At AdventHealth, we believe every individual is infinitely valuable and deserving of unconditional love. We’re all uniquely created with a special purpose and endless potential to fulfill it. To honor World Autism Month, we’re here to celebrate the gifts of neurodivergent people.
What Is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition marked by challenges with social interaction and communication, elevated sensitivity to sensory stimuli and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors.
Autism is classified as a spectrum disorder because it differs in severity and is presented uniquely in each person. The word spectrum itself indicates a continuum of great variety — just like the amazing people considered to be “on the autism spectrum.”
Misconceptions About Autism
Misconceptions about autism are usually rooted in misunderstanding the condition, which can lead to stigmatization and exclusion of children and adults with autism. Sadly, these myths can be dehumanizing and may even lead to cruelty — including bullying and cyberbullying — often resulting in lifelong struggles with acceptance for people on the autism spectrum.
Learning more about autism, challenging misconceptions and encouraging an accurate understanding of neurodiversity creates a more accepting, inclusive and supportive environment. And challenging these myths begins with each one of us.
Here are five misconceptions about autism we’re here to debunk. Next time you hear one, know you’re equipped with the facts to help dispel misinformation and support a more inclusive world — where neurodivergent individuals can thrive and live their best lives.
Misconception #1: Autism is a childhood disease that kids eventually “outgrow.”
Truth: Autism is not a disease, and it cannot be cured. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder related to how a person’s brain is wired. And the neurology we’re born with stays with us for life. While the behaviors that are considered atypical in people with autism can sometimes go unnoticed by others, that doesn’t mean internal struggles aren’t there. In fact, people with autism are at high risk of developing mental illness during their lifetime.
Misconception #2: People with autism lack empathy and are unsociable.
Truth: Empathy may be experienced or expressed intellectually and analytically, called cognitive empathy, or through affective empathy, which means they feel and experience the same emotions as the other person, even if it goes unexpressed. The sharing of another's emotions can be deeply profound to the point where the person with autism may describe it as painful.
A person who is neurodivergent may relate differently outwardly, but that can create a new opportunity for connection and collective learning. Someone being “different” can be a blessing.
Misconception #3: Autism is only a male condition.
Truth: People have autism for many reasons. Examples are genetic differences, perinatal stress, brain injury and infections. Autism affects boys at a higher rate, but girls are born with autism as well. Each gender is impacted differently. While a young boy might be more likely to act out their frustrations through behaviors that we associate with autism (such as flapping their hands or rocking their body), a girl with autism can feel just as bothered by her symptoms but quietly hide her feelings. That said, females are more likely to be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed with something else because it's harder to tell if they have autism; it's common for women to discover they have autism later in life.
Misconception #4: People with autism look a certain way.
Truth: Autism is not a condition that is present physically. It can be jarring when you hear someone say that a person “looks autistic.” However, it’s not uncommon for people with autism to have comorbid conditions, such as Tourette’s syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood disorders or learning differences that may cause noticeable differences in how an individual looks, moves or sounds, which is not related to autism but to the accompanying condition.
Whether a person with autism can be identified through a visible or audible difference or not, their needs should be met with understanding and uncommon compassion.
Misconception #5: Immunizations cause autism.
Truth: Contrary to popular belief, there is no solid research showing that vaccines cause autism.
There is no one right way of thinking, living and behaving. By embracing differences, focusing on strengths and fostering inclusion, we can help people on the autism spectrum focus on their gifts and navigate the world with confidence and joy.
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AdventHealth’s Special Pediatric-to-Adult Need (SPAN) Program, led by Laura Gaffney, MD, provides patient-focused primary care for teens and adults with special needs. It is the only primary care program in the Kansas City metro area focused exclusively on providing comprehensive, patient-focused care for teens and adults with a chronic condition that persists from childhood to adulthood.
The goal of the SPAN program is to help patients live well in their daily lives. Dr. Gaffney and her team of specialists, including a certified family nurse practitioner, social worker and a specialized medical team, have years of experience working with patients with special needs.
“People deserve time, respect and a full examination,” said Dr. Gaffney. “In this digital world, with virtual care, there is still more to be gained through physical, in-person exams. During this time, our team makes sure patients understand that the diagnosis is not the destination. It doesn’t define a person.”
To learn more about the SPAN Program or schedule an appointment, visit AdventHealthKC.com/SPAN or call 913-632-SPAN (7726).
