1.     Autism is the same for everyone

• Though initially autism was thought of as a singular condition, more recent research refers to autism as a spectrum
• This has arisen from the fact that there is a huge variation in characteristics and behaviours between people with autism – which is discussed further later on in this section

2.     Autism is the result of bad parenting or a traumatic experience in childhood

•  In the 1960s, some researchers claimed that autism was the result of emotional deprivation, either due to absent attachment figures or as a result of “refrigerator mothers”
• However, this research has since been discredited and it is now thought that biological influences are the key contributor to autistic traits, which will be discussed further below

3.     Autism is caused by the MMR vaccine

• Another common myth about the cause of autism is that it is linked to the MMR vaccine, however extensive scientific tests have produced no evidence at all to support this link

4.     Autism is an intellectual disability

• While some people with autism can have intellectual impairment of ranging degrees, the intellectual abilities of others is often within the typical range
• Additionally, some autistic individuals will have intelligence above the typical range, though difficulties in educational settings may mean they struggle to reach their academic potential

5.     Autism is a mental health disorder

• While autistic individuals can have co-morbid mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression, autism in itself is an example of neurodevelopmental condition
• Many people with autism will not struggle with mental health at all

6.     Autism is on the increase

• The diagnosed rates of ASC in the UK and worldwide are increasing, however this is unlikely to reflect an “autism epidemic” that some predict
• Instead, it is likely to reflect the increased knowledge and availability of diagnosis, as well as the broadening of the diagnostic criteria to include the current spectrum

7.     Autism only affects boys

• Though autism is more commonly diagnosed in boys, this may be due to a range of other factors rather than suggesting that autism only affects boys
• For example, girls are suggested to be better at “masking” to imitate their neurotypical peers, meaning their symptoms are often overlooked.

8.     Autism only affects children

• Autism is a lifelong condition and can vary in intensity and impact over the lifespan
• Despite this, adults are often overlooked in research regarding how best to support people with autism

9.     Autism means that you are unable to work or go to school

• Having autism does not mean that you will be unable to attend school or get a job
• Most autistic people are capable of working and going to school or university, as long as they are given the right working environment and reasonable adjustments are made to support them

10. Autistic people are unable to feel emotions

• Autistic people can experience deep emotions, though they may struggle to understand these feelings
• Similarly, research suggests that people on the spectrum feel just as much, if not more, empathy as others, though they may express this is non-typical ways

11. Autistic people are anti-social

• Despite often struggling to make and maintain friendships, most people on the spectrum would like to make friends and have relationships with those around them
• Social interactions can be confusing and challenging for autistic people, and this can then lead to what is often perceived as anti-social behaviour

12. Autism can be cured

• The majority of individuals with autism argue that it is not something they would want to be cured, as it forms a key part of their identity and gives them many strengths
• Additionally, though autism can be managed and the barriers within it can be lessened through the right support, autism is a lifelong condition meaning there is no “cure”