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Facts & Myths

 

Facts

  • Autism affects 1 in 100 children in Ireland

  • The earlier Autism Spectrum Conditions are diagnosed and treated the better the prognosis for the child

  • Autism prevalence figures are growing

  • More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined

  • People with autism often care deeply but lack the ability to spontaneously develop empathy and social behaviour

  • There is no medical detection or cure for autism

 

Myths

  • Autism is caused by bad parenting

  • People with autism are just like Dustin Hoffman's character in Rain Man

  • Children with Autism are just bold or difficult; their parents should be tougher on them.

  • People who display qualities that may be typical of a person with autism are just odd and will grow out of it

  • People with autism can't understand the emotions of others.

  • People with autism don't want friends.

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