FACT: Quite simply, children grow up. While autism itself has been known for several decades, most autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), such as Asperger's Syndrome, have only been formally recognized for far less time. Many individuals grew up not knowing the real reasons why for their difficulties, with much mis- and lack-of-understanding on the part of others. In addition, of course, the children recently and currently being diagnosised with ASDs will grow up to be adults, often continuing to face challenges associated with living on the autism spectrum in the world.

In addition, strictly speaking, it is not a "disease" at all. It is a developmental disability caused by a neurological condition. The brain of a person with autism functions and develops in a perhaps subtle, but definitely profound way.

MYTH: Autism is a terrible epidemic of epic proportions.

FACT: Aside from the inaccurate disease connotation in the word "epidemic," there are many factors to consider here: First, many things cause the rise of new cases of autism, such as better and more widespread understandings of it and a broader and more encompassing spectrum of related disorders. Secondly, many new cases of autism are not children, but rather newly diagnosed adults who have actually had their particular form of autism (such as Asperger’s Syndrome) for longer than it was clinically recognized! Although these adults have had autism all of their lives, it is only now being identified as such (often by the individuals themselves), since autism was often not considered as an explanation for the problems and issues they have always faced.

MYTH: Autistic people are 'human calculators.'

FACT: This is very common belief. It appears to be based on what was for many people, their first exposure to autism, the movie "Rain Man". In that movie, Dustin Hoffman's character was both autistic and a "savant" - a person with an extraordinary gift, in his case an ability to perform great mathematical calculations in his head almost instantaneously.

The fact is, not all people with autism are savants, nor all savants autistic. In fact, not all savants can perform like 'human calculators.' More than likely, the purpose of having the 'Rainman' character possess a savant skill was to shine a light on often invisible (but not unobtrusive) true autistic characteristics and traits. This becomes apparent as the plot develops and efforts to use this gift (and otherwise "mainstream") 'Rainman' are stymied by the nature of his autism - and this nature is thus made more apparent.

Unfortunately, most people saw the 'light,' but not what it was shining on - highlighting.

MYTH: Autistic people are 'computer geeks'.

FACT: Some people with autism are, in fact, pretty good with computers, but so are some people who do not have autism. Despite appearances, the webmaster is only able to make this site because of simple web tools. His strengths tend to be in the humanities, not the sciences. Do not ask him to fix, or program, a computer. Ask him to write a poem.

MYTH: Autism is curable.

This idea does not take into account the complex, multi-faceted nature of autism. However, many aspects of the condition can be treated or otherwise alleviated through medications and therapies.

MYTH: Mercury and/or other substances in vaccines or elsewhere cause autism.

Curiously, a link between mercury and autism has been found in at least one study, but is it either not well known or is ignored. In it, researchers found that while most people process the relatively small amounts of mercury found in the environment through their bodies to be deposited in the hair and nails, people with autism do not. Thus, something about people with autism results in the mercury being deposited in their living tissues. Perhaps this does (or does not) cause or enhance the symptoms. Who knows?

However, we know of no other supporting (or refuting) work on this matter. Research into this and other questions related to autism continues.