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This Is Why You Still Don’t Understand Autism

This Is Why You Still Don’t Understand Autism

Last Updated on August 8, 2025 by John Hookway

Many people still don’t understand Autism, even though awareness has increased over time. Autism spectrum disorder affects about 0.79% of the global population, which is nearly 61.8 million people worldwide.

Autism is a form of neurodivergency, and its signs may not always be obvious to others. Surveys reveal that while most people recognize some traits, many still don’t understand Autism fully, holding misconceptions or uncertainty about its causes and symptoms.

Bar chart comparing public recognition of autism traits and common misconceptions

Listening to autistic individuals helps bridge the gap in understanding. Everyone benefits from being more open and supportive.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Autism is a spectrum. Each autistic person is different. They have their own strengths and challenges.
  • Many myths about autism make people confused. Autism is not a disease. It is not a mental illness. Vaccines do not cause autism.
  • Autistic people talk and act in different ways. Clear and patient talking helps everyone.
  • Sensory and thinking differences change how autistic people see the world. These differences also change how they solve problems.
  • Listening to autistic people helps us understand more. Sharing real stories helps people learn. This also helps stop stigma.

 

Don’t Understand Autism

Autism Is a Spectrum

Many people think autism is just one thing. They do not realize it is a spectrum. This means autistic people can be very different from each other.

Some have certain strengths, while others have different challenges. The word “spectrum” comes from medical books like the DSM-5 and ICD-11. These books group many social and repetitive behaviors under one name. T

hey use things like language skills, intelligence, and how severe the signs are to describe each person. Because of this, autism can look very different in each person.

  • The DSM-5 put older groups, like Asperger’s syndrome, into one spectrum.
  • The rules let autism show up in many ways, from mild to severe.
  • Things like language or thinking skills make each diagnosis special.
  • The rules for diagnosis are wide, so people with different needs can all be called autistic.

Scientists say autism is not just about how someone acts. It also has to do with the brain, genes, and how people grow. Hundreds of genes work together in autism. This mix of genes causes many different symptoms and skills.

The spectrum idea helps us see why two autistic people can be very different. One person may talk a lot and be good at math. Another may need help every day and not talk much.

Neurodivergency Explained

Neurodivergency means some brains work in a different way than most. Autism is one kind of neurodivergency.

Many people expect to see clear signs of autism. But many traits are hard to see. Some autistic people hide their differences by copying others. This is called “camouflaging.” Girls and women do this a lot, so they may not get diagnosed.

Autistic people can have many different skills and struggles. Studies show some have great memory, reading, or math skills.

Others may have trouble talking, handling sounds, or with mental health. Some have both strengths and struggles at the same time.

For example:

  • In a big study, about 46% of autistic kids had special talents, like strong memory or being creative.
  • Some are great at math or art, but others find these hard.
  • Many autistic people are creative and solve problems in new ways.

There is so much variety in autism that one description does not fit everyone. People say “Don’t Understand Autism” because they think all autistic people act the same. But the spectrum has many different stories.

Autism can be hard to see. Many autistic people do not show clear signs, especially if they hide their differences. This is why some people do not understand autism or question a diagnosis.

Learning about neurodivergency shows why autism is not always easy to spot. There are many traits, skills, and struggles.

This makes autism complex and different for everyone. People who do not understand autism may miss this and keep believing old ideas.

 

Myths and Stereotypes

Persistent Misconceptions

Many people still believe myths about autism. These myths make it hard to know what autism is. Studies show that some wrong ideas still shape how people think:

  1. Autism is not a disease. It is a neurodevelopmental condition. It means the brain grows and works in a different way.
  2. Autism is not a mental illness. It starts at birth. It is not like mental health problems that come later.
  3. More people get diagnosed now because doctors know more. It is not an epidemic.
  4. Autism affects boys and girls. Boys get diagnosed more, but doctors are getting better at finding autism in girls.
  5. Autistic people are all different. Not everyone is a genius, violent, or cannot talk.
  6. Vaccines do not cause autism. The first claim was wrong and has been proven false.
  7. Bad parenting does not cause autism. The old “refrigerator mother” idea is not true.
  8. Autism cannot be cured. It lasts for life.

Some people think all autistic people cannot talk or have special skills. But autism is a spectrum. People with autism have many different abilities and needs. Some need help every day. Others live on their own and have jobs.

Old stereotypes show autism as one bad thing. These ideas do not listen to autistic people. They make people think wrong things. Scientists now say autism is a spectrum.

