22nd Mar 2023

Autism Myths and Stereotypes Quiz

While you’re expanding your mind, be sure to check out the Let’s learn about autism article on the site as well.

true or false
All autistic people like the same things.
TRUE FALSE
That's not quite right.
That's correct! All autistic people are different and just like the rest of the population, they all like different things. There are lots of stereotypes in media representations about all autistic people liking trains, maths or science - some autistic people might like these things but not everyone.
true or false
Autism is a mental health condition.
TRUE FALSE
That's not quite right.
That's correct! Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition. The Autism Education Trust considers autism a 'different' way of being, as opposed to a 'deficient' way of being. Autistic people's thinking is not neuro-typical, but that does not mean it is insufficient or inadequate. They are different not less.
true or false
We should always consult specialists and professors who study autism if we would like to get a good perspective on what it's like to be autistic.
TRUE FALSE
That's not quite right.
That's correct! If we would like to understand autistic people, we need to ask autistic people themselves. They are the true experts.
true or false
All autistic people are geniuses.
TRUE FALSE
That's not quite right.
That's correct! Although there is such a thing as 'Savant syndrome' this is present in less than 1% of the autistic population. Having a particular, focused interest on something may mean that autistic people are incredibly skilled or knowledgeable in one area. However it doesn't mean that they are geniuses. Like the rest of the population, IQ varies in autistic people.
true or false
People of all genders can be autistic.
TRUE FALSE
That's correct! Although historically thought of as a 'boy's condition', anyone of any gender can be autistic. There is still a big diagnostic gap between boys and girls though, as girls are more likely to mask their autistic traits or may present differently than boys.
That's not quite right.
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