Autism, as we are discovering in this column, is shrouded in mystery — enhanced by the problematic nature of defining what autism is and the vast diversity of individuals who identify on the autism spectrum. However, since there is such variety and vagueness to what exactly autism is, there is often a stereotype of autism that is created and known. Sadly, the stereotype of autism that the general population knows is often incorrect, harmful to individuals with autism, and creates an unfavorable environment for those with autism to speak about their experiences. Today, we delve into unmasking the stereotypes of autism.
One stereotype of autism is that individuals with autism are aggressive. While individuals with autism can be aggressive, it is not because they have autism but simply because they are human. Everyone is aggressive sometimes, and as a person, everyone is allowed to get mad. The stereotype of aggressive individuals with autism stems from sensory overload (where their environment is too stimulating for them), or they do not understand a social situation to the point where they are being silenced and feel like they are not being treated fairly.
Another stereotype of autism is that individuals with autism are obsessive. While this is not true, it stems from autism’s trait of hyperfocus. Hyperfocus is a trait of autism where individuals can focus entirely on one person, place, thing, or idea for a long time without looking away or doing anything else. While this may seem obsessive, it is more of being interested in something, but to the extreme.
One trait of autism is more of a combination of two but extremes of the same scale: intelligence. Individuals with autism are often considered extremely smart or lack the necessary intelligence to function, which is invalid. Individuals with autism have the same range of intelligence as individuals without autism. While some individuals with autism have exceptional intelligence or a lack thereof, there are just as many with the same levels of intelligence as those without autism.
Other stereotypes of autism stem from individuals with autism’s difficulties in social situations. Some people believe those on the autism spectrum cannot converse, have relationships, or feel emotions. Again, this is all anything but genuine. While some traits of autism do inhibit some social skills and make social situations more difficult to navigate, that is by no means that individuals with autism are unable to feel emotions, make relationships, or survive a conversation.
One more stereotype of autism is that individuals with autism “look” like they have autism. There is no reason an individual with autism needs to appear to have it. By assuming those with autism look like it, we are allowing for an environment of discrimination without giving individuals with autism the opportunity to integrate into society.
Stereotypes have many negative impacts. They force individuals with autism to feel like they cannot express themselves, seek the aid and help they may need, come out of their comfort zone, and even attempt to venture into the social realm. By learning what the stereotypes of autism are and why they are invalid, we can help educate the world about autism, not spread stereotypes. It is essential to know what sources are trustworthy to learn about autism to prevent stereotyping, a topic we will explore in the next edition of this column as we continue to unmask the mysteries of autism.
