TRUTH
As an organization that works diligently to find meaningful careers for adults on the autism spectrum, Mind Shift often has to dispel myths and misconceptions about the diagnosis. This is an important part of our mission. If we are going to change the world of work, we need to address those incorrect ideas that can get in the way of an organization hiring individuals on the spectrum.
Below are 7 more myths regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder:
1. Individuals with autism don’t feel emotion. Actually, individuals with autism just express their emotions in different ways.
2. Individuals with autism don’t understand other people’s emotions. The truth is that people with autism often have difficulty interpreting facial cues, tone of voice, and body language, which makes understanding how somebody is feeling in the moment especially difficult.
3. People with autism are antisocial and don’t want friends. Because of the difficulty interpreting emotional cues, and higher than average anxiety, people on the spectrum may avoid social situations and come across as aloof. The truth is people on the spectrum want to have meaningful and deep interpersonal connections just like anybody else.
4. Autism is caused by bad parenting. This is absolutely untrue. In the 50’s, autism was said to be caused by mothers who were cold and unemotional. This has been proven FALSE!
5. Autism is a mental illness. This is not true. Autism is a neurological condition. People on the spectrum process information differently, but it is not an “illness.”
6. Autism is curable. Actually, there is no known cause for autism, and there is no known “cure.” That being said, should we be trying to “cure” it in the first place? Autism offers a unique way of seeing the world. And those with autism should be valued because of this perspective.
7. People with autism are all alike. Absolutely not true! There’s a saying: If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism. No two people are alike, and that goes for people with autism too!
It’s important that myths such as these are dispelled, especially since some of these inaccuracies might prevent great businesses from hiring individuals on the spectrum, even when those individuals might be the most qualified fit for roles that need to be filled.
Mind Shift will continue to speak honestly about autism and autism employment. And we will continue to advocate for adults with autism. If you want to learn more about autism, and about leveraging the strengths of individuals on the spectrum, reach out to Mind Shift. We work with some unique, talented, and amazing people who are ready to work with you.
–Post from Blog–Mind Shift