5 Myths About Autism You Need to Stop Believing

Autism is widely misunderstood, and misconceptions can lead to unfair assumptions and missed opportunities for connection. Let’s break down five common myths and shed light on the truth about autism.

Myth 1: Autism Looks the Same in Everyone

Autism presents uniquely in each person. Some individuals may be non-verbal, while others are highly verbal. Autism is a spectrum, and each person’s experience is different.

Myth 2: Autistic People Don’t Feel Emotions

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Autistic people experience a full range of emotions, though some they may express or process them differently. Some of us experience emotions much more strongly than neurotypicals.

Myth 3: Autism Is Only Diagnosed in Childhood

While autism is often identified in children, many adults receive late diagnoses (including myself). Autism awareness has grown, but many adults have lived undiagnosed their entire lives. Self-diagnosis for adults should be acknowledged and respected. The DSM-5 has criteria really geared towards more male characteristics of autism, so girls and women can often get overlooked by psychologists who lack experience with female autism.

Myth 4: Autistic People Can’t Have Relationships

Autistic people can and do form meaningful relationships. Some may communicate and connect in unique ways, but they're just as capable of friendships, partnerships, and family bonds as anyone else. Not everyone has to be a hugger! And not all autistic people dislike hugs...

Myth 5: Autism Needs to Be “Fixed”

Autism is a neurotype, not an illness. A neuroaffirming approach views autism as a natural variation in human experience, focusing on support rather than changing a person’s core identity.

Understanding autism accurately helps build a more inclusive, compassionate world.

Next time you encounter these myths, you’ll know the facts, and that makes all the difference in how we support and interact with autistic people.

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