Autism Myths and Facts

"People think they know what autism is because they saw Rain Man once. They have no idea." — Autistic adult

The Most Harmful Myths

Vaccines Cause Autism

FACT: Thoroughly debunked. The original study was retracted for fraud. Multiple studies with millions of children found no connection.

Bad Parenting Causes Autism

FACT: Parenting does not cause autism. The "refrigerator mother" theory from the 1940s has been completely debunked.

Autism Can Be Cured

FACT: Autism is not a disease. It's a neurodevelopmental difference. Support and accommodations help. Many autistic people don't want to be "cured."

Myths About Autistic People

Autistic People Lack Empathy

FACT: Many have intense empathy, sometimes overwhelmingly so. Expression may be different, not absent.

All Are Intellectual Disabled / All Are Savants

FACT: Both extremes are wrong. Intelligence varies widely. Savant abilities are rare. Strengths come in many forms.

Autistic People Don't Want Friends

FACT: Many deeply desire connection. Social interaction can be exhausting, but that doesn't mean unwanted.

Myths About Who Gets Autism

Only Boys Are Autistic

FACT: Autism affects all genders. Girls and women are underdiagnosed because they often present differently.

Autism Only Affects Children

FACT: Autism is lifelong. Autistic children become autistic adults. Late diagnosis is increasingly common.

Myths About Presentation

"You Don't Look Autistic"

FACT: There is no autistic "look." Presentation varies enormously. Masking hides visible signs.

"High-Functioning" Means Not Struggling

FACT: These labels oversimplify. Someone may excel academically but struggle socially.

Most autism myths stem from limited understanding. When in doubt, listen to autistic people.