Each person has their own strengths and challenges. Many autistic people are smart or very smart. They show feelings in different ways, but they care a lot. The idea that autistic people do not feel or think is not true.

Media Influence

Media changes how people see autism. Movies, TV, newspapers, books, and social media all matter. Some media spread more stigma than others.

The table below shows how each type affects what people think:

Media Type Stigmatisation Level Key Findings
Movies & TV Highest Often show autistic people as geniuses or with bad behaviors. Popular shows reach many people and spread stigma.
Newspapers High Use negative words and do not let autistic people share their stories.
Literature Lower Shows more good and different stories.
Social Media Lowest More positive, often made by autistic people, so it feels real.
Autistic Involvement Critical Having autistic actors and writers makes stories better and less harmful.

Movies and TV often show autistic people as super smart or dangerous. This is not true for most people. Newspapers use bad words and do not let autistic people talk about their lives.

Books and social media show better and more real stories. Social media lets autistic people share their own stories. This helps stop stigma.

Good and fair stories in media help people learn about autism. When autistic people help make media, it helps others understand and stops stigma.

Gender Differences

Gender changes how people see and diagnose autism. For years, people thought autism was mostly in boys. This made it hard for girls and women to get diagnosed.

New research shows girls and women get diagnosed later than boys. Many girls first get other diagnoses, like depression or anxiety.

  • Doctors miss autism in girls because they look for signs seen in boys.
  • Girls hide their autistic traits by copying others. This is called “masking.”
  • Masking makes it hard for teachers and doctors to see autism in girls.
  • Girls with autism often feel anxious or sad. They do not always show clear social differences.
  • Tests for autism were made for boys. They do not work well for girls.
  • Studies now show there are more autistic girls than people thought.

Masking means autistic people hide their traits to fit in. Many girls and women mask to avoid being bullied or judged. This can cause stress and mental health problems. Masking also means many autistic people do not get the help they need.

Autism affects all genders. Knowing these differences helps more people get the right diagnosis and support. Seeing masking and changing tests can help autistic girls and women live better lives.

 

Communication and Social Differences

Nonverbal Cues

Nonverbal communication is not the same for autistic people. Studies show some important differences. Autistic people often have trouble reading facial expressions.

They do not copy smiles or frowns as much in talks. Their faces show less emotion during conversations. But their feelings are still like other people’s. Autistic people use fewer nonverbal signals.

They like clear words more. Both autistic and neurotypical people can find autistic faces hard to read. This shows a different style, not a problem. Communication problems often happen because styles do not match, not because someone cannot do it.

These facts show autistic communication works well, but looks different. Knowing this helps people avoid confusion.

Social Interaction

Social interaction is special for autistic people. Research shows they look at others less when talking. But they pay normal attention when just watching. How they look and act can cause confusion.

Aspect of Social Interaction Evidence Summary
Social Perception Neurotypical people often judge autistic people quickly and less kindly after short meetings.
Social Expression Autistic people use faces, gestures, and eye contact in their own way. This changes how others see them.
Social Outcomes These differences can mean fewer friends and more loneliness.
Relational Dynamics Social problems come from both autistic and neurotypical ways of talking.
Intervention Implications Help should focus on both groups to improve social life.

Brain studies show social interaction uses brain waves. Autistic people have different brain patterns when talking with others. This can change how they pay attention and connect.

Respectful Communication

Respectful communication with autistic people uses clear and kind methods. The table below shows good ways to help:

Strategy Description & Benefits
Adapting Communication Style Use simple words, no sayings, talk slowly, and watch what the person likes.
Visual Support Tools Use pictures, charts, and stories to help people understand.
Technology-Assisted Communication Use devices and apps that help each person talk.
Encouraging Non-Verbal Communication Support gestures, faces, and sign language to help people share feelings.
Personalized & Patient Approach Change methods for each person, be patient, and keep things steady.

Respectful communication means seeing how each person is different. Small changes can make talking easier and better for everyone.

Sensory and Cognitive Diversity

Sensory Challenges

Many autistic people sense the world in strong or different ways. Sensory processing problems are very common for them.

More than 70% of autistic people say they have these problems. Some studies show the number is as high as 94% or even 96%.

Source/Study Reported Percentage of Autistic Individuals Experiencing Sensory Processing Challenges
General statement from article Over 70%
2019 study (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders) Approximately 94%
2007 review article (PMC article) Over 96%

The most common sensory problems are:

  • Tactile sensitivity, like not liking some textures or clothes.
  • Auditory sensitivity, such as reacting to loud or sudden sounds.
  • Visual sensitivity, which can mean trouble with bright lights or busy patterns.

