Diagnosis of autism can be emotionally painful for parents who want  nothing but the best for their kids. There are a lot of misinformation about autism. It is important to separate the facts from fiction.

Facts and fiction about autism

Bad parents cause autism.

FICTION : Autism is  a neurodevelopmental disorder. There is still a lot  to learn about autism but parents do not cause it for sure.

There is an autism epidermic .

FICTION : Autism is becoming a more common diagnosis because health officials have gotten better at diagnosing it . Health officials can now spot spot high-functioning individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In the past, autism was frequently missed in people with intellectual disabilities.  However, now we know those disabilities often go hand-in-hand with autism.

Childhood vaccines cause autism.

FICTION :  There is no scientific support to the idea that vaccines cause autism.

Autism can be cured.

FICTION : Autism is a life long disorder. However people with this condition can live productive, meaningful lives. Children who are diagnosed early and receive intervention have the best possible outcome.

Special diet cures autism .

FICTION :Research doesnt support any special diet curing autism.  Kids with this condition have food allergies and digestive disorders but do not benefit from special diets. You should talk to your doctor before trying any new diet.

Siblings of children with autism have a higher chance of getting it too.

FACT : When one child in the family has autism, there is an 18% chance that the first sibling will also be diagnosed with autism. When 2 children have autism, there is a 32% chance of the third child getting it too.

Genetics play a part in autism.

FACT :As many as 1,000 different genetic changes may affect how brain cells communicate in people with autism. More research is needed however  these changes may be tied to important chemicals in the brain such as serotonin. This hormone   plays a big role in mood and happiness  or to the actual brain structure, among other possibilities.