Asperger's Syndrome News: 2012-12-23

Thursday, December 27, 2012

EXCLUSIVE: Fear of being committed may have caused Connecticut gunman to snap

The gunman who slaughtered 20 children and six adults at a Connecticut elementary school may have snapped because his mother was planning to commit him to a psychiatric facility, according to a lifelong resident of the area who was familiar with the killer’s family and several of the victims’ families. via http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/18/fear-being-committed-may-have-caused-connecticut-madman-to-snap/?

Living an extraordinary life with Asperger's - Lincoln Journal Star

Lincoln Journal Star Living an extraordinary life with Asperger's Lincoln Journal Star Noah Weiss, 25, wears a scarf made by a cousin -- with red and white stripes to represent Weiss' time at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and purple and white stripes to represent Northwestern University, where he is a graduate student in applied ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFZ2dOnhuPsO_OaTA3Pz2hWgHXx5Q&url=http://journalstar.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/living-an-extraordinary-life-with-asperger-s/article_0817ccdc-895b-571d-b3cf-adb0dcc4796d.html

What's in a name? Losing Asperger's label not such a big change

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Struggling to describe her son, Suzanne Kolen of Long Island, New York, uses a friend's recent description: He's the 13-year-old boy bouncing down the road in the rain looking very much like Winnie the Pooh's friend, Tigger. "He's a genuinely happy kid," Kolen says of her son, a bright boy who loves nature and paleontology and has never been defined by his diagnosis of ... via http://news.yahoo.com/whats-name-losing-aspergers-label-not-big-change-071950613.html

WHEN SCIENCE DOESN'T COUNT

When the press reported that Adam Lanza had Asperger's syndrome (part of the autism spectrum disorders) and other unspecified personality problems, the autism community swung into action in a way that is totally understandable. The Associated Press' headline: "Experts: No Link Between Asperger's, Violence."The vast majority of autistic people are not violent. Autistics like Temple Grandin, the ... via http://news.yahoo.com/science-doesnt-count-000207198.html

Kids on autism spectrum appearing more on TV, but is media getting it right?

TORONTO - When "Parenthood" creator Jason Katims created the character Max Braverman — an intelligent, inscrutable, insect-obsessed youngster with Asperger's — he had in mind his own son, Sawyer, who was similarly diagnosed. via http://ca.news.yahoo.com/kids-autism-spectrum-appearing-more-tv-media-getting-140008542.html

Parents of children with Asperger's concerned after Newtown ...

Teachers and friends say the Newtown murderer had Asperger's syndrome - a mild form of autism. While there's no link between Asperger's and violence, the public backlash against the condition has been. ... ProsOnline · Healthcare Pros · Home Pros · Win & Save · News Plus · Obituaries · Business Center · Recycled Rides · Send it to 12 · Coupons · Advertise on NBC12. Posted: Dec 19, 2012 2:13 PM PST Updated: Dec 20, 2012 6:09 AM PST. Most Popular Stories ... via http://www.nbc12.com/story/20386590/woman-with-aspergers-defends-the-condition

guest commentary Asperger's syndrome is nothing to fear - Denver Post

guest commentary Asperger's syndrome is nothing to fear Denver Post Mild autism or Asperger's syndrome does not appear to put one at a greater risk for suicide or violent behavior towards others, although that question is being asked in the media due to recent circumstances. On Dec. 2, a young man in Wyoming identified ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHtR5bZTzuK9Rk14CUATBc4vopk6w&url=http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_22240080/aspergers-syndrome-is-nothing-fear

Asperger's not to blame for Newtown | WIVB.com

The shooter for the Connecticut shooting may have had Asperger's Syndrome. ... Home : Health : Health News : ... She's seen hundreds of patients and knows that violent behavior is unusual in those who have Asperger's. via http://www.wivb.com/dpp/health/health_news/aspergers-not-to-blame-for-newtown

