Common Autism Myths in Africa and How to Disprove Them

By: Swabirah Sulaiman, BSc. Physiology, Clinical Physiologist. Medically reviewed by: A. Odutola, MBBS, PhD, FRCSEd.

Posed picture of happy looking young African adults and children, with caption on disproving autism myths. Click on image to enlarge. Image credit: Freepik
 

 

Highlights

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person's communication, behavior, and relationships.

• In many African communities, myths are widespread, and autistic individuals are often stigmatized, isolated, branded with negative names, or linked to superhuman forces.

• Globally, ASD affects about 1 in every 127 people; prevalence in Africa is not known, but likely increasing.

• The myths surrounding autism in Africa delay diagnosis, hinder proper care, and worsen outcomes.

• Disproving myths and raising awareness can improve early detection, reduce stigma, and foster supportive communities

 

Introduction 

Culturally, in most African communities, the first response to seeing a child or adult who looks, sounds, or behaves differently is to “stay away”. 

Everyone in the community tags or brands them with a negative name often suggestive of spiritual possession or affliction. A child's parents may tell their kids not to play or talk with the individual. As a result, many descriptions or stories become widespread about how and why the individual was afflicted. 

Many of these stories are untrue, but have a lasting impact that leads to isolation, stigma, and discrimination. This is the reality of many autistic individuals in Africa. 

This article aims to provide you with a simple understanding of what autism is, and dispel the myths that contribute to widespread misconceptions about the condition in Africa.

But first, let's dive into the basics to learn about what the words autism and myths mean. 

 

What is Autism? 

Autism or Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are special words that are used to describe a group of neurodevelopmental (brain development-related) features that first show up at an early age. [1]

ASD is common, affecting 1 in every 127 persons worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. [2]

Its occurrence in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially in sub-Saharan Africa, is not accurately known, but it is believed to be increasing rapidly, causing public health concern. [3]

ASD affects how a person speaks, behaves, and relates to others in general. 

 

Common Signs and Symptoms of Autism

Info poster showing some common autistic symptoms: repetitive movement, communication difficulty, lack of eye contact, and sensory sensitivity.

Click on image to enlarge. Image is AI-generated from: Sora AI

 

An autistic person may show some of the signs and symptoms (features) listed below: [1] Note that these may vary between individuals.

• Inability to maintain or develop relationships 
• Making the same physical movements repeatedly
• Problems with coordination of movements 
• Saying the same speech repeatedly 
• Inability to share emotions 
• Demanding to perform an activity in only one way 
• Ability to be very focused on one activity throughout 
• Mood swings
• Excessive sensitivity to light, sound, touch, and texture 
• Unusual eating habits
• Sleep disturbances
• Trouble using or understanding body language, gestures, and facial expressions

 

What is a Myth?

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, a myth is a traditional story that shapes the way a particular group of people sees the world, explains a practice, custom, or belief. In most cases, people use it to describe something that is out of the ordinary and is thought to be caused by something "supernatural." In reality, myths lack a factual basis.

 

Impact of Myths on Autistic People and their Families in Africa

Image depiction of community-based stigma and isolation; a family looking sad while being pointed at because the child is autistic.

Click on image to enlarge. Image is AI-generated from: Sora AI

 

Africa is deeply rooted in culture and beliefs. They are a way of life. However, these beliefs may not be true and can sometimes cause harm, especially in healthcare contexts. 

The false beliefs that people have about autistic individuals may lead to: [4]

• Bullying and isolation of the affected person and their families 
• Delay in seeking professional help
• Late diagnosis 
• Development of more serious cognitive disabilities 
• Worse symptoms due to ill treatment 
• Emotional and financial strain on both the family and the affected individuals
• Feelings of fear, embarrassment, and emotional toll 

 

Importance of Disproving Autism Myths

Disproving autism myths in Africa will have a lot of benefits. It will: 

• Provide accurate information while also helping to raise awareness about ASD 
• Promote early detection and diagnosis 
• Facilitate early management intervention for better outcome 
• Improve the overall quality of life of  individuals with ASD and their families 
• Foster a caring and supportive environment for autistic individuals to thrive 

Now you know what autism is, how myths about it impact the autistic person and community, let's take a look at some common myths about ASD in Africa and why it is important to stop the misinformation.

.

Common Autism Myths in Africa and Facts that Disprove Them 

Infographic showing myths of autism and the facts that disprove them. Click on image to enlarge. Image is AI-generated from ChatGPT

 

Myth: Autism is caused by witchcraft or spiritual forces 

Fact: This statement often causes fear in African homes; however, it is false. Several risk factors contribute to the development of autism. They include: genetics (it can be passed from parent to offspring), older parental age, diabetes in the mother during pregnancy, infections, hormonal problems, certain medicines, and exposure to environmental factors like pollutants and heavy metals. [5]

Myth: People with autism cannot learn or succeed 

Fact: Autistic individuals can learn and succeed in different aspects of life when provided with the required support and resources, such as personalized teaching methods and the use of innovative technologies. [6]

Myth: Autism is contagious 

Fact: Autism is not caused by a germ and is therefore not contagious. You cannot develop autism by playing, talking, or being in close contact with an autistic person. Oftentimes, in African communities, rumors spread like wildfire, saying an autistic person would infect you if you come close to them. This has led to stigma, isolation, and mistreatment of these individuals.

