There are many myths surrounding autism, especially when it comes to children. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that stems from a neurological difference, with characteristics that can greatly vary from one child to another. Throughout the years, these gaps of knowledge have given birth to a number of misconceptions ranging from everyday living to parenting and relationships for autistic children. Below you can learn more about the five most popular myths and what is the actual truth behind them.

1. Children With Autism Don’t Need Equipment to Help Them

Actually, they do. Almost all children with autism need supportive equipment to help them communicate and feel safe. It can also be vitally important to encourage social development as it helps children and their families access the community. Examples of assistive equipment include visual timers and sensory toys.

2. They Don’t Need to Play Like Other Children

Wrong. All kids need different types of sensory stimulation and toys to have fun, develop their imagination, and sharpen their skills. Autistic children are no different. You just have to find items that meet each kid’s special needs. There isn’t a universal toy or technology that would work for any child. Parents and family as a whole should test different toys and options to see which ones are most engaging to the child.

3. They Have to Go to a Special School for Kids With Autism

Although difficulties with social interaction, sensory sensitivity, and highly-focused interests are all common traits of children with autism, it’s not always necessary for them to enroll in a special school. Wherever possible, it’s actually advisable to integrate the kids into mainstream schools. This could help them develop their communication skills while also accommodating their schooling needs.

4. They Won’t Be Independent Adults

While autism affects each person differently, many children grow up to become independent adults — finding stable jobs and integrating within the community. It can be difficult for parents to imagine their child becoming an independent adult with autism, but there are plenty of examples that prove that autistic adults live full lives. Since people with autism love routine and repetitive behaviors, they often manage to reach a great level of independence.

5. They Can’t Form Relationships/Fall in Love

It’s possible, and it happens to many autistic people! Although autistic children tend to struggle with relationships and keep to themselves, many autistic adults fall in love, get married, and have families of their own. Much like anyone else, they just need time to grow, develop, and meet the right person.

When people think of anxiety, they often think of a mental health condition that invokes feelings of fear, worry, nervousness, and concern. And while it’s correct that the issue starts in the brain, it’s also little known that anxiety has physical manifestations.

Here are three common physical symptoms caused by anxiety:

1. Chest Pain and Heart Palpitations – The Fake Heart Attack

While chest pain and heart palpitations are symptoms associated with cardiac failure, they are also signs of a full-blown panic attack. When people are anxious, their heart works at a rapid rate to pump more blood around the body to prepare it for flight or fight. This also leads to hyperventilation, meaning blood vessels start to contract which leads to chest pain.

2. Limb and Muscle Pain – Tension Can Cause More Than Discomfort

There are numerous ways anxiety can affect the arms and legs. For example, similarly to chest pains, the intake of large amounts of oxygen can lead to a sensation of pain in the muscles. Stress can also cause tension in the muscles, which can cause them to hurt or ache. This is quite common for professionals working in a high-stress environment. Finally, when feeling anxious, people often neglect their well-being, meaning they stop hydrating, exercising, and eating healthy, which causes an unpleasant feeling in the limbs.

3. Inability to Sleep – Anxiety Can Keep People Up at Night

The build-up of tension and stress can make sleeping an impossible task. Continuous worry and fear can prevent people from switching off, which can lead to a number of health complications. Meditation is an effective way to reduce tension and stress to help the body drift into sleep.

These are only three physical symptoms of anxiety, others being headaches, dizziness, temperature fluctuations, skin numbness, exhaustion, shortness of breath, etc. These are indicators that shouldn’t be ignored because they can be the prelude to upcoming complications.