How Autism Stigmas Shape Lives and What We Can Do About It

Key Points:

• Autism stigmas are widespread and can negatively impact individuals with autism and their families.
• Common stigmas include misconceptions about behavior, social interactions, and abilities.
• Addressing autism stigmas requires education, empathy, and advocacy from everyone in the community.

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The stigmas surrounding autism can create unnecessary barriers for individuals on the spectrum, leading to misunderstandings and discrimination. One of the most important steps in breaking down these stigmas is understanding the stigmas of autism, as well as how they manifest in everyday life.

These stigmas often stem from misinformation, stereotypes, and a lack of awareness. According to a study analyzing social media videos on autism, around 40% were classified as misleading. The impact on those affected by autism can be profound, affecting everything from social acceptance to educational opportunities and employment prospects.

In this article, we will explore common examples of autism-related stigmas, why they are harmful, and most importantly, how to combat them.

Stigmas Faced by People with Autism

Autism stigma are negative attitudes, misconceptions, or discrimination against individuals with autism. These stigmas often arise from a lack of understanding, such as assuming that people with autism cannot communicate, learn, or contribute meaningfully to society. These stereotypes can lead to isolation, exclusion, and a diminished quality of life for individuals with autism and their families.

Below are some common stigmas about autism and autistic individuals:

1. Misconceptions About Communication

One of the most pervasive autism stigmas is the belief that individuals with autism are non-verbal or incapable of communication. While some individuals with autism may experience speech delays or challenges with verbal communication, many are highly capable of expressing themselves, whether through speech, sign language, or alternative communication devices.

This stigma can manifest in several harmful ways:

• Exclusion from conversations – People often assume that individuals with autism cannot understand or participate in conversations, leading to social isolation.
• Underestimating abilities – Teachers, peers, and even family members may mistakenly think that a person with autism is not capable of learning complex concepts or forming meaningful relationships.
• Lack of access to necessary communication tools – Because of this misconception, individuals with autism may not be provided with the necessary accommodations, such as speech therapy or augmentative communication devices, to help them express themselves.

To combat this stigma, it is essential to recognize that communication is diverse. Support individuals with autism by learning about alternative communication strategies and ensuring they have access to speech therapy or communication tools that can support their needs.

Advocating for these accommodations in schools, workplaces, and social settings can ensure better understanding and inclusion.

2. The Stereotype of “Social Awkwardness”

Another widespread autism stigma is the misconception that people with autism are socially inept or uninterested in making friends. While individuals with autism may struggle with social cues, facial expressions, or reciprocal conversations, many desire friendships and relationships just as much as anyone else.

The issue lies more in how social interactions are often perceived, not the lack of desire to engage. This stereotype leads to:

• Social exclusion – Peers might avoid interacting with individuals on the spectrum because they don’t understand how to communicate with them.
• Unrealistic expectations – Some might expect individuals with autism to conform to neurotypical social norms, which can lead to frustration and a sense of failure.
• Missed opportunities for friendship – Because social awkwardness is often mistakenly assumed to reflect a lack of interest, individuals with autism might be overlooked as potential friends, even though they might be open to building connections.

The key to overcoming the “social awkwardness” stigma is education and encouragement. Teach neurotypical peers how to interact with individuals on the spectrum and promote understanding of the challenges they face.

Create inclusive environments where individuals with autism are given opportunities to practice and build social skills without judgment. Social skills training programs or supported interactions with peers can help bridge the gap.

3. The Myth of “Low Functioning” vs “High Functioning”

One of the most harmful autism stigmas is the tendency to categorize individuals as either “low-functioning” or “high-functioning.” This simplistic binary often ignores the complexity and diversity of the autism spectrum, resulting in harmful assumptions about a person’s abilities, potential, and needs.

This myth results in:

• Underestimating potential – People labeled as “low-functioning” may be denied opportunities for growth or development because they are wrongly assumed to be incapable of learning new skills.
• Unrealistic expectations – On the other hand, individuals labeled as “high-functioning” may face pressure to succeed in areas that are actually difficult for them, such as navigating social relationships or managing stress.
• Dismissing the need for support – Individuals with autism, regardless of where they fall on the spectrum, benefit from tailored support. The myth of “high” and “low” functioning often minimizes the need for these supports.

Educating others on the spectrum’s true nature can help dispel the myth of “low” and “high” functioning. Emphasize that autism is not a linear condition and that each individual’s needs and abilities can vary in different contexts.

Advocating for individualized care, whether through tailored education plans or behavioral therapy, can ensure that every individual receives the support they need to thrive.

4. The “Autism as a Curse” Stigma

Unfortunately, some people still view autism as a “curse” or something inherently negative that needs to be “fixed.” This harmful perspective can diminish the value of individuals with autism, reducing their identity to a diagnosis rather than recognizing their unique strengths and talents.

The “autism as a curse” stigma can lead to negative societal perceptions, pressure on families, and missed opportunities for inclusion. Shift the conversation away from seeing autism as a negative trait and begin focusing on strengths and abilities. Autism is not a disease to be cured; it’s a different way of experiencing the world.

Support individuals with autism by encouraging their talents, passions, and contributions to society, and help others understand that autism is a part of their identity—one to be embraced, not feared.

5. Lack of Acceptance in the Workplace and Education

Stigmas about autism extend beyond social interactions and into more structured environments like schools and workplaces. Many individuals with autism face difficulty accessing education and employment opportunities due to these entrenched biases.

They can include assumptions about abilities, biases in hiring practices, and an overall lack of accommodations that could help individuals succeed.

Common issues in the workplace and educational settings include:

• Bias in Hiring – Employers might overlook qualified candidates with autism due to assumptions about their social skills, work habits, or communication abilities.
• Lack of Support in Schools – Students with autism may struggle to find academic accommodations that support their learning style, especially if staff are not properly trained in working with neurodiverse students.
• Overlooking Strengths – In both schools and workplaces, there is often a focus on what individuals with autism “can’t do,” rather than leveraging their strengths in areas like pattern recognition, attention to detail, and loyalty.

To help combat the stigma, advocate for inclusive practices in both education and employment. Encourage employers to provide reasonable accommodations and foster an environment where individuals with autism can showcase their skills.

In schools, work with teachers and administrators to ensure students receive appropriate support, and advocate for awareness training to promote understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with autism.

Breaking down stigma starts with understanding—and action. While addressing harmful perceptions is essential, so is equipping families with practical tools that make a difference every day. For actionable strategies that support growth and development, explore our article, “Unlock Your Child’s Potential with These Autism Intervention Tips.”

Get Support with ABA Therapy in Utah

Combating the stigmas of autism begins with education, advocacy, and support. At Acclimate ABA, we offer ABA therapy in Utah designed to help children and adults with autism build valuable skills and thrive in their social, educational, and workplace environments.

Through individualized therapy plans, we work with families to address the unique needs of each person with autism. If you’re looking for a trusted provider of ABA therapy in Utah, contact us today to learn how we can support your loved one in reaching their full potential.