Title: Misconceptions About Autism: Seven Surprising Statements
Written on
Understanding Autism Misconceptions
When I first shared my autism diagnosis with friends and family, a common response was, "You don’t look autistic." This left me perplexed. My parents expressed their disbelief, insisting that the professionals who diagnosed me must have erred because I didn't fit their preconceived notions of what autism entails. Regrettably, many autistic individuals, particularly those diagnosed later in life, encounter similar uninformed remarks, which stem from a lack of awareness and understanding of autism as a spectrum.
Here are seven unusual reasons I’ve frequently encountered that suggest I don't appear autistic, leaving me to wonder how one is supposed to "look" autistic.
Section 1.1: Emotional Perception
- "How can you be autistic if you're so emotional all the time?"
A prevalent myth is that individuals on the autism spectrum lack emotional depth, which is not only misleading but harmful. Many of us experience emotions intensely and may be labeled as "overly sensitive." This heightened emotional response can sometimes be attributed to Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, where feelings of rejection trigger overwhelming sadness, manifesting as meltdowns. Yes, I am autistic, and I can cry at heartfelt moments in films or when witnessing tender moments, yet I may remain stoic in the face of significant personal loss. Our emotional experiences often diverge from societal norms, leading many of us to mask our true feelings.
Section 1.2: Misunderstanding Functional Abilities
- "You can walk and talk fine, so you can’t be autistic."
While it's estimated that up to 87% of autistic individuals experience motor challenges, many can walk and speak without significant issues. Autism is indeed a spectrum, encompassing a wide array of abilities and levels of functioning. Some individuals are non-verbal, while others might face challenges with spatial awareness, yet many can engage in conversation and movement with ease.
Section 1.3: Eye Contact Myths
- "You’re looking at me right now, so how do you have problems with eye contact?"
The notion that all autistic individuals struggle with eye contact is a misconception. Autism manifests differently in everyone. Personally, I find eye contact particularly challenging when emotions run high. During conflicts, it's often difficult for me to maintain eye contact while processing my feelings. Instead, I tend to focus between people's eyes, which feels less intense.
Section 1.4: The Sarcasm Paradox
- "You tell sarcastic jokes all the time?"
I can be quite sarcastic, yet I often miss the sarcasm in others' remarks. I understand the mechanics of sarcasm, but recognizing it in conversation can be elusive. Yes, it is entirely possible to be autistic and still wield sarcasm effectively!
Section 1.5: Cultural Stigmas
- "Indian girls aren’t autistic; maybe you have depression and anxiety instead."
Autism stigma is particularly pronounced in many ethnic minority communities, often leading families to suppress or overlook signs of autism due to societal shame. Despite numerous indicators throughout my life, my parents chose to disregard them. As an adult, I downplayed my concerns as mere anxiety or depression—conditions that are often viewed with less stigma. This stigma can delay diagnosis and lead to many in the British Indian community remaining undiagnosed. My parents had never encountered anyone in our community diagnosed with autism, which further fueled their disbelief.
Section 1.6: Misconceptions About Intelligence
- "You’re too educated to be autistic; how did you manage a degree and a master's?"
There is a widespread fallacy that equates autism with learning disabilities. While some autistic individuals may face learning challenges, many possess average or above-average intelligence. Research shows that approximately 59% of autistic people have an IQ that meets or exceeds the average. I was consistently placed in advanced academic tracks in school and found learning to be a passion of mine, though I often felt the need to exert significantly more effort than my peers.
Section 1.7: Stereotypical Interests
- "I thought autistic people are meant to be obsessed with trains, but you’re not?"
This stereotype, perpetuated by characters like Sheldon Cooper, presents a narrow view of autism that can misinform the public. Many autistic individuals have diverse interests that don't conform to such clichés. Personally, I've never been fixated on trains; my passions lean more toward reading, dressing up, and following celebrities.
I hope this exploration of misconceptions has been enlightening. What would you add? I welcome your thoughts in the comments!
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