It is critical for teachers, care providers, and parents to realize that people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) do not engage in inappropriate behaviors intentionally to be malicious or manipulative. (emphasis mine) [...] A common misconception is that they are capable of learning to behave differently but are just lazy or unmotivated. Students with ASDs and other neurodevelopmental disorders (such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc. [...] cannot learn different ways of behaving without interventions that are specifically geared to their learning strengths and styles. It is the responsibility of parents and educators working with these students to address their specific deficits and find effective methods for teaching and reinforcing more appropriate and adaptive behaviors.(emphasis mine)
From "Executive Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Research to Practice," by Sally Ozonoff and Patricia L. Schetter, in Executive Function in Education: From Theory to Practice
