| Hi Fran, I sort of thought the same thing at first but I wouldn't worry too much. In fact of all the school shootings that have taken place in recent years, NONE of them were autistic. What does that tell you? And you are correct. This boy had many more deep seeded problems. Autism doesn't make a murderer, as I stated all the other shooters were "typical". Also, if the media is trying to put that point across I don't think it will fly because with 1/150 children having autism, that will cause an (unfair) uproar among parents! Autism is a developmental and social disability not a psycholgical disorder. And it takes a very intense pschological disorder to kill dozens of people. Hang in there! ↑ |
| I actually think that the media stopped mentioning autism almost as soon as they started was because they were quickly attacked by the large amount of organizations fighting for autism especially this month because they made this month autism awareness month. I think all the big tv news channels took the word autism off the air pretty quickly and have not brought it up since because they had a lot of lash back from the people representing autistics ↑ |
Hi Fran,
I'd like to start off by saying no I don't think that it will scare the public and I highly doubt the killer was autistic. Socitey is more likley to blame music, video games and violent Tv then autisim. Though both excuses would make me angry. ↑ |
Dear Fran, do I just. Several issues are involved here. First let's not forget or underestimate the tradgic, tradgic - sorrowfully premature end of THOSE who lost thier lives, and our hearts go out to their families and friends.
In respect of the killer being autistic - well. First issue: having lived with autism in my family for the last thirty years, I know too well how difficult it can be, to get the medical and educational establishments to take the issue of autism seriously. Secondlly, the issue seems to be that those people working within the institutions involved do not seem to grasp what axactly autism is, how it manifests itself, how it differes form so called normal behaviour within society. Autisics are unique - experience the world differently - not necessarily negatively or bad - far from it ! - but the way they are and that of their needs HAVE TO BE understood, appriciated and occommodated. Yes, in the 21st century we all have heard of or know of autism, but very little of its manifastation. There seems to be an increase in autism, this cannot and should not be ignored by society but particularly those in government, legislators, educators, policy makers, etc. any longer - education, awearness and acceptance of individual differences may give hope to all, including those on the autistic spectrum. It's such a travesty that this young man did not have the help he obviously requiered - we must not lay blame on his parents - it is unlikely they knew the seriousness of his particular condition - in this instance. God bless. ↑ |
