Reprinted with the authors permission.

Originally published at Indystar.com April 28th, 2006

The word “autism” has become a more common term recently, due in large part to the Autism Society of America reporting that autism now affects one in 166 children. If you don’t already know someone with autism, you soon will. In fact, April is National Autism Awareness Month.

As the autism/behavior specialist for the Carmel Clay Schools, it is my job to educate others about this disability. Without proper knowledge, many people afflicted with autism often are misunderstood. There are many misconceptions and myths that I would like to share and resolve to help raise awareness in our community.

Myth #1: Autism is caused by “Refrigerator Mothers”

Many years ago, Dr. Bruno Bettelheim claimed that autism had a psychological causation, in that the mothers of these children, intentionally or not, did not love their children. The term “refrigerator mother” was born, referring to the fact that the mother was cold toward her child. Today we know that autism is a bio-neurological disorder which affects the functioning of the brain. Some theories suggest that it may be caused by genetics, viral and/or chemical exposure.

Myth #2: No emotion A common misconception is that children with autism are unloving and do not have any emotional feelings. 

On the surface, this may seem to be the case because they don’t always express their emotions in a way that you and I recognize. But for those of us who know a child with autism, we are aware of the ways that they show love and affection.

Myth #3: Your child just needs a good spanking

We’ve all been out to a grocery store or running errands when we come across a child throwing a temper tantrum, including screaming, throwing and hitting. We may wonder why parents are letting their child do this without any discipline or reprimands. If this is a child with autism, he most likely has lost control due to sensory overload. The sounds and visual stimulation and the overwhelming crowds are just too much for this child to take in, which results in a melt down. Parents are unrightfully blamed for not disciplining their children.

Myth #4: You’re born with autism

Some babies, who are later diagnosed with autism, achieve age appropriate developmental milestones, give parents eye contact, or engage in social exchanges. On average, autism is diagnosed at 44 months of age when development slows down or symptoms become more obvious to others.

Myth #5: Vaccines do not cause autism

The jury is still out on this one. Although a recent Institute of Medicine report appears to refute an association between vaccines and autism, the major autism organizations all agree that more research needs to be conducted. A recent study suggests that children receiving vaccines containing the preservative thimerosal are many times more likely to develop autism than those who receive thimerosal-free vaccines.

Myth #6: Dustin Hoffman’s character in “Rain Man” is typical of a person with autism

The character in “Rain Man” was a high functioning person with autism and a savant. In reality only 2 percent of those diagnosed exhibit such savant capabilities.

Myth #7: The increase in the rate of autism is due to better diagnosing

Ten years ago, the rate of autism was 1 in 10,000 births. Today it is 1 in 166. This is a 5,000 percent increase in 10 years. If this astonishing increase is due to better diagnosing, where are the thousands of autistic adults who should have received a diagnosis 10, 20 or 30 years ago?

Myth #8: Autism is a rare disorder

With 1 in 166 children being diagnosed, autism can certainly no longer be considered rare. We have an epidemic on our hands. Every 16 minutes, another child is diagnosed with autism.

For all of us who have had the privilege of knowing, loving or working with a child with autism, we are able to see their abilities through the disability and appreciate the child within. I am pleased to report to the community that my Carmel Clay colleagues and I are working very hard to provide the best education we can for students who have been diagnosed with autism. If you would like more information, please e-mail jkrasnow@ccs.k12.in.us or call (317) 846-3086, ext. 1247.

Julie Krasnow is an Autism/Behavior Specialist for Carmel Clay Schools, Carmel, Indiana