Killer, 28, with Asperger's syndrome handed life term - This is Cornwall

This is Cornwall Killer, 28, with Asperger's syndrome handed life term This is Cornwall The jury, who heard that McFarland suffers from Asperger's syndrome, rejected a defence submission that at the time he was suffering from diminished responsibility. His counsel, Simon Laws QC, told the judge on Friday that McFarland had been reluctant ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEznJmpBoLs2_jwUviIq5AO4qgZZA&url=http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Killer-28-Asperger-s-syndrome-handed-life-term/story-17691221-detail/story.html

5 important facts and misconceptions about Asperger's syndrome

Crucial info about the developmental disorder that reportedly afflicted the alleged shooter in the Newtown massacre — and has been linked, incorrectly, to violent tendencies via http://news.yahoo.com/5-important-facts-misconceptions-aspergers-syndrome-165100613.html

Media continues to connect Asperger's with planned violence - Examiner.com

Examiner.com Media continues to connect Asperger's with planned violence Examiner.com Even after the outcry from people with Asperger's and parents of children with developmental disorders, the media is still making attempts to link Asperger's with planned acts of violence. A story reported on Christmas is the latest to include ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHtb8P21avk-eMUADHDT_LQI2k72g&url=http://www.examiner.com/article/media-continues-to-connect-asperger-s-with-planned-violence

Possible Asperger's connection to shooting sparks fear, outrage - Norwalk Citizen

Possible Asperger's connection to shooting sparks fear, outrage Norwalk Citizen Leticia Crespo, of Monroe, holds her 7-year-old son, Jaden, who has autism, at their home in Monroe, Conn. Crespo fears that reports linking Adam Lanza to autism spectrum disorders will hinder efforts to remove the stigma about the condition. Photo ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHmxeEw-syTs5Ojwc05yab1IfmdZw&url=http://www.norwalkcitizenonline.com/news/article/Possible-Asperger-s-connection-to-shooting-sparks-4146675.php

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

People with Asperger's Syndrome, Potentially Violent?

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/12/16/aspergers-autism-not-linked-to-violence-experts. Despite media reports alleging that the gunman involved in the Connecticut school shootings had Asperger's ... via http://www.disabled-world.com/editorials/violent.php

Adam Lanza and Asperger's reports: Parents of children with syndrome worry ... - Lebanon Daily News

Adam Lanza and Asperger's reports: Parents of children with syndrome worry ... Lebanon Daily News WATERFORD, Conn. - For Julie Shafer and her 10-year-old son, Caleb, a meticulous routine helps them maneuver through each day. Wake up at 6 a.m. Leave for school exactly 95 minutes later. Spaghetti for dinner on Mondays. Hot dogs on Tuesdays. via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGV-OVAPEegJrMaVxDu4oB8lBWKdw&url=http://www.ldnews.com/ci_22237672/adam-lanza-and-aspergers-reports-parents-children-syndrome?source%3Dmost_emailed

Newtown shootings: Don't associate Asperger's with violent ...

The Kingston Daily Freeman is your source for all Hudson Valley 24-hour breaking news, local news, sports, entertainment and more. View daily weather updates, watch videos and photos. Keep up with Kingston's News and ... via http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2012/12/20/news/doc50d3743d7430a664870841.txt

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Asperger's, guns, and divorce: What we know about Connecticut massacre suspect Adam Lanza

The nation mourns for the victims in Newtown and asks who could commit such an unthinkable crime. Slowly, a portrait of the alleged killer is emerging via http://news.yahoo.com/aspergers-guns-divorce-know-connecticut-massacre-suspect-adam-084800315.html

Don't Stigmatize Asperger's Syndrome in Wake of Newtown Massacre

My son cradled the iPad and scanned The New York Times article I had downloaded: "A Gunman, Recalled as Intelligent and Shy, Who Left Few Footprints in Life." It said mass murderer Adam Lanza may have had Asperger's syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism. via http://news.yahoo.com/dont-stigmatize-aspergers-syndrome-wake-newtown-massacre-214334938--politics.html

Experts: No link between Asperger's, violence

While an official has said that the 20-year-old gunman in the Connecticut school shooting had Asperger's syndrome, experts say there is no connection between the disorder and violence. via http://news.yahoo.com/experts-no-between-aspergers-violence-014413244.html

New Asperger's Rule: 'What Does This Mean for My Son?'

