a child with autism who is indifferent to the social world does not fit in most cases.
Autism is a life-long disability.	With appropriate treatment, almost 50% of individuals with autism will become indistinguishable from the mainstream population. Many others will develop independent living skills. A small number will require support throughout their lives.
There exists one single treatment that is appropriate for all children with autism at all times.	Autism is a spectrum disorder and children with autism appear to benefit from a spectrum of treatment options. Research suggests that a behavioral treatment approach is appropriate as a starting point. However, many children win benefit from additional treatment options (e.g., sensory integration, auditory processing, traditional speech-language therapy, pharmacological interventions, special diets, etc.). The diagnostic category of autism is less than 60 years old, and treatment efficacy research has not yet been completed.