• Dr. Sanjay Gandhi
• Swapna D

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or ASD is multidimensional neurodevelopmental disorder that identifies variations in communication, social intercourse, and desired behaviour. This notwithstanding the progress of diagnosis and awareness, there has been a major setback of mass misconceptions which are a barrier of early intervention, education, employment and inclusion of people with autism in the society. The article is a review-based piece of work that takes a critical look at the different misconceptions associated with autism such as the cause, emotional intelligence, and growth trend. Another area that is addressed in the article is the main streams through which these misconceptions may be distributed and spread: such circumstances as media representation, cultural beliefs, misinformation and lack of professional awareness on social media. The rise and spread of such myths can be underlined with the help of a comparative analysis employing statistical data applicable to the global, Indian and Karnataka-specific contexts. The consequences of misconceptions affecting the individuals and families are also evaluated in the paper through the identification of the following issues: social stigma, diagnosis delay, educational and employment difficulties. Due to combining the data of recent sources, the article underlines an urgent basis of essential and systematic awareness campaigns, inclusions educational policy, and culture-sensitive personnel training.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Misconceptions, Media Stereotypes, Social Stigma, India, Karnataka, Diagnosis, Awareness, Cultural Beliefs, Neurodevelopmental Disorders

"Autism and Misconception: A Social Analysis", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 12, page no.c37-c50, December-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2512205.pdf

"Autism and Misconception: A Social Analysis", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 12, page no. ppc37-c50, December-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2512205.pdf