There are many misunderstandings about autism, especially within Chinese culture. One of the most damaging and common myths is the belief that autistic people are dangerous and prone to anger or violent outbursts. This misconception creates stigma around autistic individuals and leads to fear and misunderstanding in society, making life harder for them and their families. In this blog, we will look into debunking misconceptions around autism and dive into the myth that autistic people are dangerous.
The Misconception: Autistic People Are Dangerous
In many communities, particularly in Chinese culture, there is a lingering belief that autistic people may have violent tendencies. This idea likely comes from a lack of understanding about the behaviours that can sometimes be seen in autistic individuals. While it is true that some autistic people may show behaviours that seem aggressive, this is often misinterpreted.
What some people see as an “outburst” or violent behaviour is usually the result of feeling overwhelmed. For example, autistic people can be very sensitive to things like bright lights, loud noises, or crowded places. When these sensory inputs become too much for them, they may act out as a way to cope with the overload. This isn’t about wanting to be violent, but rather, it’s their way of communicating distress or discomfort, especially if they struggle with verbal communication.
Take, for example, an autistic child who might hit or bite. This behaviour could be their way of expressing that they are scared, in pain, or feeling overstimulated, but they may not have the verbal skills to explain how they feel.
The Reality: Most Autistic Individuals Are Calm and Gentle
In truth, the idea that autistic people are dangerous is far from accurate. Most autistic individuals are calm, kind, and gentle. They often enjoy helping others when asked and prefer calm and peaceful environments. The myth that autistic people are prone to violence or anger not only misrepresents them but also leads to more misunderstanding and stigma, which can be very harmful.
It’s important to understand that while some autistic people may show behaviours that seem aggressive, these actions are rarely meant to harm others. Most of the time, these behaviours are simply ways of responding to stress, feeling overwhelmed, or trying to protect themselves in situations that they find difficult.
Self-Harm vs. Outward Aggression
One of the reasons people may mistakenly think autistic people are dangerous is the confusion between self-harm and outward aggression. Some autistic individuals may engage in self-harming behaviours, such as hitting their head or biting their hands, especially when they are stressed or unable to express their feelings in other ways. These actions are often misunderstood as being signs of aggression towards others.
However, self-harm in autistic individuals is usually a coping mechanism, not a sign of wanting to harm others. It is a way for them to deal with overwhelming emotions or situations when they don’t have the words to express their feelings. Understanding the difference between self-harm and aggression is important to combat the misconception that autistic people are dangerous.
Stigma and Cultural Misunderstandings About Autism
The stigma surrounding autism, especially in Chinese culture, plays a big role in the misunderstanding that autistic people are dangerous. Many people in the Chinese community may not have enough information about autism, and mental health topics are often considered sensitive or taboo. This lack of awareness and understanding creates fear and misbeliefs about autistic individuals.
In Chinese culture, where mental health issues and developmental differences like autism are often stigmatised, families might hesitate to seek a diagnosis or support for their autistic children. This reluctance often comes from the fear of being judged by others in their community. Unfortunately, this can mean that autistic children and adults do not receive the early support and help they need to thrive.
When people are too afraid to talk about autism openly, it stops them from understanding it better. By increasing awareness and promoting accurate, non-stigmatised information about autism, the Chinese community can become more supportive. Autism should not be something to fear, but something that calls for compassion, understanding, and the right support.
Breaking the Misconception: Autistic People Are Not Dangerous
It’s very important to break down the harmful myth that autistic people are dangerous. This myth creates unnecessary fear and distances autistic people from the support they need. Autistic individuals, like everyone else, have their unique strengths and challenges. With the right resources and opportunities, they can contribute positively to society in many ways.
Promoting acceptance of autistic people instead of fear helps create a more inclusive society. This acceptance is especially important for the Chinese community in the UK, where stigma around autism can prevent families from seeking necessary support. By reducing this stigma, we allow autistic individuals to live fuller, happier lives and access essential resources such as education, employment, and healthcare.
Building a More Inclusive Society for Autistic People
Breaking down harmful misconceptions about autism is key to building a more inclusive society. Autistic people, including those in the Chinese community, are not dangerous. They deserve acceptance, understanding, and the right support to lead fulfilling lives. When families feel comfortable seeking help for their autistic children or themselves, it leads to better opportunities in education, employment, and access to healthcare.
As we promote accurate information and raise awareness about autism, we can help reduce the fear and stigma that many autistic people and their families face. The more we understand autism, the more we can support autistic people to thrive and contribute to society.