Autism Myths vs. Facts – Don’t Ignore the Signs
Key
Message:
Every
child is unique, but certain differences may indicate Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD). Early recognition and intervention can make
a life-changing difference.
If your child:
? Avoids eye contact
? Struggles to socialize or speak
? Repeats actions (hand-flapping,
spinning)
? Loses speech skills they once
had
? Has extreme meltdowns or sensory
issues
Don’t
dismiss it as "just a phase."
Consult a specialist today for proper evaluation.
???? For expert guidance, please
meet the Paediatric Neurologist.
(Early intervention = Brighter future!)
Myth: Autism
is a mental illness. Autism means becoming insane.
? Reality:
No, autism is not insanity. Autism is a neurological condition where children
may have normal intelligence but face difficulties in social communication and
relationship-building. As a result, they cannot properly interact with society
or others, avoid eye contact while speaking, and in some cases, may repeatedly
engage in certain behaviors. Sometimes they may also be hyperactive.
Myth: Autism
is a rare condition; very few people have it.
? Reality:
1 in every 68 children is affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is a
very common neurodevelopmental condition.
Myth: "My
child is just a little different—they don’t like to mingle with others and
prefer to stay alone."
? Reality:
This could be a symptom of autism. Children do not think like adults, so assuming
they will naturally socialize is incorrect.
If
your child—
???? Avoids social interaction easily
???? Does not maintain eye contact
while speaking
???? Could speak earlier but now
cannot
???? Loses speech ability
???? Screams or cries without reason
???? Repeats the same actions (e.g.,
clapping hands repeatedly, playing with the same toy, spinning around)
These could be signs of autism.
Do not ignore the issue by thinking "My child is just
different." Consult a specialist to ensure proper development.
Myth: Autism
only affects boys; girls do not get it.
? Reality:
Although autism is four times more common in boys than girls, girls can also be
affected by autism.
Myth: Autism
is purely a genetic problem.
? Reality:
Only 25% of autism cases have identifiable genetic causes, but in most cases,
no single gene is responsible.
Myth: If
one child in the family has autism, other siblings may also have it.
? Reality:
Yes, it is possible. If one child in the family has autism, the likelihood of
another sibling having autism increases by 10-20%.
Myth: Autism
has no known cause; it is a mysterious disorder.
? Reality:
Although much remains to be discovered, research indicates that genetic,
environmental, brain connectivity issues, neural network disorders, and certain
chemical imbalances contribute to autism.
Myth: Parents
are responsible for their child’s autism.
? Reality:
This is not entirely true, but certain parental factors may increase the risk—
- Pregnancy after
the age of 30
- Taking certain
medications during pregnancy (e.g., antidepressants)
- Maternal
diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and unhealthy eating habits
Myth: Children
born prematurely or with low birth weight have a higher risk of autism.
? Reality:
Yes, autism is more commonly observed in premature or low-birth-weight babies.
Myth: My
child developed autism after vaccination.
? Reality:
This is a misconception. No research has proven that vaccines cause autism.
Vaccination is extremely important for children.
Myth: Excessive
screen time (mobile/TV) during lockdown caused autism.
? Reality:
Research suggests that excessive screen time (mobile, TV, gaming) may affect
brain chemistry and increase the risk of autism. If a child refuses to eat and
only calms down when given a mobile device, this could lead to serious future
problems. Stay cautious!
Myth: Children
with autism have low intelligence.
? Reality:
No, although 33-45% of children may have intellectual disabilities, most have
normal or even exceptional intelligence. Some may be highly gifted.
Myth: Children
with autism only have social difficulties—no other issues.
? Reality:
No, 30% may experience seizures (epilepsy), 50% may have hyperactivity (ADHD),
and many face depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems. Some may also show
suicidal tendencies or a tendency to run away from home.
Many children also struggle with—
- Sleep disorders
(insomnia at night)
- Difficulty
swallowing food
- Constipation
- Discomfort
wearing certain clothes
- Challenges in
daily activities
Myth: Children
with autism have a shorter lifespan compared to others.
? Reality:
Partly true. The mortality rate is slightly higher in children with autism due
to—
???? Accidents (e.g., drowning,
choking)
???? Co-existing neurological or
mental conditions (e.g., epilepsy, intellectual disability)
???? Higher suicidal thoughts and
attempts (though the exact reason remains unclear)
Myth: Parents
feel hopeless—there is no cure for autism!
? Reality:
Wrong. Early diagnosis and timely behavioral therapy, speech therapy,
occupational therapy, etc., can significantly improve a child’s condition.
Specialized training by trained teachers (25+ hours per week) plays a crucial
role.
Myth: So
many medicines! So much expense! What’s the benefit?
? Reality:
Treatment is symptom-based, such as—
???? Certain medications to control
anxiety, hyperactivity, sleep disorders, and depression
???? L-Carnosine supplementation may
improve neurological function
Myth: Alternative
medicines and therapies are very effective—many have recovered!
? Reality:
Some treatments may work, but not all are proven safe or effective.
Myth: All
herbal medicines and alternative therapies work!
? Reality:
Some methods lack evidence (e.g., secretin, facilitated communication).
Myth: A
gluten-free or casein-free diet will cure autism!
? Reality:
While helpful for some, it does not work for everyone. Do not change diets
without medical advice.
Myth: Certain
medicines and therapies definitely work!
? Reality:
Some therapies and vitamins may help, such as—
???? Music therapy, oxytocin, yoga,
sulforaphane, massage, melatonin
???? Vitamin C, B12, folic acid
Myth: Stem
cell therapy, probiotics, and acupuncture are 100% effective!
? Reality:
There is insufficient evidence on their effectiveness and risks. More research
is needed on—
- Stem cell therapy
- Vagus nerve
stimulation
- Auditory
integration therapy
- Cannabinoids
- Probiotics
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
Myth: Eating
too much sugar worsens autism!
? Reality:
Partly true. Studies show that excessive sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) may
increase emotional problems in autistic children. Conversely, increasing milk
intake may improve social behavior. Thus, reducing sugary drinks and increasing
milk is advisable.
Which
doctor should you consult for autism treatment?
? Consult a
child/pediatric neurologist or child psychiatrist.
???? Dr. M.M. Samim –
Gold Medalist from NIMHANS, Bangalore, trained in pediatric and adult
neurology.
If your child shows signs of autism, instead of rushing to Chennai or
Bangalore, contact Dr. M.M. Samim for world-class treatment in
your state at NeotiaGetwelMult-speciality Hospital, Siliguri.
