One of my favorite's is What is his special gift? I coin this as Rainman Syndrome. Everyone assumes your son is like the guy in Rain man. Aidan is not a savant.. that I am aware of. Even though I feel like saying Eating Paper.. I try to bite my tongue and use this moment to educate and make someone more aware of what Autism is. Yes Aidan is smart, and is a walking encyclopedia sometimes, but he is not a savant, and most children with autism are not.
Common Myths of Children with Autism:
• Children with autism never make eye contact - Myth. Some do make eye contact, and some make eye contact after working for years to learn to make eye contact.
• Inside a child with autism is a genius - Myth. Autistic children have a wide range of IQ scores and skills. However, a child that may remember the birthday of every child in their class may not remember their names.
• Children with autism can't show affection - Myth. This is difficult for most children with autism, but not always true. Bonds and affection can be achieved in many cases but it takes work, time and patience.
• Progress means a child does not have autism - Myth. Progress means hard work, love, and support is paying off.
• Affection and smiling at you means a child does not have autism - Myth. All children are different and with time, work, and love many that don't show affection will learn to show affection.
• Autism can be outgrown - Myth. It can be treated and children and adults with autism can lead productive and happy lives - and so can their families.
• Bad parenting causes autism - False ( spanking is not going to fix autism)
• Children with autism cannot learn - Myth. But often the key is figuring out how they learn and teaching them appropriately. Each child is different.
• Autism is rare - False.
• Children with autism do not talk - Myth. Many children with autism develop good functional language. Most other children can develop some communication skills, such as sign language, use of pictures, computers or electronic devices.
• Children with autism never make eye contact - Myth. Some do make eye contact, and some make eye contact after working for years to learn to make eye contact.
• Inside a child with autism is a genius - Myth. Autistic children have a wide range of IQ scores and skills. However, a child that may remember the birthday of every child in their class may not remember their names.
• Children with autism can't show affection - Myth. This is difficult for most children with autism, but not always true. Bonds and affection can be achieved in many cases but it takes work, time and patience.
• Progress means a child does not have autism - Myth. Progress means hard work, love, and support is paying off.
• Affection and smiling at you means a child does not have autism - Myth. All children are different and with time, work, and love many that don't show affection will learn to show affection.
• Autism can be outgrown - Myth. It can be treated and children and adults with autism can lead productive and happy lives - and so can their families.
• Bad parenting causes autism - False ( spanking is not going to fix autism)
• Children with autism cannot learn - Myth. But often the key is figuring out how they learn and teaching them appropriately. Each child is different.
• Autism is rare - False.
• Children with autism do not talk - Myth. Many children with autism develop good functional language. Most other children can develop some communication skills, such as sign language, use of pictures, computers or electronic devices.
What are ones you have heard? Do you have a questions, feel free to ask away.. I am always open to questions....
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