Merck Manuals: Clearing Up Autism Myths and Misconceptions

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Aug 26, 2024, 09:00 ET

RAHWAY, N.J., Aug. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite increased public awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), misinformation about the condition still persists, say some ASD providers. In a new editorial from MerckManuals.com, Stephen Brian Sulkes, MD, of Golisano Children's Hospital at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, separates myths – from facts.

Myth #1: Only boys get autism

ASD occurs in about 1 in 36 people in the United States, and it's four times more common among boys than girls. But girls can also have ASD, says Sulkes.

Myth #2: All People with ASD have intellectual disabilities

Intellectual disabilities and ASD are not the same, says Sulkes. Intellectual disabilities are more common in individuals with ASD, but not everyone with ASD has an intellectual disability.

Myth #3: Social awkwardness equals ASD

The phrase "on the spectrum" has become shorthand for some in describing an individual who may be shy, socially awkward or intensely interested in certain topics. But that doesn't necessarily equal ASD, says Sulkes. Pop culture can also portray autistic individuals as savants – including musical prodigies or math geniuses. But while some individuals with ASD may have unique skills, they don't possess superpowers, says Sulkes.

At the same time,

Myth #4: Only children have ASD

ASD stays with a person throughout their life, and the impact of the condition may change as a person gets older.

This is one reason why an ASD diagnosis can be a powerful tool for parents of younger patients, as they seek out the appropriate services and interventions, says Sulkes.

In entering adulthood, it's equally as important for young people with ASD to have support in navigating periods of transition, says Sulkes. This may include things like medication changes or the progression from pediatrician to psychiatrist.

Myth #5: There is no treatment for ASD

Doctors don't yet know what exactly causes ASD, Sulkes explains. It is true that for individuals diagnosed with ASD, there are no specific recommended medical treatments. Still, there are behavioral therapies and medications that may help a person with ASD with impulse control or anxiety, thereby improving quality of life.

Myth #6: Vaccines cause ASD

Immunizations do not cause ASDs. There is an abundance of high-quality research to support the lack of connection between the two. One likely reason this myth still persists is that many parents start to notice the signs of ASD around the same time their children begin getting routine immunizations, says Sulkes.

Myth #7: ASD is caused by bad parenting

"For decades, we've known that 'bad parenting' does not contribute to or cause ASD," says Sulkes. Parents and caretakers may play a role in how children interact with the world, but their actions do not cause ASD.

To read more of Sulkes' explanations of common misconceptions around ASD, visit this editorial on MerckManuals.com.

About The Merck Manuals and MSD Manuals

First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, The Merck Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the world's most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. As The Manual evolved, it continually expanded the reach and depth of its offerings to reflect the mission of providing the best medical information to a wide cross-section of users, including medical professionals and students, veterinarians and veterinary students, and consumers. In 2015, The Manuals kicked off Global Medical Knowledge 2020, a global initiative with the goal to make the best current medical information accessible by up to three billion professionals and patients around the world by 2020. The Manuals achieved that goal, and today its medical information is available in nearly 250 countries and in 14 languages. It's continuing its ambitious mission through outreach, education and creating new reliable medical resources. For access to thousands of medical topics with images, videos and a constantly expanding set of resources, visit MerckManuals.com or MSDManuals.com and connect with us on social media: For Consumers in the U.S. and its territories: X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. For Professionals in the U.S. and its territories: X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook

About Merck

At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

SOURCE The Merck Manuals