Myths and Magic

As I speak to my special parents, I encounter many myths, especially about Autism. Recently ABC News recently published 10 Myths About Autism. These include:

• There is an epidemic of Autism (I believe, as do the experts, that we are having some increase through better diagnosis, and even some over-diagnosis.)
• Autism can be cured (If you're "cured", you probably didn't have it to begin with.)
• Autism is the result of cold and unfeeling parents (Probably the most untrue of the bunch!)
• Individuals with Autism always have hidden or exceptional talents (OK, this one I agree with, but I think all my students have hidden talents!)
• Repetitive or ritualistic behaviors should be stopped (Not always, depends on the behavior and the situation--I pop my neck when I'm tense, and I'm sure you have some repetitive or ritualistic behaviors you do when not in public.)
• Individuals with Autism are unable to build social relationships (Most of my students have at least a few friends, and one screening method I've used in the past is to see if new kiddos seek out the other students with Autism during lunch. Social, but still tells us a lot!)
• Autistic individuals are a danger to society. (No, but those who spread hate are. This is my pick for stupidest myth!)

Others I've been asked:

• If my child is diagnosed with Autism, are you going to put him in the Autism class? (Students who are being successful shouldn't be moved--diagnosis doesn't drive placement, and most schools don't have separate classes based on disabilities.)
• Where did he get it? (Always tempted to answer "Santa!" or "From a Crackerjack box!", but getting fired would be bad. Real answer--born that way!)
• Should I vaccinate my kids? (Can't give medical answers because I'm not a doctor. But all mine were vaccinated.)

But, at this time of year, myths have to give way to magic. I've encountered many students in the past who had never given anyone a Christmas gift that wasn't provided by a parent. After much thought, my students decided they would spend more time thinking about giving than getting. They are giving gift certificates to their parents for various acts of service. This is difficult for any teens, but especially for those on the spectrum. They have to think about what their parents would most enjoy, then sacrifice their time to provide it.

All in all, this experience has turned out to be a little gift for me.