Myth: Individuals with autism do not care about others
Fact: Just because they have difficulty showing emotions, interactions and empathy towards others doesn’t mean they do not care.  These individuals are very loving and affectionate and show their feelings in unusual ways.

Myth: Individuals with autism are all alike
Fact: Individuals with autism are as different from one another as they can be.  They all have similar diagnostic features but they all are unique individuals

Myth: Individuals with autism are dangerous to society
Fact: While there are many individuals who exhibit violent or aggressive behaviors, those behaviors are usually due to frustration and physical or sensory difficulties.

Myth: All individuals with autism are non-verbal
Fact: Some individuals are non-verbal but there are many individuals on the spectrum who are extremely verbal and even have great reading skills.

Myth: Individuals with autism can not do anything
Fact: Individuals with ASD can achieve great things, with support from their community and society.  They are very creative and have a different perspective when looking at the world around them.  So when they respected and supported they can change the world.

Myth: Autism spectrum disorder is caused by poor parenting
Fact: Parents do not and can not cause autism.  The roots of autism are not known as yet but it is genetic and not due to any parenting behavior.

Myth: It is better to wait and see if the child gets better than to get them an assessment early on in their life.
Fact: Earlier autism is diagnosed and treated is better.  Individual’s life is better improved with early intervention.

Myth: Certain behavioral based programs “cure’ autism
Fact: There is no cure for autism.  Early intervention behavior based programs have positive effects on some children and show low improvements with others.  Services need to be individualized based on their learning style, rather than “cookie cutter – one style fits all”.