Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or more commonly called autism, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social difficulties, including struggles with reciprocal conversation, non-verbal behavior and facial expressions, and initiating and maintaining relationships. It is also characterized by restricted, repetitive behaviors, which can include repetitive movement or speech, a need for sameness and routine, hyper- or hyposensitivity, and interests that are intense in focus and typically the same over time.

Autism can come from a variety of factors. Several environmental factors include advanced maternal age, low birth weight, or exposure to drugs such as valproate ( a mood stabilizer and seizure medication). Autism can also be genetic - according to the DSM 5 TR, hereitability rates range from close to 40% to over 90%. 

Acetaminophen (one popular brand of this is Tylenol) can cause autism if a pregnant person uses it during pregnancy. FICTION.

There is no current study that supports any connection between Acetaminophen and Autism. There are studies that have found potential connections between acetaminophen, sleep problems, and attention problems, AND this study recognized that there were several confounding variables, including prenatal stress and use of alcohol during pregnancy. They also did not collect genetic markers or ask about any diagnoses other than anxiety and depression (Sznajder et al., 2022). 

Vaccines cause autism. FICTION.

This particular myth came from a now-debunked study that has been retracted.  This study was sponsored by a company with a vested interest in making vaccines look bad, a sample size that was way too small, and misinterpretation of the data that he did get. Vaccines are good and help protect our communities from viruses that evolve quickly and can do a lot of damage.

People who are autistic can't live independently, have a job, or have a family. FICTION.

While there are people in the community who need help with these things or may not be equipped to manage, there are also autistic individuals who can do these things. Autism is a spectrum, and different people require different levels of support. What one person needs help with, another can do just fine. Autism can also exist with or without intellectual impairment - just because someone is autistic does not mean they are not cognitively able.

Sznajder, K. K., Teti, D. M., & Kjerulff, K. H. (2022). Maternal use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and neurobehavioral problems in offspring at 3 years: A prospective cohort study. PloS one, 17(9), e0272593. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0272593