Stereotyping in Media

Due to misinformation and stereotyping shown in media and entertainment, the general public in the United States typically generalize and possess misconceptions of the differences that Autistic individuals experience (Jones et al., 2023).

Let’s explore some of the common misconceptions depicted in mass media and debunk them together!

4 Common Misconceptions of Autism

"All Autistic individuals have intellectual disabilities."

Although it may be more common for Autistic children to have intellectual disabilities, recent research suggests that 94% of Autistic children do not have intellectual disabilities (Hirota & King, 2023). Not every Autistic child experiences cognitive differences.
"All Autistic individuals do not experience challenges with motor abilities."

Autistic children commonly present with differences in balance, gait, and in limb and body coordination, which could significantly affect their social and communication skills (Bhat, 2020).
"All Autistic individuals are nonverbal."

Autistic children can possess a wide range of communicative abilities, from entirely non-speaking to fluent (Hirota & King, 2023). More so, a core diagnostic feature of Autism is differences in social communication (Reindal et al., 2022).
"All Autistic individuals are uninterested in social interactions."

Many Autistic individuals value meaningful social connections, though they may communicate and engage in relationships in ways that differ from neurotypical norms.