Busting myths and breaking stereotypes of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Anna Hennessy says she’s been doubted many times throughout her life. (ABC News: Lincoln Rothall)

Getting a diagnosis as a 45-year-old woman was a complex process, because I spent my childhood working out how I had to speak, act, and behave to meet societal expectations, writes Anna Hennessy.

Males are still more likely to be diagnosed over females, but that doesn’t mean that there are significantly less women with autism than men.

Autism is a lifelong condition. As an undiagnosed child, I was confused about why I missed things the other kids just naturally seemed to understand.

Throughout my teenage years and 20s, I met a group of great friends and felt like I fit in more socially.

Getting married in my 30s and subsequently having children was very confronting and overwhelming — I really could have used some intensive support at that time.

Now, I am in the process of putting together a team of supports for myself, so that instead of just coping with life, I will have the opportunity to thrive — within my family unit and as an individual.

Busting myths about Autism Spectrum Disorder is important, as it helps people avoid making assumptions.

Myth 1: People with autism have the same autistic traits and challenges

Being on the autism spectrum means that I have completely different interests, experiences and challenges to other people on the spectrum.

I communicate verbally, play tennis and pickleball and have a vast collection of buttons.

I struggle with keeping organised, become overwhelmed easily and hate being interrupted from a task.

Myth 2: Women with autism don’t have social skills

Over many years, I have learnt how to make people feel comfortable around me; I learnt to smile, look at people the right way and to make small talk.

These things did not come naturally to me, but I developed them because I worked out that these things were necessary to get along in the world.

I can specifically remember teaching myself these things as a child.

I also really love being social, and I’m a great friend — loyal, honest, and fun.

Myth 3: People with autism aren’t capable of living a normal life

Being on a spectrum means that autism looks different for different people.

I have children, friends, I drive and have a great job. I love helping people and talking to people.

However, all of this comes at a price. My exhaustion levels are high, even after a normal day at work or with my family, so I need to rest more often to recharge to avoid burning out.

Myth 4: People with autism avoid places that are too crowded, noisy or bright

I love going to see live music and even though it is crowded and noisy and the lights are bright, it is an amazing sensory experience for me.

Singing and dancing along to my favourite bands is one of my greatest joys!

Myth 5: Anyone can be diagnosed with autism these days

The misconception that anyone can be diagnosed with autism, or everyone is on the spectrum is deeply offensive and diminishing to my story — it disregards my trauma and all the amazing ways that I have learnt to live my life in a very confusing world.

‘No one size fits all’

There is no one size fits all, because it is a spectrum, writes Aiden Marks.

I am a 30-year-old retail worker and filmmaker. I also teach digital arts to people with a learning or intellectual disability at Tutti Arts, a South Australian multi-arts organisation.

In 2001 I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Asperger’s and autism are no longer considered separate diagnoses.

Autism is a developmental disorder and can be different for people.

I used to struggle with communication, I’d hold my tongue on what I wanted to say.

I was shy and I would just let others talk for me or hold myself back when speaking with other people.

But in time I have realised I am not just a societal stereotype.

I just want to be me.

I am not Raymond Babbitt from Rain Man, and I am not Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory.

I love comics and movies and can gush about nerdy sci-fi stuff until the cows come home, but I do have many other interests including filmmaking.

I worked on one of Dutch-Australian film director Rolf de Heer’s films and have been fortunate enough to work on a few funded short film and web series.

There have also been times I have stepped in as director of photography.

This wonderful world has enabled me to express myself through imagination, because bringing stories to life fulfils me.

I like to lift weights, I am covered in tattoos, and I love listening to heavy metal.

My experience with people telling me, “You don’t look autistic”, has been rather interesting.

While no one can truly “look autistic”, I have always found the saying to be the poster child for how the public view’s autism.

It feel as if you must look the part. But the problem is I am not an actor trying to fit a role, I am just a person trying to live my life whilst navigating challenges and complexities.

Am I supposed to wear certain clothes? Have a certain scent? Act a certain way?

I suppose the stereotype of looks has contributed to certain issues and in turn I feel the public isn’t able to fully understand autism and its many forms.

But with all of that being said, at the end of the day I am autistic and I just hope people can be open minded, because you never know what someone is going through on the inside.

The ABC is partnering with International Day of People with Disability to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the 4.4 million Australians with disability.