5 myths about autism

It is sad but true: in our country, families raising a child with ASD are often discriminated against by society: their children are called ill-bred, spoiled, and some, with a severe form of autism, are even offered to be sent to closed institutions. That is why it is so important to talk about autism as often as possible, breaking down stereotypes and beliefs that have little to do with the real state of affairs.

Family agrees to debunk some of the most common myths about ASD Naked Heart Foundation Vova Kovalevsky. Vova is four years old and has autism.

MYTH #1. Autism is a serious disease that needs to be treated

Fact. Autism is a developmental disorder with which a person is born and lives throughout life. It is not a disease, it cannot be contracted, and it cannot be “cured”.

However, this does not mean that a person with autism cannot be helped to cope with difficulties. Research shows that the sooner a program to help a child with autism begins, the better. Vova receives such help – at the age of three he began attending the Naked Heart Family Support Center in Nizhny Novgorod.

MYTH #2. If a person with autism does not use speech, he has a low level of intelligence

Fact. Oral speech is not the only form of communication. Some people with ASD use alternative means to communicate (pictures, written words, devices with voice output), and this is not related to their level of intelligence. Vova does not speak yet, for communication at home and in the classroom he uses the PECS system (Picture Communication Communication System, developed back in 1985 as part of the Delaware Autism Program. – Approx. ed.). This does not at all prevent him from gaining new knowledge and preparing for visiting kindergarten.

MYTH #3. People with autism are immersed in their own world and do not seek social contact, do not have feelings for loved ones.

Fact. Children with ASD, like their peers, are attached to their parents, but the expression of this attachment is often unusual and can be difficult to read. Vova, like other children, loves his mother, and expresses it the same way – he hugs her. True, he does not say the word “mother” yet.

MYTH №4. It is better for children with autism to be in specialized institutions

Fact. Children with ASD and other developmental disabilities, like any other child, do best when raised in a caring family. The family environment has a positive effect on the development of any child. Vova and his mother are a very friendly family.

MYTH #5. Children with autism are aggressive

Fact. The behavior of children with autism from the outside may look strange. Such children can be very sensitive to various sensations: visual, auditory, tactile and others. For example, being in crowded places can cause Vova severe stress and even physical pain, causing behavioral difficulties. But this does not mean that Vova is aggressive, just those around him should show patience and understanding when dealing with him.

All people with autism are different. Some do not speak at all, others speak a lot and loudly. Some are afraid of being touched, others love to hug. We examined the myths around autism using the example of the story of Vova and his mother, but there are thousands of such families in our country alone.

It is very important to talk with children about the fact that there are people with disabilities, because the child’s attitude towards peers with special needs is determined by how adults treat them. Remember: by your behavior you form the attitude of your child to others.

Read about how to tell your child about a peer with autism. here.