Autism Rights Watch has offered a statement of support for the families and communities of Newtown Connecticut:
Autism Rights Watch Grieves for the Families after Newtown, CT Shootings
ARW starts with:
Autism Rights Watch grieves for the families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School and the community of Newtown, CT. We are devastated. Our wishes and condolences go to the many families affected. Our thoughts also go to the first responders who faced this horrific scene.
The full statement can be found at the link above, but let me pull one more paragraph. It is very difficult to address a side issue to such a horrific event, but AWR, like other autism orgs who have offered similar messages, does so with respect, informing the media of the need to include autism accurately:
The search for answers should not be a search for a scapegoat. Autism is no excuse or explanation to evil. Being “autistic”, “odd”, “awkward”, “camera shy”, a “nerd” and “uncomfortable with others” does not cause a person to become a mass murderer. Autistic persons are more likely to be victims, rather than perpetrators of violence. Autism Rights Watch urges the public and the media outlets not to stigmatize the autistic persons and their families. They already are facing segregation and prejudices on a daily basis.
Autism Rights Watch bills itself thus:
Note: Autism Rights Watch is an independent non-partisan, non-sectarian international non-profit organization dedicated to the rights and the inclusion of the persons on the autism spectrum and with other special needs. Our 501c3 status is pending. ARW is an American based NGO with significant activities in France and in Florida. It participates as an NGO to the informal network against school segregation at the Council of Europe.
Media inquiries shall be directed to contact@autismrightswatch.org
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By Matt Carey
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By Matt Carey
WE WANT TO GIVE AND RECEIVE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
WE WANT TO HELP OTHERS
WE ARE PEACE MAKERS
WE ARE AUTISTIC