ASU SPE 222 Myth Buster assignment Fall 2022

1. Autism Myths
By: Holley Mendoza
SPE 222 Professor Fitzgerald

2. Autism
There are some myths that revolve around Autism that people tend to believe over
the facts. The point is not everything that you hear on social media, the news, and
other forms of media isn’t always true. In order to find out the truth you have to do
the research yourself. It is important to know the facts and the right information in
order to not spread false information.

3. Girls can’t be Autisic.

4. FALSE
Girls can have Autism there is just a lot of doctors who overlook or misdiagnose
they girls. According to Medical News Today, girls who have Autism typically try to
“hide” their symptoms in order to fit in with their peers. According to the CDC 1 in
44 8-year-old children have been diagnosed to be on the autism spectrum. But
boys are four times more likely to have Autism.

5. People who have Autism are non-verbal

6. FALSE
Though a majority of people who have Autism are non-verbal, 60% of them are
verbal. According to putchildrenfirst.org, 35%-40% of people with Autism are non-
verbal. This percentage of people with Autism are minimul nonverbal or just
“speak” using gestures or sign language.

7. People with Autism can have different symptoms and varities of the
disorder.

8. TRUE
Individuals with Autism can have different cases of Autism. According to
hearingsol.com, there is “Classic” Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and Pervasive
Developmental Disorder (PDD). Autism is the highest form of Autism that a
majority of people are diagnosed with. These individuals are oversensitive and
avoid contact with others. Asperger’s Syndrome is where individuals with Autism
struggle with communication and interactions. This condition is permanent and
there’s no real cure. PDD covers all of the Autism Spectrum and Rhett Syndrome.
They have poor social skills and extremely weak communication skills.

9. Individuals with Autism don’t have feelings

10. FALSE
According to verywellhealth.com, people with Autism can have feelings and be empathic. Most
individuals that have Autism experience affective empathy, which is entirely based on instincts
and involuntary responses to the emotions of others. Individuals who experience affective
empathy it can be overwhelming, so it makes it difficult for them to be in social settings and big
crowds.

11. Autism is caused by “bad parenting”

12. FALSE
Autism is not caused by bad parenting it is a serious neurodevelopmental
disorder/condition. According to Autism Connect, they state that Autism severely
hinders a child’s development and make it extremely challenging to behave like a
“normal child”. This condition affects the child’s social, behavioral, cognitive and
sensory development, so it is important to remember that a child isn’t Autisic
because their parent “didn’t care enough”.

13. References
MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Autism in girls: Symptoms and diagnosis. Medical News Today. Retrieved
October 30, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325574
Rudy, L. J. (2021, October 2). How autism may affect sympathy and empathy. Verywell
Health. Retrieved October 30, 2022, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/do-people-with-
autism-lack-empathy-259887
What is the autism spectrum scale? symptoms of asperger's syndrome. HearingSol. (2019, August 1). Retrieved
October 30, 2022, from https://www.hearingsol.com/faq/autism-spectrum-scale/
40% of individuals with autism are nonverbal: Why alternative means of ... (n.d.). Retrieved October 30, 2022, from
https://www.putchildrenfirst.org/40-of-individuals-with-autism-are-nonverbal-why-alternative-means-of-communication-
matter
*, N. (2019, April 24). Autism is not a result of bad parenting - autism connect. Official Blog - Autism Connect. Retrieved
October 30, 2022, from https://www.autismconnect.com/blogs/is-autism-a-result-of-bad-parenting-the-myth-is-busted/