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| |    Autism Myths and Realities by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. Autism is puzzling even to experts, so it is little wonder that it has given rise to many myths and misconceptions. Here are some of the common myths, along with their accompanying realities: Myth: Children with autism can perform amazing mental feats, such as memorizing the telephone book or multiplying large numbers in their heads. Reality: A small number of children with autism have very high IQs and exhibit such "splinter skills," as they're called, but most children with autism do not. Sadly, about 8 out of 10 children with autism also have some degree of mental retardation, without any extraordinary mental abilities. Myth: Cold or distant mothering causes autism. Reality: Autism is a biologically caused brain disorder. It does run in families, however, and some mothers and fathers of autistic children who seem extremely shy, socially awkward, or distant may themselves have very mild forms of autism. Myth: Most children with autism never learn to talk. Reality: With early identification and intensive intervention, as many as three-quarters of children with autism are able to talk. Those children with autism who never acquire spoken language often have severe mental retardation in addition to their autism, making the learning of language especially difficult. With training, however, even these children can often learn to communicate non-verbally. Myth: Autism can be caused by vaccinations. Reality: At least two large studies have looked for a link between vaccinations and autism and did not find any evidence for it. Autism usually first appears within the first two years of life, at a time when children are receiving many immunizations. The appearance of autistic symptoms shortly after an immunization is bound to happen some of the time solely by chance. Myth: Children with autism are completely cut off from human relationships. Reality: Children with autism have abnormal social relationships, but they have relationships nonetheless. For example, a young child with autism may feel love and attachment for his mother and father, but still dislike being touched by them (unless they hug very firmly). Myth: Children with autism are all like the Dustin Hoffman character in the movie Rainman. Reality: Autism is just one aspect of a child's personality and abilities. Children with autism differ in intelligence, sense of humor, interests, warmth, temperament, and many other qualities, just like all children. Myth: Autism is caused by chemical imbalances or allergies that can be cured by special diets or nutritional supplements. Reality: While these theories have undeniable appeal, no credible scientific evidence exists that diet or nutritional supplements can cure autism. Children with autism certainly can have allergies and nutritional deficiencies, and correcting these problems can help such a child to be healthier. This, in turn, may improve the child's behavior and general outlook, but special diets or vitamins are very unlikely to cure the autism itself, no matter what testimonials say.
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