Frequently Asked Questions
Is autism genetic?
Autism is considered to be hereditary; autistic people are more likely to have autistic children. However, no single gene has been identified as being a ’cause’ of autism.
Can autistic people be social?
Of course! Just like with non-autistic people, some autistic people enjoy socialising and others don’t. Autistic people can often find it easier to socialise with other autistic people though.
Are autism and ADHD the same thing?
No. Although lots of autistic people are also ADHD. Some call this AuDHD.
Is OCD a form of autism?
No. Although autistic people are more likely to also have a mental health condition, which can include OCD.
Debunking common misconceptions
Autism is caused by vaccines
No it is not. This study by Andrew Wakefield was debunked many years ago. There is no link between autism and vaccines, and vaccinations save lives.
All autistic people are the same
This is just silly. That’s like saying all non-autistic people are the same. Autistic people may share some characteristics, but just like everyone else we have our own needs, likes, and dislikes.
Autism is a disease
This is incorrect. Autism is a common neurodivergence. Neurodiversity is the idea that there are lots of different ways that brains work. The majority of people are considered neurotypical, but lots of people are neurodivergent including autistic people, ADHDers, and people with OCD.
Autistic people can’t speak
This is part true. There are some autistic people who can’t speak using their voices, but some of these people communicate using sign language, or computers who speak for them. Most autistic people can speak at least some words. Some have situational mutism where they can sometimes talk and sometimes can’t. Did you know, you can also get non-autistic people who can’t speak too?