Autism Awareness Week is significant in aiming to create a society and community that is inclusive of all those on the autism spectrum. This week also desires to help foster an understanding of those with neurodiversity so that we can further create a society that is supportive of all who have autism and come from other neurodivergent backgrounds.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Those with ASD often have problems with social communication and interactions in the first few years, and their salient signs of autism include a lack of appropriate eye contact and an inability to react or respond to joint attention.

People with ASD have intense interests and a strong need for routine and predictability. As a result, autistic people sometimes experience social exclusion, mental health challenges, and difficulties in adjusting to a range of settings, including workplaces and schools. Unfortunately, these issues arise since some people in our community do not understand or are unaware of the needs of autistic people.

This blog aims to help others garner an understanding of those with ASD so that we can create a setting where their preferences are met and comprehended. There are a few myths and misconceptions surrounding those with autism, and it’s imperative to address and correct these misconceptions to ensure that we can better understand the challenges and struggles those with ASD face. This would in turn ensure that we as a community can help and support them.

Myth 1: Autism was rare but now become common due to the MMR vaccine. 

The MMR vaccine is used against measles, mumps, and rubella. Many people have been denying taking the MMR vaccine due to the misinformation that it causes autism, stating that the MMR vaccines or other vaccines are increasing the chances of autism. This myth has heavily damaged society's trust in vaccines, and there has been a rise in Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.

One of the main reasons there seems to be an increase in autism cases is that until the 1980’s there was no autism spectrum as a diagnostic category. Hence, it was impossible to diagnose ASD, but today, with improved testing, knowledge, and advancements in science and technology, it is far easier to diagnose ASD.

Myth 2: Older generations were lacking awareness and understanding of autism and autistic people. There was a misconception that autistic people lacked emotion and compassion. 

This crooked notion that those with autism lack empathy has been since manipulated, and cruel injustices have been brought upon them. However, to dispel this myth, we need to understand that autistic people are highly concerned with the feelings and emotions of the people they are surrounded with. It is crucial that we, as a modern, growing, and developing society with a variety of diverse backgrounds, ensure that these misconceptions are promptly corrected so that society can become more welcoming and prejudices do not affect others.

Myth 3: There have been suggestions that the main goal is to make autistic children indistinguishable from their peers. Ole Ivar Lovass made this statement back in the 1980’s. 

To ensure that autistic children were ‘indistinguishable’ from their typical peers, they have been put through years of intensive, one-to-one sessions. It is imperative to understand and realize that these methods might make young children believe that there is something wrong with them and that they need to be fixed. These intensive methods make autistic people and children seen as someone different, segregating them as needy people rather than understood and accepted.

Again, Autism Awareness Week is vital in ensuring that autistic people and those with ASD are understood and accepted into society rather than ostracized and subjected to cruel behavior. There have been numerous stories about the success that those with autism have, and I believe that it is important to share these stories so that people can realize that everyone, no matter what background or neurodiversity, is the same.

These are just a few success stories that those with autism have achieved in their lives. It provides evidence that autism does not hinder someone. This week not only raises awareness about the needs of autistic people to create a more welcoming society but it would help to create acceptance in society, where Autistic people are not merely tolerated but welcomed and supported:

1. Temple Grandin: She has perhaps one of the most well-known success stories. She’s a professor, author, and advocate for autism and animal welfare. Despite facing challenges associated with her autism, Temple used her perspective to change the livestock industry with her designs for humane animal handling facilities.

2. Dan Aykroyd: He’s an actor and comedian, one of his most renowned roles was in Ghostbusters. He has openly spoken about being diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, which is a form of autism. Despite facing social challenges he has made himself a successful career, proving that autism is not a barrier.

3. Chris Robison: He was diagnosed with autism early on and hence faced numerous challenges growing up, like communication and social interactions. However, he discovered his passion for music and learned to play numerous instruments. Using his success in the music industry as a musician, he has used his music to raise awareness about autism.

Written by Achinthya P

Moderated by Joanna