One of the most harmful and outdated myths about autism is the idea that it’s caused by bad parenting. This is completely false. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and early brain development factors, not by parenting style, emotional environment, or how a child is raised.
The myth began decades ago with the discredited “refrigerator mother” theory, which wrongly blamed cold or distant parenting. Since then, extensive scientific research has confirmed that autism is not caused by how a parent raises their child.
That said, parenting plays an important role in supporting a child with autism. Loving, patient, and informed caregivers can make a big difference in helping their child learn, grow, and thrive, especially when combined with effective therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
At Little Champs ABA, we partner with families to provide compassionate, evidence-based care. We believe in empowering both children and parents to reach their full potential, without blame, only support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can parenting cause autism?
No, autism is not caused by parenting style.
2. Where did this myth come from?
An outdated theory falsely blamed “cold” parenting, which has been disproven.
3. What actually causes autism?
A mix of genetic and neurological factors during early brain development.