Majority think autistic children just 'naughty'
IGNORANCE about autism has been highlighted by a new UK survey which shows most people think autistic children are simply "naughty".
More than half of parents and carers questioned in research by autism charity Treehouse said they had been openly criticised by passers-by about their child's behaviour. Almost a third said their child had been excluded from playing with other children due to their condition.
Three-quarters said they believed members of the public thought their children were "naughty", with 87 per cent complaining people stared at their child, causing families to feel isolated and avoid going out.
And almost half of people believe autistic children are maths geniuses, a fallacy stemming from the film Rain Man.
The study coincides with Treehouse's campaign, "Talk about Autism", supported by broadband firm Talk Talk. The condition affects one in 100 people in the UK.
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