The 5 Myths About Autism—Setting the Record Straight
I spend a lot of time helping clients understand their brains. For those seeking an Autism assessment, the journey is often cluttered with misinformation. The public understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (or just Autism, as many in the community prefer) is frequently based on stereotypes and outdated science, which creates real barriers to self-acceptance and getting the right support.
To be fair, there is still a ton we don’t know about Autism and the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) we use to standardize diagnostic criteria is a living document subject to change as our knowledgebase grows. That said, there are things we do know.
Today, I want to take on the most common, harmful myths I hear about Autism—its origins, its expression, and what "treatment" truly means from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective.
Myth 1: Autism is a Modern "Epidemic" Caused by Vaccines, Acetaminophen, or Bad Parenting
This is perhaps the most emotionally charged and scientifically damaging myth I encounter. It frames Autism as a disease that suddenly appeared, and one that is caused by external factors that parents could have prevented.
The Reality
As a clinician, I rely on facts: Autism is not caused by vaccines. Decades of rigorous, peer-reviewed scientific studies have conclusively debunked this link. Furthermore, Autism is not caused by poor parenting. It is a neurodevelopmental difference—a lifelong, inherent variation in brain development and wiring that is heavily influenced by genetics.
The reason for the rise in diagnoses isn't a new "epidemic." It’s largely due to two main factors that stack:
Expanded Understanding: We now recognize that Autism is a spectrum. We're better at identifying subtler presentations, especially in those who mask well (like girls and women), those with high support needs, and those from diverse cultural backgrounds. We didn’t even have word for Autism until the mid 20th century and the diagnostic criteria has adapted with each iteration of the DSM to be more inclusive.
Increased Awareness and Acceptance: More parents and adults are seeking assessment because the stigma is lessening, and they are finding community and support. The increase in diagnoses is largely a win for recognition and inclusion, not a biological crisis. Left-handedness also went through a similar process—it used to be shameful to be left-handed and once our collective prejudice towards the trait began to erode, the number of left-handed people skyrocketed! It wasn’t an epidemic or rock music that caused it, it was people living authentically without fear and discrimination. A few decades later, the rate of left-handedness plateaued.
Correlation does not equal causation—if a study claims that a relationship exists between two things, but does not identify clear mechanisms of action that have been supported by other studies, the relationship tells you next to nothing about the nature of the relationship.
There is a well-known example of this concept in the fact that as ice cream sales increase, so do murder rates. Does this mean that eating ice cream makes people violent? Of course not! There is another factor, known as a “confounding variable” that explains the relationship better: the weather. As weather gets warmer, people are apt to enjoy more ice cream. They also spend more time outside together later into the evening, which increases opportunities for conflict.
Myth 2: Autistic People Lack Empathy or Don't Want Relationships
This stereotype is cruel and deeply inaccurate. It paints Autistic people as cold, robotic, or uncaring.
The Reality
When my clients talk about their relationships, I don't hear a lack of empathy; I hear an overabundance of empathy coupled with a difference in social communication.
Empathy: Many Autistic people experience hyper-empathy, feeling the emotions of others intensely, which can be overwhelming. They don't lack feelings; they may struggle to manage the sheer volume of them and shut down.
Social Communication: The primary difference isn't the desire for connection, but the way communication happens. They may not naturally pick up on neurotypical social cues, body language, or subtle subtext. This is a two-way difference in communication styles, not a defect in character. They often struggle not because they don't care, but because they are constantly misunderstanding or being misunderstood, leading to immense social fatigue and isolation. Autistic people absolutely want deep, authentic relationships, often preferring quality and depth over quantity while neurotypicals are more selective in who they share their intense personal interests with and only after they feel more comfortable with them, first.
Myth 3: There is a "Cure" for Autism
This myth is rooted in the harmful idea that Autism is a disease that needs to be eliminated or fixed. This deficit-based model drives damaging practices that focus on forcing conformity.
The Reality
I am an affirming clinician, and I will state it clearly: Autism is a core part of an individual's identity and is not something to be cured. There is no magic pill or behavioral program that can "undo" a person’s neurotype.
From a neurodiversity perspective, our goal in supporting Autistic clients is to shift the focus:
From "Correction" to "Accommodation": Instead of forcing eye contact or suppressing natural self-regulating behaviors (stims), we help the individual understand their sensory needs and advocate for an environment that supports them.
From "Deficit" to "Strengths": We focus on the common Autistic strengths: an incredible capacity for depth in learning (monotropism), fierce loyalty, and a commitment to justice, logic, and detail.
Affirming Support: True support involves working together to develop authentic coping strategies, manage co-occurring conditions like anxiety, and build self-advocacy skills, allowing them to thrive as themselves, not as a masked version of a neurotypical person.
Myth 4: Everyone with Autism is a Mathematical Genius or Has Savant Skills
This myth, often perpetuated by media portrayals, places an unfair and unrealistic expectation on all Autistic people.
The Reality
While it's true that some Autistic individuals possess exceptional skills in specific areas—just as some non-Autistic people do—savant skills are rare.
Autism is a spectrum of strengths and support needs. The reason this myth persists is likely connected to a core Autistic trait: monotropism. This describes a tendency for the brain to focus its attention and energy intensely on a limited number of interests at any given time.
This deep focus often leads to deep expertise in a subject of passion, whether it’s history, art, a video game, or engineering.
However, this intense focus can also lead to challenges with tasks that fall outside that intense interest. The strength is the depth of knowledge; the struggle is the difficulty in shifting attention when the world demands it. Indeed, the strength also sets up unrealistic expectations that the person can do—if they can spend hours reading about their passion, shouldn’t they be able to easily do the same about something else? No.
Myth 5: Adults Can't Get an Autism Diagnosis
"If you made it this far, you must not be Autistic." That's the painful narrative many adults have been told, often minimizing their struggles.
The Reality
It is absolutely possible—and increasingly common—to receive an Autism diagnosis as an adult. Here is what I know to be true:
Autism is lifelong. It does not suddenly begin or end at any age.
Late Diagnosis is Common: As I've discussed in previous posts, women, non-binary people, and people of color are often missed in childhood because their presentation doesn't fit the classic male stereotype. They spent a lifetime masking (camouflaging their Autistic traits), often at a tremendous cost to their mental health.
The Power of Clarity: An adult diagnosis is not the end of a journey; it is the powerful beginning of a new one. It gives a name to a lifetime of feeling "different," helps explain co-occurring anxiety or depression, and provides a clear foundation for self-compassion, self-advocacy, and finding community.
As Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, diagnosis requires an detailed exploration of the client’s behavior around the ages of 4 to 5. Adults aren’t able to reliably recall that kind of information from that age, so informants, educational records, and medical records are used to help fill in the gaps. Unfortunately, having reliable, cooperative, and available parents and caregivers is a privilege not everyone has access to. That said, a “provisional diagnosis” may be given when there isn’t enough direct information about someone’s early developmental history, but the rest of the diagnostic criteria appears to be met without any other clear explanation for their presence.
My Invitation to You
If these myths and realities resonate with your own experience or the experience of your child, know that clarity and affirmation are available. Understanding your neurotype is the first and most critical step toward building a life that truly supports your unique brain.
At QC Psych Testing, PLLC, I specialize in affirming and objective ADHD and Autism assessments for children, teens, and adults. I'm here to help you move "Beyond the Labels" and into a space of understanding and acceptance. Visit my Appointments page to schedule your initial intake assessment today!