Timing is everything. Less than three years after my son was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome — and just three days after I published a magazine article about his condition — the American Psychiatric Association dropped Aspies from the psychiatrist’s “bible.” via http://news.yahoo.com/aspergers-rule-does-mean-son-115439753--politics.html

Sanjay Gupta on Asperger's - News and Current Events

Wrong Planet - Aspergers and Autism Community. ... topic Reply to topic, Wrong Planet Autism Forum Index -> News and Current Events ... Post Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 1:33 pm Post subject: Sanjay Gupta on Asperger's, Reply with quote ... via http://www.wrongplanet.net/postt218756.html

Police find no evidence Connecticut gunman was on medication

Police have found no evidence that the troubled gunman who killed 20 children and six adults in a Connecticut elementary school was being treated with any drugs that might have tamed the mental illness that authorities believe drove his murderous rage, according to a report. via http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/18/police-find-no-evidence-connecticut-gunman-was-on-medication/?

With autism's definition set to change, Asperger's patients could lose services - ReporterHerald.com

With autism's definition set to change, Asperger's patients could lose services ReporterHerald.com Matthew Kolen, who was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome at age eight, practices playing the piano during a lesson in Long Island, New York on April 20, 2012. Matthew's diagnosis will soon be dropped in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGb72YFqaaofAxPvgEaV6k0n0VlnQ&url=http://www.reporterherald.com/ci_22239759/autisms-definition-set-change-aspergers-patients-could-lose

Medical examiner seeks genetic clues to Connecticut school gunman as funerals continue

Connecticut's chief medical examiner will seek genetic clues in hopes of explaining why a gunman killed 20 children and six adults in a Newtown elementary school as funerals and memorial services for the victims continue throughout the state on Wednesday. via http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/19/medical-examiner-seeks-genetic-clues-to-connecticut-school-gunman/?

CT shooting raises questions about mental health, part 1

What signs should be watched for? via http://video.foxnews.com/v/2050340636001/ct-shooting-raises-questions-about-mental-health-part-1?

Toby W. Liebowitz: Asperger's syndrome and mental illness - The Providence Journal (blog)

Toby W. Liebowitz: Asperger's syndrome and mental illness The Providence Journal (blog) In reaction to the recent killings in Newtown, Conn., I am writing about how incompetent our country in general, and Rhode Island in particular, are in dealing with mental-health issues. I am particularly upset about the lack of services regarding ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFkr6say5QPiu04pl6cTpbg2AiQSQ&url=http://blogs.providencejournal.com/ri-talks/this-new-england/2012/12/toby-w-liebowitzaspergers-syndrome-and-mental-illness.html

Experts: No link between Asperger's, violence - Coshocton Tribune

Experts: No link between Asperger's , violence Coshocton Tribune NEW YORK — While an official has said that the 20-year-old gunman in the Connecticut school shooting had Asperger's syndrome, experts say there is no connection between the disorder and violence. Asperger's is a mild form of autism often characterized ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNE5feyX7IfR11aMj1UldgSn1d0F_w&url=http://www.coshoctontribune.com/viewart/20121222/NEWS01/312220012/Experts-No-link-between-Asperger-s-violence

Experts reject link of Ausperger's to violence - Palm Beach Post

Experts reject link of Ausperger's to violence Palm Beach Post A young man goes on an unthinkable spree of carnage in an elementary school and one of the first things we know about him through accounts in the media quoting various neighbors and friends is that he has Asperger syndrome, a condition on what is ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHhVMdNMP3fZIABfRkHw7S4sNXxOA&url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/local-education/experts-reject-link-of-auspergers-to-violence/nTd3K/

