Misconceptions

Common Misconceptions:

The severity of autism increases as a result of poor parenting. It is often thought that children with autism lack certain skills, or have a more severe case, because their parents simply do not try. This is a myth. Many children with autism have a limit, they reach a point where they can not improve even if the parent spent all day with them practicing academics and social norms. As a teacher, it is key to be aware that the severity of autism is not caused, nor can be improved by continued pushing from a parent. Therefore, it is important to remember that the parent may be doing everything they can to help and support their child.

Autism has become more widespread. It may appear that the condition of autism has rapidly increased throughout populations. However, it is only true that the diagnosis of autism has increased. Keep in mind too, that less severe cases of autism are being diagnosed today. Whereas fifteen years ago these mild cases may have gone unnoticed or described as lack of student motivation. As a teacher, it is imperative to be aware of these mild cases so that the student can be diagnosed and seek help.

There is a cure for autism. While there are treatments to improve the symptoms of autism, there is no known cure for autism. It is vital to remember as a teacher, that these children did nothing to get autism, they had no choice, and they are the ones who struggle with it everyday. When teachers lose their patience with these children hopefully they can remember the truth of the child’s struggles.

People with autism have unusual focused skills. While there is a small percentage of autistic people with focused skills, this is not true for the majority of autistic people. When teaching, keep in mind that every child has strengths and weaknesses. Find a way to work with an autistic child’s strengths, as you should with all students.

People with autism have random outbursts of movements. This may seem odd, but in reality these movements (hand flapping, banging on walls or tables, rocking back and forth, biting nails) have a purpose. These movements are calming to the person, they may feel good, and can even help their communication with others. As a teacher, I have seen students with autism supplied a stress ball. During lessons, or whenever the student needs to, they can squeeze the stress ball. The goal is for this to substitute their outbursts of movements with a smaller outlet.