Busting Myths About Autism: What the Diagnosis Doesn’t Mean.
Autism is a spectrum — not a stereotype. And while awareness of autism has grown in recent years, misinformation still lingers in everyday conversations, media, and even some professional spaces.
At George Gray Centre, we’re lucky to walk alongside autistic people of all ages and abilities. Every person is unique, and every experience is valid. So, this Autism Awareness Day, we’re clearing up some of the most common myths — and shining a light on the facts that matter.
💬 Myth #1: “All autistic people are the same.”
Reality: Autism is a spectrum, which means there’s no single way to be autistic.
Some people need round-the-clock support; others are completely independent. Some use speech, others use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Some have sensory sensitivities, others are thrill seekers.
Autism doesn’t come with a ‘type’ — it comes with a person.
📊 Fast fact: As of 2018, over 205,000 Australians were diagnosed with autism — that's 1 in 100 people (Australian Bureau of Statistics). Each of those people has a different story, a different strength, and different support needs.
🧠 Myth #2: “Autism is a mental illness.”
Reality: Autism is not a mental illness. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition, which means it relates to how the brain develops and processes information.
It affects how people communicate, interact socially, and respond to their environment — but it’s not something to be "cured."
Mental illnesses can co-occur with autism (like anxiety or depression), but autism itself is simply a different way of experiencing the world.
🌏 According to the World Health Organization, “Autism…is not a mental disorder. It is a developmental condition which begins in childhood and tends to persist into adolescence and adulthood.”
🧍♂️ Myth #3: “Autistic people don’t want friends.”
Reality: Many autistic people do want connection — it might just look different.
Social interaction can be challenging for some, especially when neurotypical expectations (like eye contact or small talk) are in play. But that doesn’t mean autistic people aren’t social, caring, or interested in relationships.
In fact, assuming otherwise can be deeply hurtful and isolating.
💡 Dr. Damian Milton (a UK-based autistic researcher) coined the term “double empathy problem” — the idea that communication breakdowns often happen both ways between autistic and non-autistic people, not just from the autistic person.
😶🌫️ Myth #4: “You don’t look autistic.”
Reality: There’s no such thing as "looking autistic."
Autism is an invisible disability — you can't always see it, and many people learn to mask or camouflage their traits to fit in. This is especially common among women and gender-diverse people, which is part of the reason they’re often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
🎗️ A 2020 study in Autism Research found that autistic women and girls often present differently than boys, leading to delays in diagnosis and support.
🙅♀️ Let’s move away from assumptions — and toward understanding.
🧩 Myth #5: “Autistic people can’t be independent.”
Reality: Many autistic people live full, independent lives — including working, studying, parenting, and thriving in their communities.
The key is personalised support that meets their needs, builds on their strengths, and adapts to their goals.
🛠️ At GGC, we focus on building skills, confidence, and pathways — not limits.
📚 According to the ABS, only 42% of autistic Australians participate in the workforce, compared to 80% of the general population — but when provided with the right environments and supports, employment outcomes can and do improve significantly.
💚 Want to be part of real inclusion? Start with listening.
We all have a role to play in building inclusive communities. That starts with challenging old assumptions, valuing neurodiversity, and respecting every person’s experience — whether it fits a neat little box or not.
At George Gray Centre, we’re proud to walk beside autistic people as they chase their goals, connect with their communities, and create lives that reflect who they really are.
If you're curious about how we do that — or how you can help create more inclusive spaces — reach out. We’re always up for a chat.
📎 References:
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2018), Autism in Australia
World Health Organization (2023), Autism Spectrum Disorders
Milton, D. (2012), On the ontological status of autism: the ‘double empathy problem’
Hull, L. et al. (2020), Autism Research: Gender Differences in Camouflaging Autistic Traits