Marin Voice: Facts, misperceptions about Asperger's syndrome - Marin Independent-Journal

Marin Voice: Facts, misperceptions about Asperger's syndrome Marin Independent-Journal IN THIS TME of care and concern for the people involved in the terrible tragedy in Newtown, Conn., it is important that we continue to gather information and work to better understand all of our community members, including those with developmental ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHLT0Lir0eI4joB6cZ_fou5J6a-iw&url=http://www.marinij.com/opinion/ci_22243138/marin-voice-facts-misperceptions-about-aspergers-syndrome

Monday, December 24, 2012

In-Depth: Discussing the Truth About Asperger's Syndrome

... medical experts said hold on. There is no evidence Asperger's triggers violence. We talk to Megan Belcher, a member of our Eyewintness News team on the production side. She has also been diagnosed with Asperger's. via http://tristatehomepage.com/fulltext?nxd_id=571022

Asperger's not an explanation for Lanza's Connecticut killing spree ...

By many accounts, Adam Lanza didn't fit in. Family friends and neighbors describe a young man who went far beyond shy in avoiding people, who had few or no friends, and who dressed unlike most of peers, buttoning up his ... via http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/18/15994353-aspergers-not-an-explanation-for-lanzas-connecticut-killing-spree-experts-say?lite

What's in a name? Losing Asperger's label not such a big change - Reuters

What's in a name? Losing Asperger's label not such a big change Reuters "He's a genuinely happy kid," Kolen says of her son, a bright boy who loves nature and paleontology and has never been defined by his diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism marked by social awkwardness and narrow interests that make ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNE8c8QMcsf3uMajMHtpDpQaMqLjmQ&url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/21/us-autism-diagnosis-idUSBRE8BK08G20121221

Asperger's referenced in Wyo. college killing note

A bizarre, rambling suicide note left behind by a man who police say killed his father in front of a handful of students in a Wyoming community college classroom extols eugenics and blames his father for the genes he said caused him to have Asperger's syndrome. via http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/19/wyo-college-killer-suicide-note-blames-asperger-for-troubles-life-as-bottom/?

Asperger's and Violence: Experts Weigh In

Reports that Newtown shooter Adam Lanza had Asperger's syndrome, a highly functioning form of autism, have led some to wonder whether that diagnosis could have played a role in the mass shooting, which killed 20 ... via http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/news/20121218/aspergers-violence

Adam Lanza and Asperger's syndrome reports: Parents of children with ... - Denver Post

Adam Lanza and Asperger's syndrome reports: Parents of children with ... Denver Post Considered a high-functioning form of autism, Asperger's is a developmental disability that is characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication with others. The neurological disorder is usually not diagnosed until a child enters ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGOqvHq6O6RLfSE2t8sVlPGD6L-fA&url=http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_22230225/adam-lanza-and-aspergers-syndrome-reports-parents-children

Adam Lanza and Asperger's syndrome reports: Parents of children with ... Lebanon Daily News WATERFORD, Conn. -- For Julie Shafer and her 10-year-old son, Caleb, a meticulous routine helps them maneuver through each day. Wake up at 6 a.m. Leave for school exactly 95 minutes later. Spaghetti for dinner on Mondays. Hot dogs on Tuesdays. via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNE0Y0qxkSy6Dlr_AbwozI0srqqP1Q&url=http://www.ldnews.com/ci_22233473/adam-lanza-and-aspergers-syndrome-reports-parents-children?source%3Dmost_viewed

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Expert: Asperger's not linked to violence - UPI.com

Expert: Asperger's not linked to violence UPI.com Asperger's syndrome is considered to be on the mild end of autism spectrum disorders. People with Asperger syndrome have difficulty primarily in three areas: social interaction, engaging in repetitive behavior and rigidity in thinking, and a focus on ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFD1LXE3n5BSdzlnVaT6pISp65BJA&url=http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2012/12/22/Expert-Aspergers-not-linked-to-violence/UPI-27471356232063/

