Few conditions garner as much attention—and controversy—as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially among parents of young children. People with ASD have difficulty developing normal social relationships, use language abnormally or not at all, and show restricted or repetitive behaviors. They may have a hard time understanding social cues or imagining what other people might be thinking, which can make social interactions challenging.

Because it’s a spectrum, people with ASD experience a range of symptoms, and the disorder impacts their lives in different ways. As a result, many myths and misunderstandings have emerged around ASD, its causes, and how it affects people at various stages in their lives. Here are seven of the most common autism myths and what individuals with autism and those who support them need to know.

Myth #1: Only boys get autism

ASD occurs in about 1 in 36 people in the United States, and it’s four times more common among boys than girls. But girls can have ASD. Another condition parents should be aware of is Rett syndrome, which is far more common in girls than in boys. Rett syndrome has many similarities to ASD, with some notable differences. Specifically, almost all individuals with Rett syndrome usually have intellectual disabilities.

Myth #2: All People with ASD also have intellectual disabilities

Intellectual disabilities and ASD are not the same. Intellectual disabilities are more common in individuals with ASD, but not everyone with ASD has an intellectual disability, and not everyone with an intellectual disability has ASD. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is another condition that often—but not always—overlaps with ASD.

Symptoms that align with these conditions typically become apparent a bit later in life. For parents, the first sign to watch for is delay in language development. Other early indicators include repetitive behaviors, a need for routines, and sensory processing differences around things like noise, light, and texture. But it’s important to note that these things can be signs of a wide range of conditions. And in lots of children, these signs are not signs of any condition.

Myth #3: Nerdy kids and adults have ASD

The phrase “on the spectrum” has become shorthand for describing someone who may just be a bit shy, socially awkward or intensely interested in certain topics. These people often do not have ASD.

Pop culture tends to portray individuals with autism as savants—musical prodigies or math geniuses. Some individuals with ASD do have unique skills, but they’re not superpowers. It’s helpful to think of ASD less as a “disorder” and more as a “difference.” Sometimes those differences can be helpful in certain situations, but we are all individuals with our own unique personalities and abilities.

At the same time, an ASD diagnosis can be a powerful tool for individuals and families. There’s no lab test to diagnose ASD. Rather, it’s based on the presence of various features. This diagnosis can be helpful as parents seek services and interventions to get their child the support that is needed, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and more.

Myth #4: Only children have ASD

ASD stays with a person throughout life, and the impact of the condition changes as people get older. Individuals learn to navigate social situations that evolve as they get older, including teenage years and entering the workplace as they are able. One area where young adults with ASD often need support is in navigating the healthcare system. Often, individuals will transition from a pediatrician to a psychiatrist to continue treatment and medication as they enter adulthood.

Myth #5: There is no treatment for ASD

Doctors don’t yet know what exactly causes ASD. We know that it occurs more often in siblings and relatives, but it can affect each family member differently. It is true that for individuals diagnosed with ASD, there are no specific medical treatments doctors recommend. Yet, there are several proven ways to help individuals enhance their quality of life, including behaviorally based approaches and medications that can help control anxiety and impulsive behaviors. Individuals with ASD often benefit from practiced conversations or “scripts” to help guide them in social situations.

Often, parents will seek out alternative treatments for children with ASD. Some of these interventions can be harmful. It’s important to discuss them with a doctor first and try things one at a time to ensure you understand the effect any one specific intervention is having.

Myth #6: Vaccines cause ASD

Immunizations do not cause ASD. There is an abundance of high-quality research to support the lack of connection between the two. One likely reason this myth persists is that many parents start to notice the signs of ASD around the same time their children begin getting immunizations for various diseases. Despite this coincidence, it is essential that children receive the necessary immunizations to protect themselves and others from various infectious diseases.

Myth #7: ASD is caused by bad parenting

For decades, we’ve known that “bad parenting” does not contribute to or cause ASD. Parents and caretakers play an essential role in helping their children succeed and play a major role in how their children interact with the world, but their actions do not cause ASD.

Like each of us, every individual with ASD is unique. When we meet people with ASD where they are and find ways to connect with them, we all do better.