Myths & Facts About ASD 2023

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder appear to avoid social contact.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Individuals with ASD are often keen to make friends but, due to their disability, find this difficult.

Social story is one of the strategy used to guide students with ASD on social skills.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder cannot lead independent and successful lives.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Given appropriate education, many students with ASD will grow up to be successful contributors to society.

Autism is the result of bad parenting.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Research suggests that ASD can be caused by a variety of conditions that affect brain development.

There is no clinical evidence that parental behaviour can cause or contribute to the development of ASD.

Parental support plays a big role in the learning and practice of skills of a child with ASD.

All individuals with autism spectrum disorder have special talent or 'savant' skills.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

10% of individuals with ASD may have special abilities in areas like music, art, mathematical calculations, memory and manual dexterity.

The majority, however, may have areas of high performance that relate to their special interests or obsessions. These skills are often referred to as 'splinter skills', as they are often not consistent with skills in other areas of development.

People with autism do not make eye contact.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Contrary to popular belief, many people with autism do make eye contact on their own terms.

When they feel relaxed and confident with the communication partner, eye contact can be quite spontaneous.

It is NEVER a good idea to force a person with autism to have eye contact with you.

Autism can be cured.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

There is currently no documented cure for autism.

Individuals with ASD respond very well to structured early intervention, education and vocational placements that focus on the unique learning style of students with ASD.

People with autism cannot talk.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Communication is more than talking.

Some students with ASD will develop speech seemingly effortlessly, but will require help to communicate appropriately with their peers.

Ohers will require assistance to communicate their basic needs and wants, using a combination of words, gestures, and augmentative communication systems such as PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).

Autism can be outgrown.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Children do not 'outgrow' autism but symptoms may lessen or change as the child develops and receives educational interventions.

People with autism do not have feelings and thus are unable to show affection.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

People with autism can and do give affection.

However, due to difference in sensory processing and social understanding, the display of affection may appear different from typical people.

Understanding and acceptance of these differences is the key.