Autism and SLPs

Perspectives from a Speech Language Pathologist

Myths about Autism

There are numerous misconceptions about Autism.

First and foremost, ASD is not the result of bad parenting. The myth that it is caused from a ‘refrigerator mother’ is long over. The single cause for autism is not known, however it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in either the structure or function of the brain.

It occurs in more males than females with a ratio of 1:4. The latest reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 150 American children, and almost 1 in 94 boys.

Unfortunately children with Autism do not "outgrow" it, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention with different therapies and school programs lead to significantly improved outcomes.

Myth, there is help only for those who can afford it. This is completely untrue. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) was most recently revised in 2004. This law mandates that the state provide all eligible children with a free and appropriate public education that meets their unique individual needs in a least restrictive environment.

Myth, there is little research being conducted in this area. False, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is one of the federal government’s leading supporters of biomedical research on brain and nervous system disorders. It conducts research in its laboratories at the National Institutes of Health in Maryland and also awards grants to support research at universities and other facilities. As part of the Children’s Health Act of 2000, the NINDS and three sister institutes have formed the NIH Autism Coordinating Committee to expand and coordinate autism research; including basic and clinical research, including investigations into causes, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, and treatment.