Asperger's Disorder and Violence - Yale News - Yale University

Asperger's disorder has been much discussed in this context. The issues are complex because the literature on this issue is quite limited. Frequently, the concept is used in an overly broad and imprecise way, and, finally, ... via http://news.yale.edu/2012/12/17/asperger-s-disorder-and-violence-0

Asperger's referenced in Wyo. college killing note

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A bizarre, rambling suicide note left behind by a man who police say killed his father in front of a handful of students in a Wyoming community college classroom extols eugenics and blames his father for the genes he said caused him to have Asperger's syndrome. via http://news.yahoo.com/aspergers-referenced-wyo-college-killing-note-001438492.html

US Shooting: Doubts Over Lanza Asperger's Claim

A psychologist has told Sky News the actions of mass killer Adam Lanza were not consistent with someone who has Asperger's syndrome. via http://uk.news.yahoo.com/us-shooting-doubts-over-lanza-aspergers-claim-223332703.html

We're just like you: Readers support Asperger's community - CNN

We're just like you: Readers support Asperger's community CNN (CNN) -- CNN.com assignment producer Michael Ryan recently opened up about his Asperger's syndrome, saying, "For the most part, I am just like you, just a bit quirky. All right, a lot quirky." Like Ryan, CNN's readers are worried about the ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHyAP83yB0bAJ0AH0isTVLaK-bw9w&url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/21/health/aspergers-reader-comments/index.html

SARATOGA COUNTY — When the public learned that Adam Lanza, the suspect in the heartrending school shootings in Newton, Conn., had Asperger's syndrome, the reaction was strong, with some people quick to blame the ... via http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2012/12/20/news/doc50d2b95b1482d751169056.txt

Asperger's not an explanation for Lanza's Connecticut killing spree, experts say NBCNews.com (blog) While much remains unknown about the Sandy Hook school shooting, we're learning more about one of the victims – gunman Adam Lanza's mother, who owned all of the weapons recovered at the scene. NBC's Mike Isikoff reports, and four of her friends join ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGjLzYFHyzI9J8ooOc6N9z-vMEEPA&url=http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/18/15994353-aspergers-not-an-explanation-for-lanzas-connecticut-killing-spree-experts-say

Parents of children with Asperger's concerned after Newtown ...

Parents of children with Asperger's concerned after Newtown - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News, Weather, Traffic & Sports. SITE SEARCH WEB SEARCH BY Google. HOME · Text Alert User Center · All Access · Horoscopes ... via http://www.nbc12.com/story/20386590/woman-with-aspergers-defends-the-condition

Concerns raised in wake of massacre about removing Asperger's from psych ... - Fox News

Concerns raised in wake of massacre about removing Asperger's from psych ... Fox News “It's important to note – even if he did have Asperger's , which has not yet been confirmed – this condition would not cause him to commit a horrible act of violence alone,” said Dr. Keith Ablow, a forensic psychiatrist a member of the Fox News Medical ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNH6bcZzGbdueNdWxQaRo9ZeDnG7dA&url=http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/12/17/new-concerns-over-removal-aspergers-from-psychiatric-manual-in-wake-newtown/

Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions of Asperger's Disorder - NBC Bay Area

NBC Bay Area Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions of Asperger's Disorder NBC Bay Area The Sandy Hook massacre has placed the medical disorder called Asperger's Syndrome in the national spotlight. Marianne Favro spoke to one man who wants to refocus that light. Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions... Link; Embed; Email. Copy. Close ... via http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGzWMMOYoIBL43wiWoLpLrWkY2g-g&url=http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Bay-Area-Man-With-Aspergers-Speaks-Out-184191731.html

Asperger's not to blame for Newtown | WIVB.com

Home : Health : Health News : Video; Photo. Asperger's not to blame for Newtown. Regular Photo Size. Must-See Video. Boy cancer patient becomes honorary soldier. Army swears in boy with cancer. A Baltimore boy with ... via http://www.wivb.com/dpp/health/health_news/aspergers-not-to-blame-for-newtown