Virginia tech shooter had autism?

Answer 1

I just want to make clear Autism does Not Equal a shooter

There are various classifications and degrees of autism and may go unrecognized, especially in mildly affected children or when more debilitating handicaps mask it.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities defined by significant impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to different sensations.

The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary – from gifted to severely challenged. ASD begins before the age of three and lasts throughout a person's life. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and is four times more likely to occur in boys than girls.

As far as we know, there is no known evidence that Cho Seung-Hui was even Autistic.

If he was autistic he most likely had Asperger’s syndrome which is a form of autism.

Answer 2

PITTSBURGH, April 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AutismLink and Autism
Center of Pittsburgh Director Cindy Waeltermann today issued a statement
regarding the recent revelation that Virginia Tech shooter Cho Seung-Hui
was diagnosed with autism as a child.
"While the entire autism community in Pittsburgh and across the nation
are devastated by the recent events at Virginia Tech, we would like to
caution the public not to stigmatize children or individuals with autism.
Cho likely did not receive the help and support that he needed early on --
that is why early intervention is so important, and that is why places like
the Autism Center of Pittsburgh exist. The act of one individual should not
reflect upon the entire autistic population.
It is unfair to blame Cho's actions on autism when he was clearly
psychologically impaired and likely had another disorder in addition to his
autism. His psychological evaluations apparently revealed a dark history
that concluded that he was an imminent danger to himself and others and was
also depressed.
This is a wake up call that stresses the importance of early
intervention, research, and appropriate treatment strategies. Many strides
have been made in autism spectrum disorders and research has consistently
shown that when children receive the help that they need early on they are
more likely to become more adept at social and communication skills.
Autism affects 1 in 150 children and is now the most commonly diagnosed
developmental disability in the world. It is time to recognize autism for
the epidemic it is."

Answer 3

While I am confident that Asperger's was not the only mental illness experienced by the Tech madman, I can understand how untreated Asperger's could contribute to this type of behavior. I have an Aspie child at home, and I have often seen examples of detachment and blatent disregard for others that would be necessary to carry out such an act as he did. It's just part of the "other world" of Asperger's. In my experience, Asperger's patients are 100% self focused and cannot see another person's point of view. It's the nature of the syndrome. I have to tell you, it's extremely difficult to live with. With proper training they may reach a mechanical level of understanding of other people's thoughts and feelings, but it's a big effort for anyone involved in the process.
As an example, our Aspie at home thought the whole Va Tech thing was "wow ! and so funny !! " and that it would be "REALLY funny if the shooter went to my brother's campus and shot him too !!" Twisted, and quite typical of Aspie thinking, according to her Dr....
So for my vote, I can see how an Aspie could do this without conscience ...for further info, trying googling "aspie rage".

This case, horrific as it is. may bring to light the need to cure autism NOW. With all the diagnosed kids that are coming into view, there needs to be FAR more research and resources to take better care of them. It would ultimately be for the benefit of ALL of us, Aspie or not.

Answer 4

I don't agree with autism/Asperger's being used as an excuse for any criminal activity. People with all forms of autism are just as capable as "normal" people to realize shooting is a bad (wrong) thing. I have Asperger's and Bipolar disorder. I don't go around killing people. The shooter was evil, regardless of any "condition" he had.

Answer 5

First of all, AP news television picked up the word 'autism' (they say) from his 85 year old grand mother in Korea. I am not even sure she would know english or even would understand what 'autism' means. I think its crazy to even bring it up because without any medical diagnosis or evidence, no one can be sure. Secondly, autism doesn't cause violent behavior and its really unfair to people who struggle with autism to report ill-informed news items like these.

Answer 6

The only person who said he was autistic was his 82 year old grandmother. If you understand Korean culture, autism is something to be ashamed of especially with the older generation. You can't take her opinion as fact here as it's her (uninformed) hunch. I have not heard anywhere that he was officially diagnosed autistic. Being autistic does not predispose someone to violence. This person had uncontrollable rage and hatred and needed help. Please educate yourself on what autism is and more importantly what it's NOT.

Answer 7

His relative stated she thought he had autism because he rarely spoke. That's a long way from having a diagnosis of autism, unless I missed something.

Answer 8

Maybe, maybe not.

He was clearly mentally ill. Either the family was unwilling to admit that & choose to claim he was autistic instead, OR he was BOTH autistic AND mentally ill.

But autism was not to blame for this tragedy.

Answer 9

Maybe some form of Asperger's Syndrome, which is on the spectrum, but not what most people think of as "autism."

Answer 10

That's what I heard on the news. He had autism & depression. But on his video, he didn't seem like he had one. I didn't know autistic people could be so violent.