Myths, stigma, stereotypes and misinformation still surround autism. These are not helpful to anyone, but especially autistic people. So here are some truths about autism:
Autism is a difference, not a disorder
Autism is not a disease or disorder, it is a neuro-developmental difference. The autistic community leads the way in terms of how autistic people should be described and defined. Language must shift from describing autism as a disorder. Instead, autistic people talk about themselves as different, because autism is not a disease or an illness, and it cannot be cured or treated. This will help society to see the strength and value in autism.
Being autistic is part of someone’s identity
Being autistic is an intrinsic part of who someone is and makes them who they are, because it affects the way that they experience the world. There can be challenges for autistic people but what we need is a world where autistic people are accepted for who they are and get the support and adjustments they need.
Autism occurs in people of all backgrounds
Autism has historically been more frequently identified in young, white males. In fact, the diagnostic criteria for autism have developed from a male-centric perspective. So, diagnosis is skewed to identify autism in certain demographics of children. Autism, however, doesn’t discriminate, and is experienced in people across genders and races, despite the fact our diagnostic processes are not always sensitive to gender, racial or cultural nuances.
Autism is lifelong.
Autism is lifelong. An autistic child will grow into an autistic adult. It impacts everyone in different ways meaning there is no single answer for how autistic people will develop and what support they may need.
Interventions that claim they can ‘cure’ autism can be harmful to individuals and have no scientific evidence for their claims. For many people, autism is part of their identity and they don’t want a ‘cure’. This doesn’t mean that autistic people won’t face challenges, and the right support should enable a life of choice and opportunity. Greater acceptance of autistic people by society would reduce some of the challenges they face.
Every autistic person is unique
Just like every person, every autistic person is unique and has different abilities, interests, and challenges. Each autistic person will experience their autism differently, including in the way they communicate, socialise, and process sensory input. All of us have skills and challenges, and areas where we need more or less support. Each autistic person is an individual with their own profile of skills and challenges.
Not all autistic people have an intellectual disability
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition. While some autistic people can have a co-occurring intellectual disability, intellectual disability does not always occur with autism.
Many autistic people like routine and repetitive behaviour
Repetitive behaviours are a major part of life for many autistic people. Having a routine, such as a certain way to get dressed or eat breakfast, or following the same route to work, can help a person feel in control. Changes to routine, big or small, can be hard to process, and maintaining routine can be an essential way of regulating emotion and managing anxiety. Where possible, planning ahead can help reduce any confusion or anxiety that the disruption may cause.
Autistic people stim in lots of different ways
Stimming is short for self-stimulatory behaviour. It is a repetitive behaviour that can include the use of any of the senses, for example making sounds, staring at objects or lights or tapping hands or feet. Stimming can bring autistic people great joy and it’s important for health and wellbeing. People should never be forced not to stim.
Mental health conditions are more common in autistic people
Many autistic people experience mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety disorders, and they have a huge impact on a person’s daily life – hindering their ability to access full education and employment opportunities, for example.
Autistic people have a full range of emotions
Autistic people have a full range of feelings and emotions. How each person expresses emotions and the level of their ability to express emotions varies. It’s important to support a person who is expressing their emotions by validating their emotional response, paying attention to their body language, being patient, and helping them to utilise communication strategies.
As part of the social communication differences associated with autism, it is not uncommon for autistic people to have trouble recognising and interpreting emotions (this is called alexithymia), which can add to the misunderstanding about autism and emotions.
It is important to remember that autistic people do have emotions, are caring and loving, and their feelings can be hurt, just like anyone else.
Autistic people have meaningful relationships
Autistic people often have very strong bonds with important people in their lives. They can and do have fulfilling relationships with family, friends, partners and children. For some autistics, it can be difficult to understand non-autistic social cues and to navigate typical social interactions, just as it can be difficult for non-autistics to understand autistic social cues and interactions.
Autistic people may experience social anxiety because non-autistic ways of socialising may not be easy to understand. This might mean an autistic person appears quiet and shy and might avoid social situations, while others might speak too much and ‘infodump’ to cover their anxiety. Many autistic people speak about how confusing some elements of unspoken communication can be: body language and tone of voice can be difficult to interpret, especially when combined with non-literal language use such as idioms and sarcasm (or not saying what you mean). Making the effort to understand how your autistic friend, loved one, or acquaintance prefers to communicate and socialise will allow them to express themselves authentically with you and show their desire for social connection.