Children with autism typically exhibit typical symptoms such as social communication difficulties, narrow interests, and repetitive behaviors. These manifestations can appear during infancy and early childhood, and may become increasingly obvious and severe with age.
However, many people still have misconceptions about autism, often simply considering the child to be shy and not seeing it as a significant issue. They may not realize that if autism is left unaddressed, abnormal behaviors can worsen, potentially leading to an inability to care for oneself in adulthood. Let’s take a look at some common misconceptions about autism.
1. Misunderstanding the nature of autism
1. Autism is a psychological disorder: Autism is not merely a psychological issue; it is a mental disorder caused by abnormal neurodevelopment. Patients with autism have abnormal brain functions and structures, which can lead to social difficulties, abnormal behaviors, and delayed language development.
2. Autism is just introverted personality: Introverted personality is only one manifestation of the neurodevelopmental disorder in individuals with autism and cannot equate autism with simply being introverted.
2. Stereotypes about individuals with autism
1. Special talents: Some high-functioning individuals with autism, such as those with Asperger’s syndrome (ASD), may show extraordinary talents in areas like painting, sculpture, music, or mathematics, but such cases are not common. Therefore, not all individuals with autism can be viewed as exceptionally gifted geniuses.
2. Quiet and introverted: Each individual with autism is unique, so their personality varies. While quiet and introverted individuals with autism are more common, there are also those who are hyperactive, impulsive, or energetic.
3. Low intelligence: Not all individuals with autism have low intelligence; some high-functioning individuals with autism may even possess extraordinary intellectual abilities, showing exceptional skill in arithmetic. However, there are also individuals with autism who do experience cognitive delays and intellectual disabilities.
4. Lack of emotions: Individuals with autism also possess rich emotions; they just find it difficult to understand others’ feelings and express their own emotions. Due to social communication challenges, they may struggle to establish emotional connections and intimate relationships with others.
The above are common misconceptions about autism. Although there is currently no targeted effective medication for autism, early detection and intervention through methods such as medication, rehabilitation training, and cognitive education training can effectively improve the social, language, and cognitive abilities of individuals with autism, reduce repetitive behaviors, and ultimately enable self-care in daily life.
