Mental disability is one of those topics which have innumerable myths surrounding them, some as absurd as vaccines causing autism (which has been experimentally disproven). It's essential that people should be able to distinguish between facts and fictional statements, since one in five people suffer from some type of mental disorder, not to mention 10% of students have a learning 'disability'.
In this short read, let us take you through some common myths that are often mistaken as facts so the next time it comes up, you can know if its' actually true and correct those who aren't.
Myth: Mental disability is a hereditary problem.
Fact: Mental disability is only sometimes inherited. Most of the time, it is caused by external influences (such as chemical imbalances and traumatic injuries in the brain), some of which can be prevented.
Myth: Mental disability is contagious.
Fact: This is entirely false! Mental disability does not spread by any type of contact. We cannot catch mental disabilities from anyone else.
Myth: Bad deeds/karma of parents from a previous life can cause mental disability.
Fact: This is a fallacy! Parents of children who are mentally disabled work their entire life, trying to help their child. Such beliefs add to the already increased burden on the parents. Many mentally disabled people are successful, and a large credit for that is given to the parents. Mental disability is a medical condition, and parents need support from the community.
Myth: Medicines and vitamins can cure mental disability.
Fact: When mental disability is caused by a treatable condition, suitable treatment of that condition can cure it. However, there are no tonics that can stimulate a damaged brain.
Myth: Faith healers can 'cure' mental disability.
Fact: Most of the time, tonics cannot cure the patient, so it is extremely ridiculous to think that faith healers can cure them. Faith healers mislead parents into believing that they can cure mental disability. There is no proof or valid research-based evidence that supports this claim.
Myth: Students with mental disabilities cannot learn to read.
Fact: Many students with mental disabilities are able to learn how to read. They may take a little longer, require specific interventions, or follow different pathways, but reading skills are attainable.
Myth: Including people with mental disabilities at school and the workplace can have negative effects.
Fact: Special Olympics programs, where people with and without mental disabilities learn and play side by side, have shown that an inclusive environment can help break down barriers, promote understanding, and teach compassion. Hence, an inclusive environment should be made whenever and wherever it is possible.
Myth: People with mental disabilities cannot be successful.
Fact: This is not true. Of course, they can be successful. With the help of their parents, guardians and the society, people with mental disabilities can be accomplish great things, some famous scientists, actors, musicians, mathematicians, authors and so on have been
Myth: Mental health illnesses can't happen to kids
This is an enormous claim, and the most wrongful assertion.
"Approximately 4.5 million children aged 3-17 years have a diagnosed behavior problem. Approximately 4.4 million children aged 3-17 years have diagnosed anxiety. 1.9 million children have diagnosed depression."
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These are just a few myths out of a million. People all around us believe that they are always childish, ill, they can’t make their own decisions or even work on their own. ItAll of this is highly subjective and depends from person-to-person but generalising and streamlining the neurodivergent is not right.
So, the next time you come across statements about mentally disabled, make sure you know they are accurate and you won't fall prey to misconceptions!
By Diti Sharma
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