The numbing horror that unfolded yesterday in Newtown, Connecticut has prompted many intense responses. The grief of those who lost children, family and community members is beyond words. Unfortunately for people with autism disorders and their families there are unconfirmed reports from various sources claiming that the alleged shooter had Asperger's or high functioning autism. These reports have in turn prompted wild speculation about autism as a cause of this unimaginable tragedy. There have been many intense responses to those claims.
I recommend everyone think of those who are lost and those who have lost them and consider the clear, concise and well informed statement issued by the Autism Society of America:
Autism Society: No Linkage Between Autism and Planned Violence
December 15, 2012
By Autism Society
By Autism Society
Yesterday, 26 people lost their lives through the acts of a single person. These 26 people were children, teachers, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters. Today, their families are experiencing grief that can't be described. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by yesterday's tragic shooting.
This morning, many news outlets are reporting the shooter was on the autism spectrum. This has not been officially confirmed. These reports imply that autism might have had an impact on the person's mindset leading to the shootings.
There is absolutely no evidence or any reliable research that suggests a linkage between autism and planned violence. To imply or suggest that some linkage exists is wrong and is harmful to more than 1.5 million law abiding, non-violent and wonderful individuals who live with autism each day. Stereotyping an entire group of individuals because of the actions of one individual is wrong and unacceptable.
Please do not judge any individual with autism based on what is being said about a killer of innocent children and teachers. Rather, our nation's attention must be focused on being there for the children and teachers whose lives were lost yesterday.
This morning, many news outlets are reporting the shooter was on the autism spectrum. This has not been officially confirmed. These reports imply that autism might have had an impact on the person's mindset leading to the shootings.
There is absolutely no evidence or any reliable research that suggests a linkage between autism and planned violence. To imply or suggest that some linkage exists is wrong and is harmful to more than 1.5 million law abiding, non-violent and wonderful individuals who live with autism each day. Stereotyping an entire group of individuals because of the actions of one individual is wrong and unacceptable.
Please do not judge any individual with autism based on what is being said about a killer of innocent children and teachers. Rather, our nation's attention must be focused on being there for the children and teachers whose lives were lost yesterday.
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