Dear Cynthia,
All of us at ASPEN are shocked and saddened by the recent tragedy in Newtown, CT.
Our hearts are heavy as we join the rest of the country in mourning. To all the families who suffered such unimaginable losses, our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
The media coverage of this horrific crime has included speculation that the shooter may have had Asperger Syndrome. It is important to keep the following in mind:
- We do not know if the gunman had Asperger's or any other Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Though any human being is capable of violence, experts report that people with Autism Spectrum Disorders are significantly less likely to commit a planned act of violence than the general population. An Autism Spectrum diagnosis does not correlate with a predisposition towards violence.
- Violence is often a last resort for people who have reached the end of their rope. We at ASPEN support the need for expansion of mental health services to help all people in their greatest time of need.
Please visit our website or contact us if you would like more information on Asperger Syndrome/Autism Spectrum Disorder and our support groups, conferences and other services.
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