5 ways Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are misunderstood
                     5 ways Children with Autism Spectrum 
Disorder  (ASD) are misunderstood
The world around us is becoming more inclusive and so are the schools. However, to become 
totally  inclusive, we need to spread awareness about what challenges individuals with 
additional support face and  what abrupt responses could literally mean.
In this article, we will talk a bit about Autism Spectrum Disorder and the ways children with ASD 
are  frequently misunderstood. Understanding ASD is very important for us to play our part 
in making our
society supportive and inclusive for children who experience it.
Let' s go through the misapprehension of children with Autism 
Spectrum Disorder ( ASD):
1.  The child is disinterested or de ant
A child with ASD would often face verbal 
and  non-verbal communication issues 
which can  lead to misinterpretation. 
Important to notice  that their silence or 
unusual speech patterns  such as 
echolalia (repeating words or phrases)  
are frequently understood as showing  
disinterest or de ance. But little do 
people
understand that this is often a result of their neurological di erences, not a lack of 
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Children with ASD may experience overwhelmingly intense sensory experiences. In many 
cases,  bright lights, loud noises, or even certain holds the potential to trigger discomfort 
and distress. Now  please know that these sensitivities are often misjudged as tantrums 
or poor displays of behaviour.  But it is for society to understand that these reactions are 
genuine responses to sensory overload,  not mere overreactions.
1.  No interest in forming a relationship
Now this one is important, children with 
ASD  may see struggles in understanding  
social  cues making it appear like social 
withdrawal or  having  unconventional  
interactions. Before  we come to the 
conclusion that the child is  rude or lacks 
interest in forming relationships,  but in 
reality, these children may desire social
connection but often  nd it challenging 
to navigate social interactions and 
establish bonds.
1.  Stubborn Kid
Many children with ASD are accustomed 
to a  routine, which makes them very 
predictable.  Because of strict adherence 
to their routine,  they are resistant to 
change which is  misinterpreted as 
stubbornness or de ance.  Again, do know 
that this in exibility is not a  deliberate 
attempt to be di cult but rather a
coping mechanism to manage anxiety 
and maintain a sense of control within 
their environment.
1.  They are emotionally detached
Managing emotions can be particularly di cult for children on the spectrum. They might 
experience  intense emotional responses or at times appear like they are emotionally 
detached. For many of us  individuals, this detachment or poor emotional responses are 
misunderstood which leads to  unnecessary or inappropriate disciplinary actions. It is for 
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Disorder and how
space for better inclusion.
they contribute to the stereotypes and stigmas that children on the spectrum face, and 
this leads to
negative assumptions about their potential and capabilities. Let us be more aware and do 
our part to  promote a more accurate understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder and its 
challenges.
Empathy and education and key to improving our understanding, and by addressing and 
rectifying these
common misunderstandings, we will help these children thrive and reach their full potential.
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