Section 1: Information on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
11 Common Misconceptions about Autism Spectrum Disorder
| Misconception: | Fact: |
| Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an emotional problem. | ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social communication and social interaction as well as behaviors, interests, and activities. |
| Individuals can be affected by ASD or another disorder, but they cannot be affected by multiple disorders. | It is common for ASD to co-occur with other developmental, psychiatric, neurologic, chromosomal, and/or genetic diagnoses. |
| ASD occurs more often in people with high incomes and higher levels of education. | ASD affects individuals of all races, ethnicities, social classes, lifestyles, and educational backgrounds equally. |
| ASD can be cured. | ASD cannot be cured; however, there are many treatment options that enable individuals with ASD to compensate for areas of challenge. |
| Individuals with ASD do not become attached or show affection to others. | Individuals with ASD may demonstrate attachment or affectionate behaviors to parents and/or caregivers; however, such attachment or affection may be on the individual’s own terms or expressed in a manner that is different from what society would typically expect. |
| All individuals with ASD have savant abilities in specific areas. | Individuals with ASD often have individual strengths and weaknesses across academic and functional areas; however, few individuals with ASD have savant abilities. |
| The occurrence of ASD is equal between boys and girls. | ASD is more common in boys than girls with approximately 4 boys to every 1 girl receiving an ASD diagnosis. |