There are more than a few myths or misconceptions still floating around out there about autism.  I’m not going to go into all of them into one post for a couple of reasons.  Reason one being that it would make for one very long post.  Reason two being that I’d be sure to forget a few, just because I’d be all wrapped up in the ones I was remembering at that given time.  So I think what I’ll be doing here is addressing them one at a time or so as the fires are lit within me surrounding any of the given myths at any given time.

There is an awesome song that’s out right now by the Sick Puppies called “Odd One”.  If you listen to the lyrics, it reminds me so much of the world of autism.  At the beginning it speaks to the myth I plan on speaking about now.  It’s funny, they told me this over 10 years ago when my son was being evaluated, and this same myth is being perpetuated today.  What is it?  I’m so glad you asked…

Myth:  “Children with autism don’t feel things like we do.  They either don’t feel anything around a situation unless it directly affects them, or they feel and experience things to a lesser degree than we do.”  Okay, I will concede here that there are some social nuances that a person on the spectrum may not pick up on and therefore react to.  However, do NOT let that fool you into thinking they feel less than you or I do.

Truth:  Children and adults with autism do not feel things to a lesser degree than you or I do.  The truth of the matter is, they feel most things MORE and to a greater degree than we do.  Fear is a great example.  You or I may be a bit afraid of something, whereas the person with autism can have that same fear, magnified by 1,000, which can sometimes put them at a complete standstill for not being able to act beyond that fear.  Overwhelm is another great example.  You and I may have our days where enough is too much.  A person with autism spectrum disorder could have those same things happening, and instead of being stressed out, it can send them into a tailspin of meltdown that is out of control, because that feeling is a million times more intense to them than to any of us not on the spectrum.

My last (and my favorite) example is happiness.  You and I can both experience great happiness and joy.  But the happiness and joy experienced by someone affected by autism is SO much greater and comes from such a place of innocence, purity, and child-like wonderment.  The smiles, happiness, and enjoyment that radiates from someone on the spectrum doesn’t just inspire others to smile.  When a person on the spectrum is happy and is showing their happiness and joy to those around them, it inspires smiles, laughter, happy-dances, sometimes singing and waves of gratitude that can carry you through the hour, day or week.

So the next time someone tries to tell that myth to you, let them know that it’s a myth, and share the truth with them.  Do it with a smile, with a sense of child-like joy and wonderment.  By doing so, you’re not just helping to spread education, you’re honoring those you are educating about.

Please share your thoughts on this in the comments below.  I’d love to know what your take on this myth is.