Autism Society of America on Newtown Horror: No Linkage Between Autism and Planned Violence

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: 

"There is absolutely no evidence or any reliable research that suggests a linkage between autism and planned violence". 

Autism Society: No Linkage Between Autism and Planned Violence

December 15, 2012
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.

Autism Disorder Versus Asperger's Syndrome

The Autism Society of America has published a good overview of Autism Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome on TylerPaper.com. The article contains a basic description of both Autism Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome and helps distinguish between the two similar but distinct disorders:

What distinguishes Asperger's Syndrome from autism is the severity of the symptoms and the absence of language delays. To the untrained observer, a child with Asperger's may seem just like a normal child behaving differently. They may be socially awkward, not understanding of conventional social rules, or show a lack of empathy. They may make limited eye contact, seem to be unengaged in a conversation, and not understand the use of gestures.

One of the major differences between Asperger's Syndrome and autism is that, by definition, there is no speech delay in Asperger's. In fact, children with Asperger's frequently have good language skills; they simply use language in different ways. Speech patterns may be unusual, lack inflection, or have a rhythmic nature or it may be formal, but too loud or high pitched. Children with Asperger's may not understand the subtleties of language, such as irony and humor, or they may not recognize the give-and-take nature of a conversation.

Another distinction between Asperger's Syndrome and autism concerns cognitive ability. While some individuals with autism experience mental retardation, by definition a person with Asperger's cannot possess a "clinically significant" cognitive delay, and most possess average to above-average intelligence.

autism

Autism Surging - Autism Society of America Takes Action

Even before the recent UK and Massachusetts news hit the world autism community the Autism Society of America had taken action prompted by the CDC 1 in 150 numbers. A conference scheduled by the ASA and starting today is aimed at gathering together a critical mass of participants to focus on ways to address the autism health crisis in the United States.

ASA Opens National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders in Scottsdale, Arizona

     ASA's 'Together, A Brighter Tomorrow' Conference Draws Nearly 2000
Professionals and Families to Find Solutions for Americans Living with
                            Autism Today

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Autism Society
of America (ASA) will gather the largest assembly of experts, families,
professionals, and individuals with autism to Arizona from July 11 to 14 at
the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale. In the wake of the CDC's finding
in February that the prevalence of autism affects approximately an average
of 1 child in every 150, ASA's 38th National Conference will bring together
top experts in education, medical treatments, behavioral therapy, family
support and services to discuss ways to handle this burgeoning national
health crisis- and how to support American families every day.
ASA's conference has 120 concurrent sessions, a Spanish-language track
and translation services, a medical education track, and presentations by
people with autism of all ages. Highlighting the conference are 4 keynote
addresses in the areas of: gastroenterological disease in autism by Dr.
Harland Winter (MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston), new trends in
positive behavioral therapy by Dr. Edward Carr (SUNY Stonybrook), effective
social skills by Michelle Garcia Winner (Center for Social Thinking, San
Jose) and new data on gut inflammation and autism by Dr. Andrew Wakefield
(Thoughtful House Center for Children, Austin). The Opening Session on
Thursday, July 12, 2007, will have the national anthem sung by country
music star Mark Leland, along with an announcement on joint efforts to
improve autism services by the CEOs of ASA and Easter Seals.
Additional events at the ASA Conference include a "Family Fun After
Hours" concert Thursday, July 12 at 7:30 pm featuring a concert by Mark
Leland and comedians and vocalists with autism, along with talented
parents. Tickets are $10 at the door; the event is also at the Westin
Kierland Resort in Scottsdale. The 6th Annual ASA Evening of Champions gala
honoring leaders in autism research, education and awareness, will be held
Friday, July 13 a 6 pm at the Westin Kierland Resort. Tickets are $85. This
year's honorees include author Temple Grandin, advocates Denise Resnik and
Jim Adams of Phoenix, the University of California at Davis M.I.N.D.
Institute, the Autism Research Institute, NATTAP (national network for
teachers and trainers of autism) and NARPAA (national network of
residential providers for people with autism). All proceeds from these
events will benefit ASA, ASA Greater Phoenix, and SARRC in Phoenix.
Media who would like to schedule interviews with people with autism,
families, professionals, honorees and the keynote spokesperson, please
contact Marguerite Colston at (240) 672-4734.
ASA is the largest, oldest member organization dedicated to autism in
the world. Together with 190,000 members and supporters, ASA's mission is
to improve the lives of all affected by autism -- individuals with autism,
their families and the professionals with whom they interact. For more
information on autism or ASA, visit http://www.autism-society.org or call
1.800.3AUTISM (1.800.328.8476).