There are still many myths about autism — misconceptions, outdated or based on prejudice. As part of the European ACTIVATE project, co-financed by the Erasmus+ program, the #AutismMythVsFact campaign was created to deconstruct the misconceptions that still persist in society, with clear and accessible facts, based on evidence and the perspective of the autistic community itself.
Each post presents a common myth and the truth behind it, helping to create more empathy, knowledge and inclusion. There will be a total of 12 publications by the end of June, each dedicated to a different myth.
She follows us on social media — likes, shares, and comments on our posts — and helps us break down misconceptions. Together, we can build a more informed and fair society for all autistic people.
❌ Myth: “All autistic people have intellectual disabilities.”
✅ Fact: Many autistic people have average or above-average intelligence. Autism is a spectrum, so people have different abilities and challenges.
❌ Myth: “Autism is caused by bad parenting.”
✅ Fact: There is no scientific evidence linking parenting style to autism. Autism has a neurodevelopmental basis, with genetic and environmental factors playing a role.
❌ Myth: “Autistic people don’t feel emotions.”
✅ Fact: Autistic people experience emotions just like anyone else, and sometimes even more intensely, though they may express or process them differently.
❌ Myth: “Autistic people are antisocial and don’t want to interact with others.”
✅ Fact: Many autistic people enjoy social interactions but may find socializing overwhelming or difficult due to sensory sensitivities or communication differences.
❌ Myth: “Autistic people can’t lead independent lives.”
✅ Fact: Many autistic individuals lead fulfilling, independent lives, including having jobs, relationships, and families.
❌ Myth: “People with autism don’t need friends.”
✅ Fact: Autistic people can form deep friendships, often preferring smaller groups or shared-interest connections where communication feels more natural.
❌ Myth: “Autistic people don’t understand social cues or other people’s feelings.”
✅ Fact: Autistic people may interpret social cues differently, but that doesn’t mean they lack empathy. Misunderstandings often go both ways—mutual empathy builds better communication.
❌ Myth: “Autism can be cured with the right treatment.“
✅ Fact: There is no cure for autism. Therapies and supports can help autistic people manage challenges and build skills, but Autism is part of who we are, not a condition to be ‘fixed.’
❌ Myth: “Autistic people can’t communicate if they don’t speak.“
✅ Fact: Not speaking doesn’t mean not communicating. Many autistic people express themselves through writing, sign language, or assistive tech—communication comes in many forms.
❌ Myth: “Vaccines cause autism.”
✅ Fact: There’s no link between vaccines and autism. This myth was based on a discredited study. Vaccines are safe, vital, and protect public health.
❌ Myth: “Autistic people can’t be creative or expressive.“
✅ Fact: Autistic people are often deeply creative, using their unique perspectives to innovate in art, music, writing, tech, and more.
❌ Myth: “There’s an autism epidemic.“
✅ Fact: More diagnoses reflect better awareness and understanding—not an epidemic. Autism has always existed; now we’re just recognising it more.
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.
