Autism Awareness Month: Fact Versus Fiction

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder that still suffers many misconceptions and stigmatism.

For Autism Awareness Month, myths surrounding autism will be examined, explained and some even debunked.

• Autism is most common in males

True, but it isn’t as drastic as most people would assume. Autism in females is less likely to be detected, as symptoms present differently between sexes. For example, a girl being quieter than her peers is not as concerning compared to a boy, as girls are socialized to be more reserved and polite. Initial research on autism was only done on white, male children, meaning that its presence in minority groups is overlooked and understudied.

• The autism spectrum is from high functioning to low functioning

False. This view of autism has been criticized by psychologists and the autistic community. Instead of a singular plane, a more accurate descriptor would be viewing it as a color wheel. Some autistic people may struggle with communication and excel in math and vice versa. Identifying certain individuals as low-functioning and high-functioning are inaccurate, as anyone’s abilities, regardless of development, are complex and unique. The DSM-5, instead, categorizes severity as to how much support an autistic person needs in day-to-day life.

• Autism Speaks helps autistic people

False. For years, Autism Speaks has used its platform to misinform and fearmonger about autism. Its infamous “I Am Autism” ad compares the disorder to a terminal disease. Contrasting from other autism advocacy groups, its board only seats one autistic person. It also focuses a majority of its resources on parents with autistic children rather than the actual population it attempts to support, as well as most of its funds being allocated towards fundraising and campaigns.