Challenging autism myths in awareness week campaign
In observance of Autism Consciousness Week, the Center for Inclusive Education (CIE) at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) encourages breaking stereotypes and fostering understanding about autism.
Driven by its commitment to inclusivity, CIE collaborates with parents, partners, and associates to eliminate barriers faced by students in the community. The center offers support services for students with diverse learning needs, including those with physical and sensory conditions affecting learning and socialization
CIE works closely with faculty and administrators to ensure students receive the necessary accommodations throughout their academic journey, from admission to graduation, as well as in their career placement and employment.
To promote awareness and understanding, CIE shared several misconceptions about autism, debunked by the Autism Resource Center (ARC), a Singapore-based nonprofit serving individuals on the autism spectrum.
“It is time to learn,” CIE stated. “Our actions can pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate community. We all have strengths to move forward together toward a world that embraces solidarity and celebrates neurodiversity.”
Here are some common myths and their corresponding facts:
Myth: People with autism hate making friends.
Fact: Autism is a spectrum, and individuals vary widely. Some people enjoy deep friendships, while others prefer fewer social connections. Social challenges, like difficulty reading cues or communicating, may be misinterpreted as disinterest, but these individuals connect in their own ways.
Myth: People with autism do not feel emotions.
Fact: Individuals with autism can feel and express emotions, though their ways of doing so may differ from neurotypical expectations. Social and communication challenges can lead to misinterpretations, but people with autism can form meaningful bonds and show empathy in unique ways when supported.
Myth: People with autism cannot learn or speak.
Fact: Autism is not an intellectual disability. Communication abilities vary, with some individuals speaking fluently while others use alternative methods. IQ levels range from average to above average, and while social or verbal challenges may be highlighted in traditional school settings, many individuals with autism excel in visual-spatial tasks and pattern recognition.
Myth: People with autism are more violent.
Fact: Autism does not cause violence. Some individuals may experience sensory overload or communication challenges that lead to frustration or meltdowns, but these are not acts of aggression. In fact, individuals with autism are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. The stereotype of violence only increases stigma and hampers fair treatment.
For more information about Benilde CIE, visit facebook.com/ciebenilde.