Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most commonly misunderstood concepts in today’s culture. We’re glad that more people are making autism a part of everyday conversation, and ABLE United is dedicated to bringing awareness to the daily experiences and struggles of those with ASD.
We’ve found that there are a number of ideas out there about what it’s like to live with autism that just aren’t true and we’d like to dispel them. Here’s an exercise of True or False to test your knowledge of autism, assistance offered and the human experience of those diagnosed with the disorder.
1. True or False? People with autism are unable to feel emotion.
False. Very false, in fact. Happiness, sadness, frustration, joy and anger are felt as vividly by those with autism as they are by someone who is not on the spectrum. Sometimes those with autism will have different ways of expressing emotion, but the feelings are certainly there.
2. True or False? Insurance covers all the therapies required for those with ASD.
False. Unfortunately, yearly expenses can range from $19,000 to $21,000, and most insurance companies do not cover everything. ABLE United savings accounts are specifically designed to allow people with disabilities to save up to $19,000, tax-free, per year and can be used for a variety of expenses, including therapies.
3. True or False? Autism can be connected with physical ailments, as well as mental faculties.
True. Though largely neurological, there are other illnesses and disorders to which those with autism are more prone. Children with autism are eight times more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal disorders. And epilepsy impacts more than 30% of those with autism, while only around 2% of the rest of the population experiences it.
4. True or False? Those with autism should not drive a car.
False. Driving obviously requires a complex set of skills and can take time to master for those with autism, but the disorder alone does not preclude anyone from pursuing their goal of obtaining a driver’s license. The Interactive Autism Network published a helpful article with guidelines for those with ASD navigating the road.
5. True or False? ASD is caused by a complex combination of multiple factors.
True. Researchers have identified a wide range of genetic factors that can increase a child’s susceptibility to ASD. Unfortunately, since they have not isolated a single cause, it can make diagnosis and treatment a complicated effort of trial and error.
6. True or False? More and more people are being diagnosed with autism each year.
True. Improved diagnostic capabilities and increased attention can certainly account for the uptick in ASD cases throughout America, but the numbers do seem to be increasing exponentially. According to the CDC, 1 in 59 children are somewhere on the spectrum. When considering treatment from such an early age, it’s helpful to also consider an ABLE United savings account. Whether therapies and medication or educational activities, we want to ensure that those with ASD are armed to live their most fulfilling life.
7. True or False? People with ASD are less intelligent than those without.
False. Those with ASD are definitely not predisposed to have below-average IQs. In fact, many people with autism have high IQs and excel in things like math, engineering or music.
Sadly, many of these myths and misconceptions are still prevalent in our society today. It’s our hope that increasing awareness and fostering conversation is one step in the right direction for a better understanding of what it’s like to live with ASD.
ABLE United is committed to helping those with ASD prepare financially for their future, to learn more about the only savings account created specifically for those with disabilities browse this website or call 1-888-524-2253. Use our eligibility tool to see if you, or someone you know, qualifies for a savings account that won’t make you sacrifice your eligibility for Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income.
1National Conference of State Legislatures, Autism and Insurance Coverage
2Autism Speaks, Associated Medical Conditions
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