Myth: Autism is a mental illness
Fact: Autism is a developmental disability and neuro-biological disorder

Myth: Children and adults with autism are very similar
Fact: Autistic children and adults share three common diagnostic features, but each individual case is unique

Myth: Children and adults with autism do not care about others
Fact: They often care deeply but lack the ability to develop empathetic and social skills

Myth: People with autism cannot learn social skills
Fact: People with autism can learn social skills with individual, specialized training and instruction

Myth: People with autism cannot have successful lives
Fact: Many people with autism are working and creating a successful living.

source : http://education.jhu.edu/PD/newhorizons/Exceptional%20Learners/Autism/Articles/Autism%20Spectrum%20Disorder%20Myths%20and%20Facts/