Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Individuals with autism may face many daily living challenges and may need special needs support services at home.

Because symptoms of autism fall within a spectrum, the severity of the disorder can vary from person to person and foster many misunderstandings and misconceptions. We offer special needs services in New Jersey, and here are some surprising misconceptions about autism you may not have known about:

• Autistic Individuals Lack Empathy

  Individuals with autism do not lack empathy. Contrary to the misconception, many autistic individuals are capable of experiencing and expressing sympathy; however, they may have different ways of expressing it. The challenge lies in recognizing and interpreting their expressions of empathy.

• Autism Is a Childhood Disorder That Individuals Outgrow

  Autism is a lifelong condition. While early intervention, like life skills training, can improve outcomes, autism is not a condition that individuals can outgrow.

• Autistic Individuals Do Not Want Social Interactions

  While some individuals with autism may struggle with social situations, others may desire social interaction but may find it challenging to navigate social cues and norms. Our developmental disabilities program in New Jersey can help individuals with autism develop better communication skills to improve their social skills and more.

• Autistic Individuals All Have Savant Abilities

  Although popularized by movies and TV shows, savant abilities individuals are present in only a tiny percentage of individuals with autism.

We can help address intellectual and developmental disability in Northfield, New Jersey. For more information about our mental healthcare services, feel free to call ADVENTURE MENTAL HEALTH LLC at 609-534-2999.