These problems can make daily life harder. Some people avoid foods because of how they feel. Others cover their ears in loud places.

Sensory problems can also make being social more difficult. Many autistic people say these problems stay the same as they get older.

People assigned female at birth often say they have more sensory problems. They also have a harder time with pain or temperature.

Sensory differences are not just small things. They change how autistic people live and connect with others.

Unique Thinking Styles

Autistic people often think in ways that are not like most people. Research shows these thinking differences come from many brain changes. There is not just one reason for these differences.

Social thinking differences are the most clear. Many autistic people find it hard to read faces or understand feelings. They may also miss social hints.

These problems are linked to certain parts of the brain. Other thinking differences, like executive function or focusing on details, show up in some but not all autistic people.

Autistic thinking styles include:

  • Bottom-up thinking: starting with details and building up to big ideas.
  • Associative thinking: making creative links between ideas.
  • Analytical thinking: using logic and avoiding mistakes in thinking.
  • Lateral thinking: solving problems in new ways, sometimes faster than others.
  • Visual thinking: seeing clear pictures in their mind to solve problems.

These ways of thinking help autistic people find new answers and ideas. Many pay close attention to details and do not give up easily.

Their special logic helps in art, science, and technology. Some things are hard, like talking with others or being flexible. But having many ways of thinking is a big part of what makes autism special.

 

Listening to Autistic Voices

Individual Strengths

Autistic people often talk about their special strengths. These strengths help them see and interact with the world in their own way.

Studies show autistic people are good at many things. Some are great at sensing sounds or smells.

Others notice tiny changes or find things quickly. Many like making routines and organizing their day. Some have strong skills in thinking, like understanding physics or making creative ideas.

Strength Category Examples of Strengths Identified by Autistic Individuals
Sensory Processing Perfect pitch, strong ability to identify mixed smells and sounds
Attention to Detail Noticing small changes, expertise in visual search tasks
Systems and Routine Creating personal systems, thriving on routine, organizing information
Cognitive Strengths Intuitive understanding of physics, creative metaphor generation

Sensory awareness and noticing details help in school and work. Routines make daily life easier and lower stress.

Thinking in pictures or coming up with new ideas helps solve problems. These strengths work together and help autistic people face challenges.

People can have strengths and struggles at the same time. Focusing on details may make it hard to see the big picture, but it also helps people become experts.

The Value of Lived Experience

Lived experience gives autistic people a strong voice. Their stories help others learn about real life challenges and successes.

These stories change how people support and understand autism. Some autistic advocates have faced hard times in talking or learning. They have earned degrees and helped change neurodiversity rights.

Listening to autistic voices helps make better rules and teaching methods. Teachers and leaders learn what works by hearing from autistic people.

This way, all types of communication are valued, like gestures, writing, or using devices. It is important to believe in every autistic person’s abilities.

  • Lived experience helps support mental health and independence.
  • Respecting different voices fights stereotypes and stigma.
  • Real stories, like Jordyn Zimmerman’s, show how support can change lives.

The autism self-advocacy movement started in the 1990s. It changed how people think about autism. Now, many see neurodiversity as a strength. Lived experience keeps making support for autistic people more fair and respectful.

Many people still Don’t Understand Autism because of myths and stereotypes. There is also a gap between research and what happens in real life.

Media usually shows only the most extreme cases. This makes people confused about autism. Programs that teach about autism and share real stories help a lot. They can lower stigma and help people feel more empathy.

People can learn more by listening to autistic voices. Using clear words and joining awareness events also helps. When people have more empathy and know more, schools and workplaces get better. Communities become more welcoming for everyone.

 

FAQ

What is masking in autism?

Masking is when autistic people try to hide their traits. They might copy what others do or act in new ways. This makes it hard for people to see they are autistic.

What does “autism spectrum” mean?

The autism spectrum means there are many different traits. Every autistic person has their own strengths and challenges. No two people with autism are exactly alike.

What are common signs of autism?

Some signs are having trouble with social skills or strong interests. Sensory differences are also common. Some people talk less, while others have special skills.

What causes autism?

Autism happens because the brain grows in a different way. Genes are a big reason for this. Scientists have not found just one cause.

What helps autistic people communicate better?

Using clear words and being patient helps a lot. Visual tools like pictures can make things easier. Respecting each person’s way of talking is important.

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