18 autism spectrum disorder myths doctors wish you’d stop believing

Parents will worry about a child because they display a few typical autistic characteristics. To diagnose ASD, though, a child will have a wide range of delays – social impairments, communication issues and imaginative play. It’s likely that a child with just a few characteristics of autism does not have the disorder, especially if the behaviour isn’t consistent in all of the child’s activities or environments. “While the caregivers’ feedback is very important,” says Dr Hagerty, “they need to talk to the child’s paediatrician about the presence of these signs before jumping to conclusions.” As a parent, you know your child best and should absolutely discuss your concerns with your child’s paediatrician.

“Autism and personality are so intertwined that as children’s personalities, interests and preferences evolve, you will naturally see their behaviours change,” explains Dr Bugembe. People with autism also typically undergo therapies that focus on their individual struggles, such as communication or social skills. According to the book Behavioural Intervention for Young Children With Autism: A Manual for Parents and Professionals, intensive behavioural intervention for children between the ages of two and five can have a significantly positive effect on their behaviours for life. When it comes to autism, new research is consistently paving the way for professionals to meet the needs of families to provide the best possible life for individuals with a diagnosis.

Although behaviours will change throughout a person’s lifetime, most of those diagnosed don’t grow out of their diagnoses completely. Dr Frazier notes that some children who get diagnosed with autism no longer fit the criteria later in childhood or adulthood. “However, [most] children diagnosed with autism continue to meet those criteria and need some service and support throughout the life span.”

Autism is often thought of as a neurological disorder, but the truth is that it can target several parts of the body, not just the brain. “Children with autism are more likely to develop epilepsy, altered immune function and gastrointestinal problems than the general population,” says Dr Bugembe. Autism can also look different with each person, meaning that some might have more problems with cognitive functions while others will struggle more with eating or sleeping.

Language and communication are two different concepts: while some people with autism aren’t able to speak full sentences, they can still learn to communicate. “Most people with autism have functional speech,” says Dr Frazier. “Even among those who are non-verbal or minimally verbal, many people learn to use alternative or augmentative forms of communication, such as a speech-generating device or a picture-exchange system.” Art therapy is one method that’s becoming more widely used to enhance communication skills in people with autism. In fact, a research article published in The Arts in Psychotherapy explains best practises for art therapists working with children who have ASD since it’s an available form of therapy.

Now you’re up to speed on ASD myths, check out these 17 things psychologists wish you knew about depression.

It’s impossible to predict the long-term needs of someone with autism: A child’s behaviours and autism-related struggles can change over time. “I have seen children with autism grow into adults with jobs, relationships and families of their own. There are certain careers where people with autism flourish, and even employers who actively seek out individuals on the spectrum,” explains Dr Bugembe.

Many parents and caregivers believe that a special diet – one that is casein free or gluten free, for example – might relieve symptoms. “There is no evidence that restricting your child’s diet will cure their autism,” says Dr Bugembe.

Some people with autism don’t display affection in typical ways, which has led to speculation they didn’t get enough love at home. The biggest hole in this theory is research indicating that autism begins in the womb, according to Dr Bugembe. She points out that studies have explored whether the oxytocin, a hormone linked to love and affection, could explain autistic symptoms. The idea was that a lack of affection from parents could lead to deficiencies. “This theory has since been tested and, though one-off doses of the hormone may change some symptoms of autism, a clear cause-and-effect relationship has not been demonstrated.” Taking vitamins while you’re pregnant is associated with lower risk of having a child with autism, however, again, these findings are interesting but, they cannot establish cause and effect.

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Source: RD.com

Medically reviewed by Dr Renata Chalfin