Recently, there’s been much talk about autism—but not everything you hear is true. With so much information out there, it’s easy to feel confused about what to believe. That’s why Dr. Shanon Taylor, a professor of special education and department chair of educator preparation, and Dr. Lindsay Diamond, associate dean of research and graduate programs and professor of special education, are here to help. In this Ask the Professor feature, they broke down some of the most common myths about autism and explained what research really says—in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
Myth: Autism is Preventable
Autism is not something that can be prevented or caused by bad parenting, the environment, or vaccines. It’s part of what experts call neurodiversity, which means some people’s brains simply work in different ways. This includes autism, ADHD, and learning differences. These are not caused by anything parents did wrong. Scientists believe they mostly come from a mix of genes. Also, studies have proven that vaccines do not cause autism—the one study that claimed they did was later found to be false and taken down.
Myth: Autism is a Growing Epidemic
It may seem like autism is happening more now, but that’s not really the case. The numbers have changed over the years—from 1 in 150 kids in 2000 to 1 in 36 in 2020—but this doesn’t mean more kids are getting autism. Experts believe the increase is mostly because doctors are getting better at diagnosing it. In 2013, the rules for diagnosing autism changed, and conditions like Asperger’s Syndrome were added under the autism umbrella. Also, more kids are being recognized as having autism, especially those who were missed before, like girls, children of color, or kids from low-income families. More adults, especially women, are realizing they’ve had autism all along but have been hiding their symptoms to fit in. This is called “masking,” and it can be really hard and stressful for those who do it.
Myth: Autism Can Be Cured
Autism is a lifelong condition, and a person doesn’t “grow out of it.” However, as people with autism get older, they often learn new skills that help them do better in school, work, and social situations. Sometimes, they may “mask” or hide their symptoms to fit in. Therapy and support can help them improve skills like communication, but autism is still part of who they are, even with these skills.
Misconception: People with Autism Cannot Lead Independent or Meaningful Lives
This is a hurtful misconception. While some people with autism may need more support, many can lead independent and meaningful lives. People with autism work in various jobs and make valuable contributions to society. Even those who need extra help are loved and important members of their families and communities. It’s important to avoid ableism—viewing people with disabilities as less valuable than others. Everyone has something to offer, and respecting our differences helps create a more understanding and inclusive world.
These are just a few of the common myths about autism, but they’re the most widespread. Understanding autism for what it truly is—without the misconceptions—helps us recognize the incredible value people with autism bring to our society.
Personalized Support in Las Vegas
At Nevada Autism Center, we’re dedicated to empowering autistic children who feel impacted by their condition. Through expert speech therapy and personalized support, we help them unlock their full potential, building skills that last a lifetime.
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