Are people with Asperger's Syndrome future murderers?

Question

I ran across this frightening tidbit. Will we have to watch for men in the night, with blank faces and bad social skills, will they talk in a monotone voice before they hurt us?

"People suffering from Asperger's syndrome have no conscience, they cannot empathize with others or show compassion. This makes them appear cold, callous, and downright evil to the outside world. "

-Dr. Bush, leading Medical-type dude

Answer 1

What a bleak and poorly supported proposal (perhaps taken out of context, but I'll work with what you've given). Appearances can belie what's truly happening on the inside (we've all seen this for ourselves). While individuals with Asperger's have many challenges, including appreciating others' points of view (developing a theory of mind), this does not mean that they cannot be helped to do so with intervention. Most people with Asperger's desire social contacts but don't know how to bring this about or sustain it. I understand that some interventions in social skills and other supports have been very helpful. It's hard for the rest of us to truly appreciate how stressful living in the world of an autism spectrum disorder really must be, and how that contributes to the behaviors that we observe. People with Asperger's are of at least average intelligence, but lack the social know-how that fosters good relationships and friendships. When anxious or stressed by environmental demands, impulsive behaviors and deficits in practical problem solving become more apparent; however, remorse does come when things are calmer . The opportunity to debrief with someone who understands their unique struggles and wants to assist them with development of more optimal strategies offers much hope. My two cents!

Answer 2

I am a Long Term Single Parent who did raise two disabled children ALONE - - and yes, one of my Children has Asperger's Syndrome (High Functioning Autism).

One of the traits of the Asperger's Syndrome individual is that they have High IQs -- and that they do have problems with social skills -- in fact, if you want to punish them for NOT following their therapy routine or not doing their homework -- MAKE them go to Social Situations and work with others their own AGE!!!!

Yes, one has to watch CAREFULLY what you say around an Asperger's Syndrome individual -- they take EVERYTHING Literally -- they see the picture in their mind's eye -- and that confuses them when you are using slang, idioms, or whatever it is that has another meaning. It can appear Callous when they speak -- because they MUST learn how to integrate and speak with others -- and it is only through consistent practice -- and the parent/therapist has to be quick about the explanations as to why what they said is RUDE seeming to another.

Most of these kids are gentle and very quick to pick up something in their areas of interest. They are very good at picking up number processing, computer programming, experimentation, anything that requires a solo effort. They do NOT do well with written language processing, so during school they usually have an aide in the classroom to help them write and focus on this skill -- and no matter how many times they practice -- it is STILL difficult for them.

They are NOT evil to the outside world -- the outside world does NOT make sense to them. It is RUDE in the EXTREME when I have had to go to the store and fit them for clothes, and the other Parents (mostly other moms) are there letting their children run around like little demons -- they touch the Asperger's Syndrome Individual - -and that IRRESPONSIBLE Parent does NOT understand when the Asperger's Syndrome individual gets UPSET, starts screaming, saying STOP STOP STOP don't touch me -- and I've had to DEAL with these RUDE and IRRESPONSIBLE Parents quite a bit -- and they NEVER understand that THEIR IRRESPONSIBILITY is what Caused the Crisis Response.

They react as if they have just jumped out of an airplane - the primary chute has failed -- and the backup is tangled. It is a flight-fright response -- they are literally protecting their lives.

Answer 3

Not any more than other groups of people. Asperger's sufferers are usually into their own worlds, as a mild form of autism. Future murderers are people who want to control or impose their will on others to an extreme degree.

Answer 4

Well, I myself have the disorder. But that DOESN'T mean I would go out commit murder....LOLOL. Believe me, I have no real desire to. I honestly think since this a fairly new disorder, more has to be learned about it, which is High Functioning Autism As for myself, I have to say the biggest disadvantage I have is the fact that I'm not from Australia. If I was from down under, then I could honestly say I'm "aussie-tistic"! ;-)

Answer 5

I don't believe so. They've also found that people with AS are usually extra intelligent in at least one subject. They believe that a lot of famous people in history had AS. I can't remember the whole list, but I do remember that Albert Einstein is one person doctors now believe showed all the symptoms of AS.

Answer 6

No we are not I have Aspergers and every person I meet says I am a kind caring person I have never wanted to murder anyone

Answer 7

As someone who has worked with peopel with AS, I must say that I, personally, very much doubt there is much to be feared from them.... At least not any more than any other group in society. Although it is true that AS patients do not normally show empathy, it does not, in any way mean that they are not sociable or that they cannot contribute to others in a positive and constructive manner. Dr Bush, I assume, is talking mostly about how AS patient look to the outside world. How they come accross, however, it must be said, has little to do with their true nature. I have only encountered one As patient who showed an interest in violence. This, however, was not untypical for a boy his age and shouldn't necessarily be seen as unhealthy for someone with AS either.

Answer 8

That’s ridiculous. No, individuals with Asperger’s syndrome or other pervasive developmental disorders are not any more likely to become violent than individuals in the general population. Decades of research have disproved the myth that individuals are more likely to be violent on the basis of mental illness alone.

Answer 9

No! People do what they want to do regaudless of the state of health or condition they are in. If you choose to kill someone it is because you chose to kill them, not because you don't have emoition or a contious. wether you don't "feel" bad, sad, or anything else for doing it has nothing to do with you killing a person. If a person kills another person, it has nothing to do with what they feel. And everything with what they want.

Answer 10

"I have Asperger's. Be afraid. Be very afraid." ...I'm only kidding. Even though I have Asperger's, I'm not going to kill you. Nor is anyone else with that same syndrome going to kill you. You must be on acid, bro. XD