I still have no words to convey how much my heart aches for all those affected by yesterday’s shootings in Connecticut. Please know that people, even so far away, have you in their thoughts and prayers.
Speculation that the perpetrator of this crime has autism is rife. In response, and as requested by a number of autistic people I know, I am posting the Autistic Self Advocacy Networks’s statement. Please take the time to read it in its entirety.
Recent media reports have suggested that the perpetrator of this violence, Adam Lanza, may have been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a diagnosis on the autism spectrum, or with another psychiatric disability. In either event, it is imperative that as we mourn the victims of this horrific tragedy that commentators and the media avoid drawing inappropriate and unfounded links between autism or other disabilities and violence. Autistic Americans and individuals with other disabilities are no more likely to commit violent crime than non-disabled people.
I am also including here this piece by Paula C. Durbin-Westby, Mother with Asperger Syndrome Grieves Sandy Hook Elementary Victims.
I just want to grieve without having to worry about a different set of children– children who are growing up on the autism spectrum, or with atypical neurologies, with mental health conditions, who are not prone to violence by virtue of having these disabilities, but who could be negatively affected by assumptions that “all these people are dangerous” or even that “all these kids are going to grow up to be no good.”
Finally, I think it is worth reminding ourselves just how quick the media are to demonize autistic people. This piece by Kassiane S is a response to the very same speculation that abounded after the Aurora shootings. The fact that it has once again, become so horribly relevant is more than dismaying – it is terrifying.
We are not your scapegoat, and the trope of the dangerous neurodivergent is not only irresponsible, it is sloppy. Do some real research instead of lazily reaching into the bag of tropes every time someone does something terrible. Statistically speaking, we didn’t do it, and spreading the idea that we did has very real consequences that can mean life and death for us.
Autismum 
Thank you. Wholeheartedly agree with everything you’ve said and quoted: ∞
I had wondered the same thing about the shooter, possibly he had Aspergers. It breaks my heart this tragedy happened, and I agree Aspergers shouldn’t be used as a scapegoat. I can’t watch the news because it hurts too much to watch and hear about those little lives that were taken. I really hope this doesn’t stigmatize Aspergers because this does not represent the group of loving and amazing people they are.
I am once again doing a running list.
http://lizditz.typepad.com/i_speak_of_dreams/2012/12/gun-violence-and-the-search-for-a-scapegoat-autism-edition.html
I was out of of town and away from some of the mainstream media journalists who erroneously equate a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome as a propensity to commit heinous violent crimes.
Two more science bloggers have now posted about this crime and they like the other science bloggers are attempting to dispel those simply dreadful assumptions…I’ve posted on these blogs as well:
http://thepoxesblog.blogspot.com/ Here, Reuben Gaines addresses the problems of the NRA (National Rifle Association), soliciting for funds to support Federal, State and Local elected officials who make any attempts to remove assault rifles with 30 round magazines, implicated in at least 2 mass murders (the Washington Beltway murderers who killed 10 people and the Connecticut school murders of 20 school children and six teachers) with are the weapons “of choice” for those planning and executing these mass murders. Any elected official who attempts to tighten gun licensing of thesed assault rifles, (the third rail of politics…you *tough it-you die*), faces insurmountable odds of losing primary and general elections.
I also questioned an ignorant poster who claims that anyone who is prescribed medication for any emotional disorder on mental problems “automatically” has the potential to become a mass murderer. He’s so dead wrong. The overwhelming majority of those who have emotional and mental health issues do not commit such horrific crimes; they too have been scapegoated.
Sullivan at LB/RB has just posted an informative article in defense of those diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and the terrible “press” they have received by mainstream media since these horrific murders…by these ignorant reporters who practice the yellowest of yellow journalism:
http://leftbrainrightbrain.co.uk/2012/12/18/people-searching-for-answers-terms-leading-people-to-left-brainright-brain-articles-about-newtown/