What Do You Wish People Knew About Autism?

Many misconceptions still exist around autism spectrum disorder. So, in honor of Autism Awareness Month, we asked people from organizations throughout the New York metro area to describe what they wish the world knew about people with autism, both to help erase some of those misconceptions about autism and to shed some light on how autism cannot define individuals.

For example, here are five common misconceptions about autism spectrum disorder and individuals diagnosed with autism that just aren't true:

• Vaccines cause autism
• Individuals on the spectrum are anti-social and don't have feelings
• People with autism exhibit challenging and/or maladaptive behaviors
• Those on the spectrum are savants and/or are fixated on one topic
• Individuals with ASD can’t go to college, have jobs, or get married

Our sources want you to know: People with autism can do anything they put their minds to. But we’ll let them tell you!
 

“From my perspective as a social worker who is an educational advocate for families seeking special education services, I would want everyone to know how broad the diagnosis is and that no one person diagnosed with autism is the same as another. Even though the assessments are uniform and standardized, the way the diagnosis intertwines with the person is so individualized. It is nearly impossible to have a set image of what a diagnosis of autism looks like on each person. So, to answer your question, I would want everyone to consider a person with autism as an individual exhibiting characteristics that are unique to them. A diagnosis does not relegate someone to a group, nor does it define them, but it does provide a window into who they are, their wishes, dreams, and aspirations. And, it’s precisely this uniqueness that helps to define their diagnosis.” 
–Monica L. Mandell, LMSW, a bilingual social worker at MLM Advocacy, Westchester

“I wish people knew that people with autism are our brothers and sisters that have a bright light that shines with love and beauty.”
–Ana Dimas, Bronxville Ballet founder, Westchester