Busting Myths and Misconceptions surrounding Autism

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, processes information, and interacts with the world around them. The word “spectrum” is important – it means there’s a wide range of characteristics, strengths, and support needs that vary from person to person.

It is a different way of being, thinking, and feeling. Many people with autism experience heightened sensitivity to sound, light, textures, or social environments. Others may prefer routine, need more time to process spoken language, or communicate through gestures, pictures, or assistive technology.

Signs of Autism

• The child may not be able to make eye contact
• May have delayed language development
• May have difficulty making and maintaining social connections
• May  engage in repetitive movements or  behaviours 

It’s important to remember: just because a child isn’t speaking or responding like others their age doesn’t mean they aren’t understanding or feeling deeply. Many children with autism express themselves in nonverbal ways and may need alternative communication tools to thrive.

The importance of early understanding and support

Recognizing signs of autism early can help caregivers access the right kind of support – but there’s no single “window” for growth or learning. Children learn at their own pace, and meaningful change can happen at any age.

Rather than rushing to make a child “fit in,” the goal is to create environments that honor who they are, support regulation, and reduce unnecessary stress. Therapies should center on inclusion, communication, and connection – not compliance or masking.

Myths regarding Autism

Many common myths about autism can create confusion and stigma for children and families. Let’s explore some of these and learn the facts behind them.

• Myth: Autism is caused by bad parenting

Reality: Autism is not caused by parenting style. Research shows that differences in brain development, particularly in how the brain forms connections during early growth, are the most likely reasons for autism. It is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a result of how a child is raised.

• Myth: Children with autism are not intelligent because they have trouble communicating

Reality: Communication differences do not reflect a child’s intelligence. Many children with autism have unique ways of understanding and interacting with the world. Intelligence can show up in many different forms, and traditional ways of measuring it may not always capture a child’s full potential.

• Myth: Children with autism prefer to be alone and don’t want friends

Reality: Children with autism may communicate or express interest in friendships differently, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in connection. Many autistic children deeply value friendship and social interaction, even if they engage in ways that are not always typical or expected.

This presentation will help you learn and dispel more such myths around Autism in children. 

Misconceptions regarding Autism

Despite growing awareness, many outdated or incorrect beliefs about autism still shape how people perceive it. These misunderstandings don’t come from malice – they often come from lack of access to updated, inclusive, and lived knowledge.

Here are some key reasons as to why these misconceptions might be continuing: 

• Limited or stereotypical media representation

Most movies, shows, and news stories tend to show only one narrow version of autism. Real life doesn’t look like a movie. The autism spectrum includes artists, thinkers, quiet kids, chatty kids, kids who stim or fidget, kids who love structure, and kids who face challenges with it – all valid and worthy of understanding.

• Outdated medical language and diagnosis models

For many years, professionals used deficit-based terms that focused on “what’s wrong” rather than understanding neurological differences. While this is slowly changing, old terms like “high-functioning” and “low-functioning” are still used by many—even though they don’t truly reflect a child’s day-to-day needs.

What helps more is a strengths-based lens: asking “What support does this child need to thrive?” rather than “How far from ‘normal’ are they?”

• Not hearing from people with Autism themselves

Many caregivers and professionals learn about autism but rarely hear from individuals with Autism. Including their voices makes the information richer, more accurate, and more compassionate.

Every time we challenge a myth, we make room for understanding. Every time we listen to a lived experience, we grow more capable of showing up with the kind of support that actually helps.

Hence, this presentation aims to address common misconceptions about autism and provide clear, factual information. Increased awareness and understanding can help families and caregivers better support and advocate for their child’s unique strengths and needs.

Many beliefs about autism stem from misinformation. This resource helps distinguish facts from myths and provides insights into common questions parents may have after their child’s diagnosis.

By learning more, caregivers can feel more equipped to create a supportive and affirming environment for their child.

For parents and caregivers

Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child may come with a mix of emotions – relief, confusion, grief, or even sadness. All of these are valid. What matters is shifting the focus from “what’s wrong” to “how can I support my child?”

Start by learning, listening, and letting go of pressure to conform to society’s usual idea of being “perfect”.  

Read about common questions that emerge in any young parent’s mind whose child has been newly diagnosed with Autism. By learning more about the condition you can help understand your child’s unique needs better.

Acknowledgements: We thank The Jai Vakeel Foundation for contributing information in slides 19-25.

If you have questions about autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, or other developmental differences, the Nayi Disha team is here to support you. Contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996 via call or WhatsApp. Our counselors speak multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.

DISCLAIMER: This guide is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized support.