Autism is a spectrum disorder. The symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. There are many myths and misconceptions about autism.
Contrary to popular belief, many autistic children do make eye contact; it just may be less or different from a non‐autistic child.
Many children with autism can develop good functional language and others can develop some type of communication skills, such as sign language or use of pictures.
Children do not "outgrow" autism but symptoms may lessen as the child develops and receives treatment.
One of the most devastating myths about autistic children is that they cannot show affection. While sensory stimulation is processed differently in some children with autism, they can and do give affection.
[© Copyright 2004, Autism Society of America]
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