A recent article published on the BBC website highlights a list of myths related to autism spectrum disorder. In this article, the author presents and discusses several myths related to autism that we can agree with, but others that could also be open to debate. here’s why:
Autism spectrum disorder has been the subject of multiple publications in recent years, due in part to its high prevalence. In fact, in the United States, it is estimated that one in 68 children has this disorder. Characterized by alterations in communication, social skills and repetitive behaviors, autism spectrum disorder continues to attract public attention; we do not yet understand the mechanisms that cause it to appear, and we cannot put our finger on a main risk factor, but rather on the interaction of several of them. As a result, no one is truly “safe” and the ensuing media coverage often inflames our minds with different hypotheses: vaccines, genetics, food products, parenting behavior,
Myth #1: Autism, once a rare phenomenon, has now become common
Several myths related to autism persist today, among them the perception of a growing autism epidemic. However, it is important to ask the right questions and then put the facts into perspective: is this really a hot epidemic, or rather a heightened awareness of the problem? Today, however, we are more and more aware of what autism spectrum disorder is and most of us know someone who presents with such difficulties.
Moreover, a host of other factors could explain this high prevalence rate, including the methodology adopted by certain epidemiological studies, the recognition of the disorder in cultural communities previously less inclined to accept it, and the availability of diagnostic assessment and intervention services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The advent of social networks also plays an important role in the dissemination of information and the recognition of symptoms or services offered.
Myth #2: Individuals with ASD lack empathy
Another myth surrounding autism spectrum disorder is the perception that individuals with ASD lack empathy. however, others would rather have difficulty knowing how to react in each situation, which may give the impression that they have no empathy, when this is not true.
For example, when a child with ASD perceives someone crying, he might freeze and say nothing instead of going to comfort that person, not because of a lack of understanding that he be sad, but rather because of the lack of knowledge on the best way to react. The nuance is important to grasp, both in a family context and in the PRP services near me.
Myth #3: The goal of an intervention is to make the child with ASD the same or like their neurotypical peers
The third of the autism-related myths disclosed in this BBC article concerns the purpose of certain interventions with such young children. By the way, some of these interventions aim to make the child with ASD indistinguishable from their neurotypical peers. This subject is a matter of debate and elicits reactions from many people, including parents, researchers, and clinicians. In fact, some approaches require the involvement of all the players in the community (interveners, teachers, parents, siblings, friends, etc.) in the rehabilitation of young people with ASD, which is already a difficult thing to do.
We also come to realize that these approaches, while effective, should not lead children to function “as if nothing had happened”; so-called “normal” functioning is moreover often unrealistic, and it is rather so-called “adapted” functioning that should be targeted. By the way, adults with ASD who have been through such intensive programs. Where the bars are often set high. Talk about a traumatic moment for them and discuss it with great anxiety.
The main problem with such approaches is that the person is treated. As a problem to be solved, rather than a person to be better understood. Their differences and altered ways of perceiving the world should not be traded off or dismissed. But rather involved in their re-education. This is also the reason why some companies such as SAP aim for diversity. By trying to allocate at least 1% of their payroll to individuals with ASD.
Myth #4: We over-diagnose our children too quickly, with a “fashionable” disorder
Finally, the last of the myths related to autism that is worth highlighting is the fact that we tend to overdiagnoses certain individuals with skills and behaviors that are different from the norm, ASD or not for psychological healthcare. The question of overdiagnosis is also a matter of debate whether it is for autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit or other. In the sense that everyone has characteristics that could resemble these disorders. For example, the person with ASD has narrow interests and obsessions. And then the neurotypical person sort of does too. But in the form of passions and hobbies.
The person with ASD may be rigid and exhibit sensory hypersensitivity. While the neurotypical individual talks about preferences. And things that irritate them. Some may therefore believe that they attribute to themselves some of. The typical characteristics of an ASD. Almost all facets of his daily life as well as than that of the dynamic family.
However, what distinguishes a neurotypical individual from an individual. With a disorder is the frequency and severity of their symptoms and the extent. To which these interfere with their functioning. This is also where we draw the line between real trouble and weaknesses or inter-individual differences and weaknesses. Indeed, we all have our own peculiarities. but it must be understood. That the child’s symptoms or developmental delays have a significant effect on his functioning. On almost all facets of his daily life as well as on that of the dynamic family.
However, what distinguishes a neurotypical individual from an individual. With a disorder is the frequency and severity of their symptoms. And the extent to which these interfere with their functioning. This is also where we draw the line between real trouble and weaknesses or inter-individual differences and weaknesses. Indeed, we all have our own peculiarities. On almost all facets of his daily life as well as on that of the dynamic family.
However, what distinguishes a neurotypical individual from an individual with a disorder is the frequency and severity of their symptoms and the extent to which these interfere with their functioning. This is also where we draw the line between real trouble and weaknesses or inter-individual differences and weaknesses. Indeed, we all have our own peculiarities. What distinguishes a neurotypical individual from an individual. With a disorder is the frequency and severity of their symptoms. And the extent to which these interfere with their functioning.
This is also where we draw the line between real trouble and weaknesses or inter-individual differences and weaknesses. Indeed, we all have our own peculiarities. what distinguishes a neurotypical individual from an individual. With a disorder is the frequency and severity of their symptoms. And the extent to which these interfere with their functioning. This is also where we draw the line between real trouble and weaknesses or inter-individual differences and weaknesses. Indeed, we all have our own peculiarities.
