5 Myths about Autism

Hi, I’m Angela, I have a husband with bipolar 2 disorder, my kids have ADHD, and I myself have struggled with depression—YOU’RE NOT ALONE! Here’s this week’s mental health tips:

5 Myths about Autism…

  1. Myth: People with autism can’t feel or express their emotions.

Fact: The issue isn’t whether someone with autism feels emotions—they most definitely do. The challenge is that they might have difficulty communicating their emotions, or even perceiving your emotions in the same way that you do.

  1. Myth: People with autism are loners and don’t want friends.

Fact: If someone you know has autism, there’s a good chance they struggle with social skills and they’re not aware of the social mistakes they are making. They might seem closed off, or shy, or even talk non-stop. They still need meaningful attachment just like everyone else.

  1. Myth: Special diets can cure autism.

Fact: People with autism might experience digestive issues or allergies, just as you or I would, so special diets could be helpful to elevate discomfort, but there isn’t a cause and effect with diet and autism.

  1. Myth: Vaccines cause autism.

Fact: Some time ago there was some research that suggested this idea. The doctor who put forth this research, which was found to be deceptive, had his medical license taken away. There is no empirical evidence to make a connection between vaccines and autism.

  1. Myth: All people with autism are pretty much alike.

Fact: Autism is a developmental disorder, but that doesn’t reflect the entirety of the individual. Autism is not an expression of personality, passions, family background, or life history.

It’s tempting to try to making everyone the same, in order to feel comfortable. But let’s honor the fact that God created us as individuals and remember what it says in Isaiah 64:8…

Scripture:

Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

Special Notes:

I am so grateful to Licensed Mental Health Counselor Joshua Moore https://neurofeedbackcare.com/  who helped me with information for this series as well as the amazing website www.autismspeaks.org

Recommended Reading for Kids and Parents:

The Asperkid’s (Secret) Book of Social Rules: The Handbook of Not-So-Obvious Social Guidelines for Tweens and Teens with Asperger Syndrome 

Question:

What myths about autism would you add to the list? I’d love to hear from you today, comment below.

No more confusion or wondering how you’ll face the roller coaster of life with mental illness. Mental Health Academy is here to take the mystery away, and give you the knowledge and the tools you need to have relationships that last! The time is NOW to get our first course: Trauma.

Please subscribe for videos on our Youtube Channel for our amazing resources. I’ll be sharing great tips and encouragement for whatever your facing—whether you’re fighting mental illness or have a loved one who is.

Categories