Common Misconceptions

Misconception

All autistic individuals possess special skills and genius abilities (e.g., able to memorize license plates, complete complicated mental math, exceptional musical / art skills)

Truth

Although the autistic individual depicted in the movie "Rainman" possessed special abilities, the vast majority of autistic people do not. Autistic individuals who possess "genius" abilities are often called "savants" or "autistic savants". Approximately 50 percent of all savants have autism, while only about five-to-ten percent of autistic individuals possess extraordinary savant skills. However, most autistic individuals display uneven or scattered skill development (e.g., do better on nonverbal tasks, motor tasks and concrete tasks). Additionally, most autistic individuals display significant cognitive / intellectual impairments.

Misconception

All autistic individuals are withdrawn, avoid eye contact, engage in self injurious behaviour, rock, spin objects and avoid affection.

Truth

Individuals with autism tend to be diverse. Therefore, it is difficult to use words such as "all" or "none" when describing this group. Some autistic individuals engage in eye contact while others enjoy tickles and hugs. However, not all engage in rocking, spinning or self abusive behaviour.
Individuals with autism share common behavioural characteristics, and it is on this basis that a diagnosis is made.

Specifically, autistic individuals display the following:

1. Social difficulties
   Individuals with autism frequently show little interest in others (eg., do not notice when someone enters a room, do not seek comfort when hurt, prefer to play alone). Those children who display social interest generally have difficulty initiating interactions and developing friendships. Many autistic children also display poor eye contact.
2. Impaired communication skills
   Approximately 50 percent of autistic individuals do not develop spoken language skills. Those that develop language skills have difficulty engaging in extended conversations. This is because autistic individuals often insist on talking about a very narrow range of topics. Echolalia (echoing words or phrases) and pitch / intonation difficulties are common in autistic individuals.
3. Specific behavioural patterns
   Many autistic individuals find novelty and change to be distressing. They also develop unusual routine or rituals. Repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand flapping, rocking, finger flicking) are also common.