Misconceptions of autism - common myths on autism. Bright Tots educational toy store offering baby toys toddler toys games & videos. info@brighttots.com.
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Here are some common misconceptions of autism...
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• Children with autism never make eye contact - some do make eye contact, and some make eye
contact after working for years to learn to make eye contact.
• Inside a child with autism is a genius - children with autism have a wide range of IQ scores and
skills. However, a child that may remember the birthday of every child in their class may not
remember their names.
• Children with autism can't show affection - this is difficult for most children with autism, but not
always true. Bonds and affection can be achieved in many cases but it takes work, time, and patience.
• Progress means a child does not have autism - False. Progress means hard work, love, and
support is paying off.
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• Affection and smiling at you means a child does not have autism -
False. All children are different and with time, work, and love many that
don't show affection will learn to show affection.
• Autism can be outgrown - False. It can be treated and children
and adults with autism can lead productive and happy lives - and so can
their families.
• Bad parenting causes autism - False
• Children with autism cannot learn - False. But often the key is
figuring out how they learn and teaching them appropriately. Each child is
different.
• Autism is rare - False.
• Children with autism do not talk - Many children with autism develop good functional language.
Most other children can develop some communication skills, such as sign language, use of pictures,
computers, or electronic devices.
More Myths and Misunderstandings about Autism
• Progress means that the child does not have autism.
• Children with autism do not smile at you.
• Children with autism do not participate in physical affection.
• People with autism do not notice others and do not pick up cues from peers/adults.
• People with autism do not want friends.
• Individuals with autism do not relate to peers/adults.
• People with autism could talk if they wanted to.
• When a child with autism does not respond to a question/direction to which he has previously
shown a correct response, he is being stubborn/non-compliant/obnoxious.
• Autism can be outgrown.
• Autism is an emotional disability.
• Children with autism will show no imagination.
Facts on Autism
• 1 in 150 individuals have autism spectrum disorders.
• 80% of all individuals with autism learn to talk.
• Early diagnosis and intervention is essential.
• Each person with autism is a unique individual with special talents and gifts.
There are vast differences among people with autism. The range of autistic characteristics exhibited
will be different in each person affected. Some individuals may exhibit only mild language delays, while
others may have no functional speech. Regardless of language skills, social interactions are typically a
challenge for most individuals with autism. They may have average or above average verbal, memory,
or spatial skills yet find it difficult to be imaginative or join in a game of softball with their friends.
Others more severely affected may need greater assistance in handling day to day activities like
crossing the street or making a purchase.
Contrary to common belief, many children and adults with autism will make eye contact, show
affection, smile, laugh, and express a variety of other emotions though perhaps in varying degrees.
Like others, they respond to their environment in positive and negative ways. Autism may affect their
range of responses and make it more difficult to control how their bodies and minds react. People with
autism live normal life spans and some of the behaviors associated with autism may change or
disappear over time.
Information provide by: The Autism Society