1. Autism has a strong genetic basis, although the genetics of autism are complex and it is unclear whether ASD is explained more by rare mutations, by rare combinations of common genetic variants or by external influences causing changes in gene expression. In some cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. Controversies surround other proposed environmental causes, such as heavy metals, pesticides or childhood vaccines; The vaccine hypotheses are biologically rejected by some as implausible and lacking convincing scientific evidence, however in clinic practice one sees numerous exceptions to this skepticism. 2. The prevalence of autism is about 1–2 per 1,000 people; the prevalence of ASD is about 6 per 1,000, with about four times as many males as females. The number of people diagnosed with autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, partly due to changes in diagnostic practice; the question of whether actual prevalence has increased is unresolved. 3. Prevalence in the United States is estimated at 1 in 68 births. 4. 5. Myth: Autism is a mental health disorder.
Autism is a neurological disorder. Studies of the people with autism have revealed abnormalities in brain structure and neurotransmitter levels. 6. Myth: All individuals with autism have savant abilities.
While there is a higher prevalence of savant abilities among those with autism, only about 10 percent of individuals with autism exhibit savant abilities. Some have what are called “splinter skills,” meaning skills in one or two areas that are above their overall performance abilities. 7. Savant Skills is when a person demonstrates profound and prodigious capacities or abilities far in excess of what would be considered normal. Savant skills are usually found in one or more of five major areas: art, musical abilities, calendar calculation, mathematics, and spatial skills. he most common kind of autistic savants are calendric savants, "human calendars" who can calculate the day of the week with speed and accuracy 8. Myth: Autism is caused by vaccines. 9. There is no evidence that childhood vaccination causes autism. A 1998 study linking autism with vaccines has since been retracted. 10. repetitive movements, meaningless repetition of own words, irritability, involuntary imitation of someone else's movements, persistent repetition of words or actions, aggression, excitability, self-harm, compulsive behavior, impulsivity, screaming, poor eye contact, nonsense word repetition, crying, inappropriate social interaction, or hyperactivity 11. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life 12. http://www.pbs.org/pov/neurotypical/autism-myths-and-misconceptions.php 13.