Cork Views: Dispelling common autism myths

April 2 is Autism Awareness Day, a time to recognise just how much our understanding of autism has evolved in the last 20 years.

It is estimated that 1 in 27 are autistic in Ireland, yet outdated stereotypes have left many undiagnosed for most of their life.

Today, we recognise that autism isn’t just something that affects young boys, but it persists into adulthood and can present very differently in females.

Autism is about more than social difficulties, it involves unique strengths, sensory differences, deep passions, and diverse ways of thinking. It doesn’t have a specific look or correlate with a particular intelligence level, and therefore just because someone doesn’t obviously appear autistic doesn’t mean they don’t face very real challenges in a world that isn’t designed for them.

While it’s true that there has been an increase in autism diagnoses in recent years, this is not due to an increase in autistic individuals but rather a greater understanding of how autism presents, particularly in adults, women, and those who are high-masking. Many people are receiving life-changing diagnoses in their 30s, 40s, or even their 70s and 80s, often after a lifetime of misdiagnoses for conditions such as anxiety or depression.

Receiving an autism diagnosis later in life can bring both relief and grief. It validates lifelong struggles but can also spark reflections on what might have been different with earlier support and understanding and what might no longer be possible. Many late-diagnosed individuals report feeling different or struggling with intense emotions and mental health challenges throughout their lives.

Autism truly exists on a spectrum, encompassing differences in socialising, communication, sensory processing, repetitive behaviours, and special interests. These traits present with varying intensities, meaning that if you were to gather ten autistic individuals, they would likely all exhibit autism in very distinct ways.

Sensory sensitivities can range from finding certain sounds or textures overwhelming - whereby bright lights might feel the way some experience nails on a chalkboard - to experiencing deep comfort from a weighted blanket or a warm bath. However, what’s soothing for one, might be overwhelming for another.

Meanwhile, social and communication differences mean that many autistic people must consciously learn and navigate unwritten social rules, which can be mentally exhausting and still result in misunderstandings.

Repetitive behaviours, such as using fidget toys, playing with hair or jewellery, rocking, or repeating words (silently or out loud), serve as self-soothing mechanisms, that help autistic individuals feel calm in world that’s often overwhelming.

Special interests can be incredibly intense, spanning a vast range of topics, from a fascination with the occult to a deep interest in pop culture and everything in between. These passions can lead to deep expertise in a subject, and provide immense personal joy.

Many autistic people, often unconsciously, learn to suppress their natural traits to fit in, which is known as masking. Chronic masking is mentally and emotionally exhausting, whereby, an autistic person might appear fine and fully engaged throughout the day but collapse in total exhaustion once they are home. Chronic masking can eventually lead to autistic burnout. Just because someone doesn’t look autistic doesn’t mean they don’t struggle in a world that often fails to recognise, validate, and accommodate their needs.

Common autism myths

While understanding of autism grows, many misconceptions persist, often rooted in outdated science and misinformation:

Autistic people lack empathy: This is far from true. In fact, many autistic individuals feel emotions deeply and may struggle more with expressing them rather than experiencing them.

Vaccines cause autism: This has been thoroughly debunked. Autism is a neurological and genetic condition, not caused by vaccines.

You don’t look autistic: This statement, though often well-meaning, dismisses the fact that even if someone doesn’t look autistic, it doesn’t mean they don’t struggle.

All autistic people are either geniuses or non-verbal: The spectrum is broad, some are highly verbal, some are non-speaking, some have intellectual disabilities, and others are academically gifted. The majority fall somewhere in between.

The neurodiversity movement encourages a shift from viewing autism as a problem to be fixed, to understanding it as a difference that requires respect and support. Simultaneously, autistic people face very real struggles, and society must provide support and accommodations to help them thrive.

If you want to make the world more inclusive for autistic individuals, start by challenging assumptions. Learn about the many different ways autism presents, learn about different communication and processing styles, practice patience, communicate clearly, and provide accommodations, such as dim lighting, quiet spaces, and acceptance of stimming behaviours.

Autism is not something to be cured, but a fundamental part of human diversity, and by embracing it, we add to the variety that makes the world beautiful.

At the end of the day, we all have unique needs, and just because someone’s experience is different to yours doesn’t make it any less valid. Therefore, recognising and respecting these differences makes the world a better place for everyone

Mirin Mooney is an neurodivergent-affirming autism & ADHD coach and therapist. See www.wildheart-wellness.com