Autism, also known as “numbness”, is a kind of developmental disturbance caused by disorders of the nerve system. Its features include developmental disturbance of social abilities and communicative abilities, narrow-mindedness, repetitive and stereotyped behavior, interests and activities. Children with autism are called “Children Who Come from the Stars”.

Although, compared to the perfect gentleman from the Korean TV show You Who Came from the Stars, Professor Du, in people's minds, children with autism are worlds apart from Professor Du and therefore must come from different stars. After three months on earth, Professor Du goes back and his departure is followed with countless tears. However, children with autism have to live their whole live on this dangerous earth, with many parents not wanting to shed tears for them.

Misunderstanding No.1: Autism is caused by improper parental education.

Correct Understanding: Autism is a kind of developmental disturbance caused by a disturbance in brain development. It's congenital, and there is no proven relation between autism and child rearing and education. In the current social environment in China, parents of children with autism need to make a greater effort, spend more money and endure huge mental pressure in raising and educating their child than parents of normal children.

Misunderstanding No.2: Autism is curable, and children who still have autism have it because of improper treatment from their parents.

Correct Understanding: The causes of Autism are really complex. Although, we now have many clues related to the causes of the disease, and have conducted research on various aspects of the disease (genes, immune system, environmental factors, and events and changes in the pregnancy), we are still a long way from getting answers. Compared to aggressively wanting to cure and correct those who are different from us, to accept and tolerate them is a more positive and kind way to get along with them.

Misunderstanding No.3: Autism is contagious, and normal children can't have contact with children with autism.

Correct understanding: Autism is congenital. Just like being tall or short, fat or thin, it is not contagious. In education, to teach normal children to get along with children suffering from autism or other disabilities will help them develop sympathy and tolerance. It is also an important reason to promote inclusive education.

Misunderstanding No.4: People with autism have no feelings; they can't build friendship with others and are a danger to the world.

Correct understanding: It is difficult for children with severe autism to build friendships with others. However, the majority of children with autism can get along well with those around them and can establish a certain sense of dependence and acknowledgement. People with autism are good citizens. They strictly abide by the rules and regulations, and will not do things haphazardly. Their repetitive and typical behavior helps them to be serious, discrete and steadfast.

Misunderstanding No 5: Children with autism are talented, and they have special gifts.

Correct understanding: Only less than 10% of children with autism have special “genius abilities” and those abilities are different from the functional skills needed in daily life. The majority of children suffering from autism have to work harder than normal children in language learning, acquired skills, emotion control and adaptation to their environment. To pay attention to the “disabilities” of children with autism and the help they need is more practical, effective and humane than to focus on their special gifts.

After debunking these myths, please be aware that:

1.When you have the opportunity to have contact with children with autism, don't tease them like you tease normal children; don't ask them too many questions at once. Too much attention and passion can make them nervous.

2.Some children with autism are afraid of voices, words or food. Please respect this and don't force them to adapt.

3.Children with autism cannot look others in the eye when communicating. Sometimes they may speak too loud or too soft, and they can't understand ‘reading between the lines’. Please forgive them, they don't mean to be rude.

4.It is difficult for children with autism to control their emotions. Sometimes, they need to let out certain actions or noises to ease their nerves or express their excitement, so don't stop them.

5.Children with autism cannot adapt to new environments easily. If we are patient and inclusive enough to create a comfortable and easy environment for them, they will slowly open their hearts.

Notes: This passage is extracted and adapted from the report Stars in the Sky Don't Talk from the research and study group of Research on the Cognition of Autism of the Public from Yuhuai Middle School in Shantou, Guangdong.