Professional intervention and therapy can help people with autism to implement their desire to connect

Dr Dhanashree Peddawad, Consultant- Neurologist, Jupiter Hospital talks about the common misconceptions about autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – more commonly referred to as ‘autism’ is a developmental disorder that roughly affects 1 in 500 people in india. With lot of misconceptions and myths around the disorder it is important to get the facts right in order to ensure that autistic people receive the support, help and understanding they need and truly deserve.

The first step to understanding the disorder is to bust common misconceptions about autism.

Myth – Medicines can cure autism

Fact – autism is not a disease but a life-long disorder and cannot be cured with medicine. Though it lasts for a lifetime, individuals can live independent and productive lives.

Relevant therapies and interventions help to fight the challenges that come with the disorder, while medicines can be of help to deal with problem behaviors or gastrointestinal issues caused due to autism.

Myth – Autism is caused by use of vaccines

Fact – this is a common myth circulating in society, however, there is no evidence to support the link between vaccines and ASD.

Myth –Autistic people lack emotions

Fact – This myth is completely untrue as people with autism do feel all emotions. However, due to their inability to communicate and interact socially, this is often misinterpreted as lack of interest or emotions to connect and form relations.

Professional intervention and therapy can help people with autism to implement their desire to connect.

Appropriate therapy at each stage of life goes a long way to help support the development of new skills and improve their quality of life. Autistic people also can lead a happy and with meaningful life as anyone else.

Myth– Children with autism are more violent

Fact – Autistic children are believed to be more violent as compared to other children. However, this is certainly not the case. In fact, recent research has shown that autistic people are by no degree more violent than other people.

Myth – Autistic children cannot learn

Fact – It is commonly understood that children with autism lack the ability to learn and educate. In reality, the key to educating autistic individuals is to first learn the correct approach to educate the child and understand their basic necessities. With the right methods in place coupled with love and support, they can learn like any other individual.