"According to a psychiatrist, all the statements made about autism by an individual are inaccurate."
Fending off Misconceptions about Autism: What RFK Gets Wrong
#Is an "autism epidemic" truly upon us, as RFK suggests?
"You bet—the autism diagnosis rate has certainly soared. But it's essential not to coin the term 'epidemic,'" emphasizes Marc Lanovaz, a leading scientist at the University Institute for Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. He clarifies, "An epidemic refers to a surge in infectious diseases, and autism isn't one. Rather, it's a condition."
#Why the surge in diagnosed cases?
The primary reason is the advent of more sophisticated diagnostic tools that allow for a more accurate identification of autistic individuals. Previously, someone who exhibited autistic traits might have been labeled as variously "antisocial," "different," or a "nerd."
However, in recent years, there seems to be a misapplication of diagnostic criteria, as Laurent Mottron, a well-known psychiatrist and autism researcher, points out. "The criteria can be ambiguous and sometimes embrace individuals with ADHD, schizophrenia, learning disabilities, or intellectual disability."
Mottron recalls a notable rise in improper diagnoses around seven or eight years back. He also encounters numerous adults seeking his guidance, driven by the belief that they're autistic, when they're likely not.
#RFK's ambitious promise to discover the secret cause of "autism epidemic"
"Without question, autism runs in families. But, even when it's a familial condition, whether someone is or isn't autistic remains largely unpredictable," shares Dr. Mottron.
He questions the feasibility of finding "a cause" for autism, as RFK plans to do. "If there were an environmental factor, as he proposes, it should affect identical twins equally. However, one may be autistic, while the other isn't, similar to left-handedness," he elucidates.
#RFK's dubious claims about autistic individuals' capacities
When RFK's assertions reached Mottron's ears, his response was a blend of dismay and indignation. "There are indeed autistic individuals who present unique challenges. But this is an exception rather than the rule. To form such sweeping statements repeatedly debunked by experts worldwide is astonishing," he exclaims.
#The persistent myth of vaccines causing autism
In 1998, Andrew Wakefield, a British gastroenterologist, propounded a false correlation between the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and autism. Despite his data being exposed as fabricated, leading to his removal from the UK medical register, some persist with this misguided fear.
"Death threats flooded in when I countered Wakefield's claims on TV in the early 2000s," recalls Dr. Mottron. Although rare, this misconception still lingers among some individuals.
#Common misconceptions about autism
- Autism as a result of poor parenting: Completely debunked—parenting has no causal link to autism.
- Screens as culprits: Although screens can capture the interest of individuals with autism, no established scientific link exists between screen use and autism.
- Autistic individuals as uncoupled geniuses: While some individuals with autism possess particular talents, many face significant challenges, especially in educational settings.
- Aversion to social interaction: Contrary to belief, many autistic individuals seek companionship and social engagement.
- "Despite misconceptions, it's absolutely false that autism is a result of poor parenting."
- "In relation to screens, there's no definite scientific link established between screen use and autism."
- "Although there are individuals with autism who possess unique talents, it's important to note that many face significant mental-health and health-and-wellness challenges, especially in educational settings."
- "Contrary to belief, many autistic individuals seek and value social interaction, not necessarily avoiding it."
