Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects a person’s learning abilities and social interactions. And because it is a spectrum disorder – i. e. it affects people to different extents and in different ways – the symptoms that people have are always varied. Not one characteristic can be true of all autistic people. The spectrum condition means that some people’s lives might be slightly affected by it, while those of others may be impaired and in need of constant assistance. 

 

The same applies to learning abilities. Yes, a small number can be geniuses. They can have exceptional skills in a certain field, such as mathematics or music, for example. There is no reliable knowledge on the percentage of autistic people who are actually geniuses, but it is estimated by several sources to be as little as 1% or 5%. On the other hand, a good deal of autistic people experience learning disabilities. Most children have difficulty acquiring knowledge and skills, and many have trouble keeping up at school. Children with autism also generally have challenges with language and communication and some can show low levels of intelligence. Other children may have better learning abilities, but have trouble applying the knowledge they have attained in everyday life and/or in social situations. 

 

Apart from the small percentage of people who do exhibit exceptional skills, some autistic people may develop a strong interest in a certain subject which can therefore lead him/her to acquire much knowledge about it. In this sense, it is easy for people to misinterpret the capacities of someone with autism. 

 

As with many mental or psychological disorders, misconceptions about autism prevail. It is imperative to raise awareness of the true symptoms of these disorders as misconceptions will only have a discouraging effect on the lives of those experiencing them. False impressions can ostracize patients and discourage them from acknowledging the importance of opening up about their condition and finding assistance.