8 Common Autism Myths (and the Facts Parents Need to Know)

Autism is not caused by one thing.

Some children have a single genetic change that is believed to cause their autism, but this is rare. For most, autism is believed to be the result of the interaction of many different genes.  

• We don’t yet know all of the genes that may contribute to autism, but scientists are actively trying to find them all.  
• Sometimes genes can be influenced by environmental factors.
• These environmental factors might affect some children, but not all of them, making it difficult to determine if there is something that we should be concerned about.
• Research is ongoing, but there is no one cause of autism that parents can point to.

2. Does autism run in families?

There are some families who have more than one child with autism.

We know from studies, that if a child is diagnosed with autism, their younger siblings are more likely to be diagnosed with autism. If parents are concerned, they should talk to their doctor about the likelihood that they may have another child with autism. 

Developmental and autism-specific screenings are recommended for all children during some of their well-child visits. If parents have a younger child, they should make sure that their child is receiving these screenings to ensure that everything is on track.

>>Related: Is my child on track for their motor milestones? 

3. Do vaccines cause autism?

No, vaccines do not cause autism.

This myth has been rigorously studied for decades and has been disproven. Since some vaccines are given at the time parents may become concerned about their child, and some children may have temporary reactions to vaccines, such as irritability and fever, parents have wondered if a vaccine caused their child’s autism.  

If you have concerns about vaccines recommended for your child or your child’s vaccine schedule, the best resource is your pediatrician, who can answer your questions and address your child’s individual health needs.

>>Related: Don't delay your child's vaccines. Here's why.

 

No. Autism is diagnosed behaviorally.

Doctors look at how a child communicates, interacts socially, and behaves. They also look at how the child has developed and interacted with others before the evaluation, along with their medical history.  Because of this, it can take several hours or even several medical visits to diagnose a child with autism. While scientists are studying possible biomarkers for autism, there is no over-the-counter test or scan that can confirm autism right now.

5. Is autism caused by "poor parenting?" 

Autism is not caused by poor parenting. Parents should not feel responsible for causing their child’s autism.

Not long after autism was first described over 80 years ago, a harmful idea called the “refrigerator mother theory” blamed autism on mothers who were supposedly cold or unloving. We now know this is completely false. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition shaped by biology and genetics — not by how much love a parent shows. Even though we know for certain that autism is not caused by “bad parenting,” some still worry that parents will be blamed if an environmental cause is identified for some children.  

6. Is an educational autism diagnosis the same as a medical diagnosis? 

Not always. A school autism diagnosis can be different than a doctor’s because they serve two distinct purposes.

Schools use an educational diagnosis to decide what educational approach and level of services a child needs while in school. Medical providers make a clinical diagnosis based on diagnostic criteria and what is known about the child’s medical and developmental history. Sometimes children qualify in one system and not the other, which can be confusing for families.

Levels describe the support a child needs, not “high-functioning” or “low-functioning.”

• Level 1: Needs some support for social skills and more mild repetitive behaviors, but may be able to attend regular public school independently with accommodations in place.
• Level 2: Needs more frequent support and accommodations like sensory breaks, special therapies, communication supports, and help with transitions.   
• Level 3: Needs substantial support to address difficulties with social communication and more intense repetitive behaviors. Substantial educational accommodations and modifications may be needed.

Being at Level 3 does not always mean a child is non-verbal, and being at Level 1 does not mean they don’t face real challenges.
 

8. Are all children with autism the same?

No. every child with autism is unique.

• Level 1: Needs some support for social skills and more mild repetitive behaviors, but may be able to attend regular public school independently with accommodations in place.
• Level 2: Needs more frequent support and accommodations like sensory breaks, special therapies, communication supports, and help with transitions.   
• Level 3: Needs substantial support to address difficulties with social communication and more intense repetitive behaviors. Substantial educational accommodations and modifications may be needed.

Being at Level 3 does not always mean a child is non-verbal, and being at Level 1 does not mean they don’t face real challenges.

Autism isn’t caused by vaccines, "bad" parenting, or one single "thing." It’s not something you could have prevented.

No matter where your child falls on the spectrum, the most important thing you can do is focus on who they are — not just their diagnosis. Celebrate what makes them light up. Build on their interests, their curiosity, and their strengths. Those strengths are the key to helping your child learn and grow confidence, independence, and joy.

• Support them as they are and help them navigate challenges with compassion.
• Partner with trusted professionals who understand your child’s unique needs, and can help teach your child the skills they need to navigate a challenging world.
• Work with your child’s treatment team to ensure that your child uses their new skills in the “real world” of your family and community. 

Every child with autism has their own path — and every success, big or small, is worth celebrating.