12 Common Myths About Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s Syndrome, a higher functioning autism spectrum disorder, is very misunderstood by the general population.

Asperger’s Syndrome, a higher functioning autism spectrum disorder, is very misunderstood by the general population. Here are 12 common myths regarding the condition and the people who have it:

MYTH: Everyone with Asperger’s Syndrome is a genius. 

Fact: Some people with AS are geniuses, some are of average intelligence. Many are in the “above average” range, however. 

MYTH: People with Asperger’s have no empathy for others.

Fact: Though Aspies may have trouble showing empathy, most do have the ability to care about other human beings.

MYTH: Aspies cannot form romantic relationships.

Fact: Though many aspies have trouble initiating romantic relationships and may have difficulty knowing what to do in a relationship, aspies can and do date, get married, and have children just like everyone else. It is important for aspies to find a partner who is able to be understanding of their condition and the idiosyncrasies that come with it. It is also important for aspies to make an effort to see things from their partner’s perspective. 

MYTH: Only males can have Asperger’s Syndrome.

Fact: There are many females with the condition, though many females remain undiagnosed for a variety of reasons, including the fact that girls are better at blending in, and that some AS traits are seen as more socially acceptable in girls.

MYTH: Life is more difficult for Aspie males than females.

Fact: Females have a different set of challenges than males, such as being more likely to be taken advantage of by neurotypical males.

MYTH: Asperger’s is just an excuse to not be a part of society and it doesn’t actually exist.

Fact: Most aspies desperately want to be part of society, they just don’t know how to do it. 

MYTH: Only children can have Asperger’s.

Fact: Though adults are able to develop better ways of coping and blending in with society, it is a lifelong condition. Many AS adults have trouble getting a formal diagnosis, as it wasn’t included in the DSM until 1994.

MYTH: All aspies are nerds, or all nerds are aspies.

Fact: Many aspies have interests that can be considered nerdy, but not everyone who considers themselves “nerds” have Asperger’s.

MYTH: All people with Asperger’s Syndrome want to be cured.

Fact: Many aspies are against finding a cure, as their aspie traits are an integral part of who they are.

MYTH: People with Asperger’s Syndrome are mentally retarded.

Fact: To be diagnosed with Asperger’s, an individual must have at least normal intelligence.

MYTH: Asperger’s is a disease.

Fact: Asperger’s is simply a neurological difference.

MYTH: Asperger’s is caused by vaccines.

Fact: The theory that vaccinations cause autism and AS has been disproved by a number of studies. It is now thought to be caused by genetics.

More articles of interest:

Women with Asperger’s Syndrome

Girls with Asperger’s Syndrome

12 Common Myths About Asperger’s Syndrome

10 Crazy Theories on The Cause of Autism

Common Comorbid Conditions Associated with Autism

Wrong Planet: The Best Asperger’s and Autism Community on The Web

The Truth About Indigo Children and Starseeds

How The Indigo Child Concept Hinders Our Spiritual Advancement

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  1. It certainly is a condition that is not widely understood. Thankyou for this information.

  2. This is a very straightforward, well-written article. One of the things that bothers me about the portrayal of people with Asperger’s Syndrome in movies, is that writers/directors seem to get cerebral palsy, retardation, and Asperger’s all mixed up. How hard could it be to differentiate between these conditions?

  3. very informative article.

  4. Without nitpicking, this is a pretty good list and very simply written.

    Well done.

  5. Thank you so much for this clear and simple list. I have a son with Asperger Syndrome, it makes life hard for him (and the whole family) but he is a very clever and interesting young man. I wrote about Asperger Syndrome too
    Asperger Syndrome – Part One

  6. Sorry the link didn’t work before

  7. I have a friend that has AS, and I also know other people with it, and some people with AS are very different than others who have it…

  8. Gee, I didn’t know there could be myths about an illness that IS IN ITSELF A MYTH. Asperger’s syndrome doesn’t exist.

  9. Why do you think that Asperger’s doesn’t exist?

  10. Nice one, John! I don’t know whether Aspergers does or doesn’t exist. But I just scored 39 on the Aspergers (AQ) test and I haven’t got it, even though over 32 is the indicator.
    Interesting how my “Aspergers” symptoms got worse as my heavy metal poisoning increased. If you are having “Aspergers” symptoms and headaches or CNS problems then get some toxicology tests done.

  11. Fact: there is a lot of rubbish on this page. There is no link between Aspergers and intelligence. Statements like “girls are better at blending in” should raise a red flag for anyone more interested in facts than fantasy.

  12. Myth: Aspergers is a real condition

    Fact: Aspergers doesn’t exist and it’s orgins can be traced back to scientists working under BOTH Hitler and Stalin.

    Joking aside…. Aspergers doesn’t exist. and all the “Facts” about about contractdict each other and I WILL make it my life’s work to get asperger’s eradicated from existance.

  13. Personally I agree that the above are all myths , we are having difficulty getting our son diagnosed because he shows empathy . It has caused him many mental & emotional problems , because he hasn’t been given the support he needs . People who think this doesn’t exist have obviously never met a child with AS .

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