Murder, yes. Autism, says who?

[sammason]

No doubt I'm not the only person to have noticed that the spree killer who murdered dozens in an American school, a few days ago, is being described as a 'loner' and a 'Goth', an 'intelligent' boy who 'nobody really knew'. No doubt I'm not the only person to have wondered whether that lad were autistic. Stereotype rears its head

Comments

[nightshade1972]

The thing that disturbed me most about the news coverage (apart from the crime itself) is that the media seem intent on using "autism" and "personality disorder" as interchangeable terms. THEY'RE NOT! Genuine autistics have, generally speaking, sensory processing difficulties. That has nothing to do with one's personality or character!

[sammason]

Yes indeed. I too would have mixed up those terms, until I e-met autists on LJ, and I'm sure plenty of people need educating on this point. Also on the point about sensory processing. People mostly understand that deafness, blindness and so on are real disabilities. There's no reason why neuro-atypical people shouldn't be believed too.