A senior psychologist addresses some myths about Autism
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life due to a neurological disorder.
Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social barriers, and it affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Here are some facts about autism.
Autism spectrum disorder now affects 1 in 68 children. Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls. Approximately 9,000 children in Malaysia are born with autism every year.
Autism may affect communication, social relationships or day to day activities.
Although the causes of ASD are unknown, it has been proven that parental behavior before, during, and after pregnancy does not contribute to the development of ASD.
Every child with autism spectrum disorder is a unique individual. They could be exceptionally bright, ordinary in intelligence, or endure from cognitive deficits.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder can be creative, and they can readily discover a love and skill for music, theatre, painting, dance, and singing.
There is no cure for autism, however, there are a variety of medications that can help to alleviate symptoms and improve patient management.
ADDRESSING MYTHS ON AUTISM
A senior psychologist from the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), Liew Bee Wah addressed some myths surrounding autism, in an interview with Sinar Daily.
“Some believe autistic people aren't capable of learning. But individuals with autism can be more creative and passionate.
“ People also tend to perceive that autistic people can’t speak. This has been a debate for decades. Being nonverbal at age 4 does not mean children with autism spectrum will never speak.
“Some people used to say that autistic people lack emotions which is incorrect because individuals with ASD often want to socialize, but they lack the capacity to develop appropriate social skills on their own like showing empathy," she said.
She regularly hears that individuals with autism are violent; but the truth is aggressive or self-injurious behavior is only present in some cases.
“Bad parenting or vaccination does not cause autism. It develops from a combination of genetic and non-genetic, or environmental, influences,” she adds.
Research has shown that people with autism are capable of living a normal life, and contribute to the society.
