Kelle Rich with Central Texas Autism Center: Myths of Autism

According to the latest findings from the CDC, 1 in every 68 children is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, which is a sizable increase compared to a just a few years ago. As concerns about the increase in Autism grow, people must become familiar with the misconceptions of the diagnosis.

The lack of mainstream media coverage for Autism may send a message that the nation is not heavily affected by it. People, unfortunately, tend to overlook the data that demonstrates how far-reaching this diagnosis truly is. Take Hollywood for example. With only a minor percentage of people who achieve the "celebrity" status, even they are often subjected to the reality of dealing with Autism. Stars like Sylvester Stallone, Tommy Hilfiger, and Gary Cole have all experienced raising a child who was diagnosed with some extent of the disorder. This translates to the rest of the nation where 320 million people should understand that there are nearly 5 million individuals who have Autism. Thus, it is most certainly not a rare trend.

Professionals like Kelle Wood Rich of Central Texas Autism Center have seen countless cases. Nevertheless, if someone were to ask Rich about the last 300 patients she helped, she would probably have 300 different stories to tell. Autism is not a condition that presents itself in a manner that can be foreseen by anticipating a couple of generic symptoms. Some people who are diagnosed live their life as high-functioning, above-average intellectuals while there are those unable to conduct basic tasks like talking or toileting independently. One of the reasons why it is called Autism "Spectrum" comes from the fact there is an entire range of degrees of symptomology that can take effect.

Another common myth is that inappropriate parenting can lead to the development of Autism. Fifty years ago, they even titled this “The Refrigerator Mother” syndrome referring to a cold, emotionally unavailable parenting style. This out dated theory is not true. Whether someone is raised in a mansion in Hollywood with around-the-clock care or somewhere else in the world without their family, the chances of having Autism are virtually the same. There have been no discoveries of environment-driven factors that play a role in whether someone will be diagnosed with the disorder or not.

Though Hollywood has created many movies and now even a TV show, The Good Doctor, where people who have Autism are portrayed as brilliant mathematicians with endless memory, this does not depict the typical person with Autism accurately. Autistic savants have indeed existed, yet in only 10% of diagnosed autism cases. About 40% of people with Autism do not speak. Currently there is no cure for autism, though with early intervention and ABA therapy, the diverse symptoms related to autism can be greatly improved and in some cases completely overcome.

Discussing the matter with a professional like Kelle Wood Rich will bring light to the contemporary methods recommended today such as applied behavior analysis (ABA.) In the past, treatment options were limited and many children were either institutionalized and/or misdiagnosed. Luckily, we know more now. Children are getting accurately diagnosed younger and younger and accessing programs like the one Central Texas Autism Center offers. One that is based in peer reviewed research and guided by professionals to insure best outcomes for their patients, no matter the age or functioning level of the child or adult with autism.