Friday, October 26, 2007

Disturbing Death of Tiffany Pinckney

Tiffany Pinckney was a 23 year old autistic woman who was severely mentally challenged and could not care for herself. Tiffany Pinckney was a truly low functioning autistic person who depended on the care of her adoptive sister for support, a sister who now stands trial in Toronto for criminal negligence causing death and failure to provide the necessaries of life. She literally starved to death while in the "care" of her adoptive sister.

The Toronto Star in, Autistic woman dead 5 hours before 911 called, continues its coverage of this gut wrenching story that may be too difficult for some readers to stomach. I believe it is important that we all read this story though and understand that there are other equally challenged autistic people out there who need care as Tiffany needed care. We must all be vigilant to ensure that they receive that care.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes, it's a shame more people don't respect and accommodate people like Tiffany. Instead people on "curing" autistics, which too often ends to demonization and abuse.

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing your ideological perspective with us ANB.

The lack of care offered by the adoptive sister has nothing to do with any perspectives on autism cures. It derives from selfishness and indifference pure and simple. A trait found in all humans one extent or another.

What is relevant though is that this woman's helplessness illustrates WHY a cure is needed. So that the Tiffany Pinckney's can be cured of their autism deficits and become less dependent on the kindness of others for basic survival.

The twisted logic of your comment illustrates the poverty of logic in the Neurodiversity ideology that you espouse.

Reality, anb. Try it, you might like it.

Maya M said...

I liked this post of yours because it didn't emphasize how bad autism is and how much cure is needed.
Unfortunately, Anb touched the sensitive question and you replied.
I don't like when cure is mentioned in the same text where a crime such as this is duscussed, because it seems to me that this diverts the blame to a wrong target.
If Tiffany needed care as a result of cerebral palsy or car accident, nobody, while describing her murder, would mention how much we need to cure cerebral palsy or to prevent car accidents.
The discussion about cure seems strange to me when no cure is yet in sight. Did Terri Schiavo need a cure? Sure she did. But there was none. And when her husband killed her, the shocked US legislators didn't vote to channel more funds into research seeking cure for brain damage. Instead, they urgently passed laws with names like "Starvation and Dehydration Prevention Act".
I think they did the right thing.

Unknown said...

"I liked this post of yours because it didn't emphasize how bad autism is and how much cure is needed.
Unfortunately, Anb touched the sensitive question and you replied.
I don't like when cure is mentioned in the same text where a crime such as this is duscussed, because it seems to me that this diverts the blame to a wrong target."

maya m

I know that you try to engage in an actual exchange of information and perspective. Your comments to this forum are always offered diplomatically even though I do not share your perspective.

The court which is hearing the charges will not be diverted from the assessment of criminal activity. As for the need for a cure issue, I do not believe that the hard realities faced by persons with more severe autism should be swept under the rug at any time.

It is because of their severe deficits that they become dependent on the care of persons who might be negligent or even criminal.

That is part of the reality that my son might face when I am gone. I can not, and will not, choose to ignore that reality.

Anonymous said...

MISS... This statement is not to offend anyone but to give insight to this situation and to help others see and know another family members point of view. I do not disagree with anyones statement about the cruelty that Tiffany experienced. But I would like to state that her sister who killed her didnt have any resources to use. I know that the ontario peel govenment said that there were resources offered on Tiffany's behalf, but to give you a little understand about Tiffany's sister. She was a homeless individual that was adopted into our family. When I first met her well let just say seeing america and canada was new to her. She was so greatful to have a new life, a home and family that accepted her. But there was an unspoken rule an underlying condition. That her purpose was to take care of Tiffany. At this time Allison was just approximately 16 years old. My point is that after such a long time being forced to care for Tiffany and her choosing not to using the resources, I feel as thou Allison broke down. I am not in anyway agreeing with the measures she took but what I am saying is that she too is human and a human being who thought she was being chosen by a family for love and not for a lifetime of child care. Sixteen years is long long time to care for on individual with autism. RIP Tiffany - I never knew the struggle until it was too late. love your sister

PLEASE PEOPLE DON'T JUDGE BUT LEND A HELPING HAND TO THOSE WITH AUTISM