“Autism is one word attempting to describe millions of different stories.” – Duncan, 2012
Autism—what does it really mean? You may have heard phrases like “suffering from autism” or claims that vaccines cause autism. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding autism. These myths can be offensive, harmful, stigmatizing, or simply misleading (One Central Health, 2020). Dispelling these misconceptions is crucial to ensuring that autistic people receive the support and respect they deserve.
While more research is needed, some studies suggest that 1 in 65 Indian children between the ages of two and nine are affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Silberberg, 2014, as cited in Uke, 2024). It is estimated that up to 1.8–2 million children in India have ASD (Hossain, 2017, as cited in Uke, 2024).
Thanks to growing awareness and acceptance, many myths about autism are being challenged. Let’s explore some of the most common misconceptions, particularly those prevalent in India.
Myth 1: Autism is a disease
You often hear people say that someone is “suffering” from autism, reinforcing the false belief that autism is a disease. However, autism is not a disease—it is not contagious, and you cannot “catch” autism.
If autism were a disease, people would believe it could be “cured” with medicine. But autistic people are not ill, nor can they be “treated” with medication. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social skills, and interaction. With the right support and accommodations, autistic people can lead happy, independent, and fulfilling lives.
Myth 2: All autistic people have exceptional or savant skills
This myth has been perpetuated by films like Rain Man, leading many to believe that all autistic people have extraordinary abilities. However, research suggests that savant skills are present in only about 10% of the autistic population (One Central Health, 2020).
Autistic people may have deep interests in specific topics, leading to extensive knowledge in those areas. Additionally, they often have uneven skill profiles—for example, they may excel in mathematics while struggling with social skills. While some autistic individuals have exceptional talents, many have a diverse range of abilities, just like neurotypical people.
Myth 3: Autistic people don’t feel emotions
This is one of the most harmful misconceptions about autism. Some believe that autistic people lack emotions and have no interest in forming relationships—this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Autistic individuals do experience emotions, but they may have difficulty expressing or interpreting them. They might struggle to understand body language, facial expressions, and social cues. For example, an autistic person might stand too close to someone without realizing they are invading personal space, despite the other person showing discomfort.
Autistic people want to connect and socialize, but they may do so in ways that differ from neurotypical expectations. As One Central Health (2020) explains, “this different level of understanding and interacting may impact their ability to connect and socialize but is not reflective of their unwillingness or disinterest.”
Myth 4: All autistic people are alike
No, autism is a spectrum, meaning it affects people in different ways. Each autistic person has unique skills, challenges, and strengths. With the right support, autistic individuals can continue to grow and develop throughout their lives (Goh, 2025).
Myth 5: Autism can be cured
Autism is not an illness—it is an inherent part of a person’s identity, just like their hair color, height, or eye shape. It cannot be “cured” or outgrown because it is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition.
While autistic individuals may require varying levels of support, everyone relies on support systems to lead fulfilling lives. The idea of “curing” autism is not supported by scientific research, and there is no evidence that any treatment—whether homeopathic, ayurvedic, or pharmaceutical—can cure autism. Some so-called treatments can even be harmful or unethical.
Instead of searching for a cure, the focus should be on inclusion, acceptance, and support. Early intervention can help autistic individuals develop skills and improve their quality of life. Personalized assessments and support plans are essential in addressing their unique needs.
Many autistic individuals see autism as an integral part of their identity. Instead of trying to change autistic people, society should work towards creating an inclusive environment where they are accepted for who they are.
Myth 6: All autistic people have an intellectual disability and cannot speak
Autism is a spectrum, meaning that autistic individuals have varying abilities. Some may have an intellectual disability, while others may have an above-average IQ. Some autistic individuals are non-speaking but communicate using devices, while others speak fluently.
Autism is not the same as an intellectual disability. It is a diverse condition where people display a wide range of communication styles, skills, and abilities.
Myth 7: Autistic people are anti-social and prefer being alone
Just like neurotypical people, autistic individuals have different social preferences. Some may be introverted, while others may be highly social.
However, many autistic individuals need support in developing social skills. “People show their social difficulties in different ways. Some are quiet and shy or avoid social situations, while others talk excessively and struggle with two-way conversations” (Autistica, n.d.).
Autistic people may find it difficult to interpret body language, tone of voice, sarcasm, or jokes, making it challenging to form friendships and maintain relationships. However, when neurotypical individuals take the time to understand and support autistic people, it can make a significant difference.
Myth 8: Vaccines cause autism
This is one of the most widely believed myths about autism, but there is no scientific evidence to support it.
The origins of this myth trace back to the late 1990s when Andrew Wakefield published a study falsely linking vaccines to autism. However, multiple studies have debunked this claim, and researchers have found no connection between vaccines and autism.
In fact, Wakefield’s study was exposed as fraudulent—he falsified data, and his medical license was revoked in 2010 (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Despite this, the damage was done, and many parents continue to believe in this myth, putting their children at risk by avoiding vaccinations.
Final Thoughts
Autism is a diverse and complex condition, and no two autistic individuals are alike. By debunking these myths, we can help create a more inclusive, supportive, and understanding society. Rather than focusing on “fixing” autism, we should focus on accommodating and valuing autistic people for who they are.
Changing mindsets and fostering acceptance is the need of the hour. The more we educate ourselves, the better we can support and uplift autistic individuals, ensuring they have the same opportunities to thrive as everyone else.
Bibliography
Autistica. (n.d.). What is Autism? Autism myths. Retrieved March 2025, from Autistica: https://www.autistica.org.uk/what-is-autism/autism-myths-and-causes
Cleveland Clinic. (2024, May 29). Debunking 8 Autism Myths and Misconceptions. Retrieved March 9, 2025, from Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/autism-myths-and-misconceptions
Duncan, S. (2012, November 10). Stuart Duncan@autismfather. Retrieved March 2025, from X: https://x.com/autismfather/status/267132531755872256
Goh, S. (2025). Debunking Myths About Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved March 2025, from Cortica: https://www.corticacare.com/care-notes/myths-about-autism
Hossain, M. D. (2017). Autism Spectrum disorders (ASD) in South Asia: a systematic review. BMC psychiatry, 17(1), 281.
One Central Health. (2020, October 30). 10 Myths about Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved February 2025, from One Central Health: https://www.onecentralhealth.com.au/autism/10-myths-about-autism/
Silberberg, D. (2014, December 2). Neurodevelopmental Disorders in India: From Epidemiology to Public Policy. World Neurology – The Official Newsletter of the World Federation of Neurology. Retrieved February 2025, from N: https://worldneurologyonline.com/article/neurodevelopmental-disorders-india-epidemiology-public-policy/
Uke. P, G. (2024, June 20). Unraveling the Spectrum: A Comprehensive Review of Autism Spectrum Disorder in India. (A. J. Muacevic.A, Ed.) Cureus, 16(6)(e62753.).
