| Misconceptions of autism - common myths on autism. Bright Tots - Information on child development - Autism information. |
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| Misconceptions of Autism |
Here are some common misconceptions of autism...
• 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.
• 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
• 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.
• 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
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