Myth: Children's vaccines cause autism 

Fact: There is no link between childhood vaccination and risk for ASD. This belief is very harmful as it sows doubts in parents about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines to protect children against preventable diseases.  The myth is one of the leading causes of children dying at an early age, especially in African rural communities. When your child is little, the immune system that fights off diseases in the body is not fully active, and vaccination is crucial. [7]

Myth: All children with autism look or behave the same 

Fact: Autism is regarded as a spectrum, i.e., a broad and variable condition. This means there is a wide range of features, and the behavior and appearance of affected people may be similar, but are never identical.

Myth: Autism can be cured with prayers, herbs, or traditional rituals 

Fact: There is no cure for autism, but symptoms can be managed well in healthcare facilities.  Many Africans strongly believe in prayers, herbs, and traditional rituals, and this is often their preferred first line of action. [4] It is important to note that as much as prayers may offer mental and spiritual comfort to the parents of an autistic child, herbs and traditional rituals offer little or no help. [8]

Myth: All autistic people are violent and aggressive

Fact: No. Autistic individuals are not always aggressive and violent. While aggressive behaviours like hitting, kicking and property destruction may be observed in some autistic children from time to time, they are often in response to problems in communicating needs, anxiety, physical  or metabolic stress, disruption in routines and excessive environmental sensory overload. [9] 

 

What You Can Do to Disprove Autism Myths

Children in an African school playing together with the autistic child. Click on image to enlarge. AI-generated image from: Sora AI

 

If you are a family member, sibling, parent, health professional, caretaker, policy maker, or community leader, here are a few non-exhaustive ways you can help disprove autism myths:

• Self-education about autism facts—you should get information from credible fact-checked sources like academic institutions, governmental, and non-profit organisations. Examples include the WHO, NHS UK, and CDC websites.

• Educating others about autism facts—this can start with your immediate community, friends, and family

• Joining outreaches and media groups to help raise awareness about the harm of autism myths and the benefits of autism facts

• Advocating for more funding for the social care and special education needs of people with autism

• Engaging with medical educators to emphasise autism care management in medical and allied health curriculum

• Advocating for healthcare providers to be educated and kept informed on the importance of  communicating factual information about autism within the community for purposes of promoting understanding of the condition and dispelling myths about it

• Advocating for the training of community health workers and social care providers for the purpose of providing fact-based communication with parents, guardians, teachers, religious leaders, and traditional rulers, etc., that addresses autism myths and misinformation

 

Takeaway

Autism myths within African societies are rooted in culture and low community education/awareness about the factual basis of the condition. Autism myths may be harmful as they promote stigma, discrimination, abuse, isolation, and maltreatment of the autistic person. 

Disproving or dispelling autism myths in Africa is crucial to reducing stigma, improving awareness, and encouraging early diagnosis and intervention. This fosters better support for families, enhances access to resources, and promotes understanding of autism within diverse cultural contexts.

You can play a part in changing the story about autism in Africa by engaging in activities that help in breaking myths, educating more people, and replacing shame with understanding. 

Get educated, share what you know with others, and engage with your community and policy leaders in the fight for a community where every autistic person is supported and can live a productive, healthy, and enjoyable life.

 

References 

1. Hodges H, Fealko C, Soares N. Autism spectrum disorder: definition, epidemiology, causes, and clinical evaluation. Transl Pediatr. 2020 Feb;9(Suppl 1):S55-S65. doi: 10.21037/tp.2019.09.09. Available from here.  

2. World Health Organization. Autism [Internet]. 15 Sept. 2025. [Cited 2025 Sep 15]. Available from here. 

3. Adams SN. The Unmasking of Autism in South Africa and Nigeria. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2024 May 8;20:947-955. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S461650. Available from here.  

4. Ruparelia K, Abubakar A, Badoe E, Bakare M, Visser K, Chugani DC, et al. Autism Spectrum Disorders in Africa: Current Challenges in Identification, Assessment, and Treatment: A Report on the International Child Neurology Association Meeting on ASD in Africa, Ghana, April 3-5, 2014. J Child Neurol 2016; 31(8):1018–26. Available from here.  

5. Wang M, Zhang X, Zhong L, Zeng L, Li L, Yao P. Understanding autism: Causes, diagnosis, and advancing therapies. Brain Research Bulletin. 2025; 227:111411. Available from here.  

6. Adeoye MA, Bolaji HO, Yahaya AK, Attah JO. Innovation Unleashed: Empowering Autistic Learners with Revolutionary Strategies and Technology.  Journal Pedagogi Dan Pembelajaran 2023; 6(3):397–404. doi: 10.23887/jp2.v6i3.66844. Available from here.

7. Gabis LV, Attia OL, Goldman M, Barak N, Tefera P, Shefer S, et al. The myth of vaccination and autism spectrum. European Journal of Paediatric Neurology 2022; 36:151–8. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.12.011. Available from here. 

8. Gona JK, Newton CR, Rimba K, Mapenzi R, Kihara M, Vijver FJRV de, et al. Parents’ and Professionals’ Perceptions on Causes and Treatment Options for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in a Multicultural Context on the Kenyan Coast. PLOS ONE. 2015; 10(8):e0132729. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132729. Available from here. 

9. Genovese A, Butler MG. The Autism Spectrum: Behavioral, Psychiatric and Genetic Associations. Genes (Basel). 2023 Mar 9;14(3):677. doi: 10.3390/genes14030677. Available from here.  

 

Related: Autism in Children: Why Rising U.S Numbers Matter to Africans

 

 

Published: September 20, 2025

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