Violence and autism

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Various connections have been made between violence and autism within social narratives. According to public opinion, violent behavior is common for autistic individuals, but evidence does not support autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a predisposition to delinquency or crime. Autistic people are likely to be victims of bullying, abuse and other violence.

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Violence against autistic people

14-year-old autistic adolescent in sensory withdrawal (or shutdown). Autistic teenage girl.jpg
14-year-old autistic adolescent in sensory withdrawal (or shutdown).

Autistic individuals are often victims of violence, including bullying, abuse, sexual assault and criminal acts. [1] Violence can be physical or verbal, [2] as illustrated by the frequent use of the word "autistic" as an insult. [3] [4] Autistic people, like many people with disabilities, are often victims of hate crimes, and many live in fear. [5]

A 2003 study found that children diagnosed with Asperger syndrome were more likely to be victims of violence than tormentors. [6] Violence against non-speaking autistic people is also facilitated by the fact that they are unable to talk about it and report it: [7] in general, the more a person is considered to be "in a weak situation", or as a "severe" case, the more vulnerable they are to violence and exclusion. [8] Dependence is an aggravating factor, especially if daily assistance is required for everyday activities such as meals and washing. [9] The "seriousness" of the disability can thus be invoked to justify all types of violence, including murder. [10]

In schools

Bullying is "the most common form of violence among children and adolescents," according to Park, et al. (2020). [11] Students with ASD are victims more often than other students; the prevalence of being victimized is higher than being a perpetrator of bullying. [11]

In the family environment

The changeling myth was once used to justify the abandonment and murder of autistic babies and children by their biological families. Bm138Wechselbalg.jpg
The changeling myth was once used to justify the abandonment and murder of autistic babies and children by their biological families.

Familial abuse against autistic children does not appear to be more frequent than familial abuse against non-autistic children. [14]

However, cases of infanticide, usually committed by the mother of the autistic child, [15] have been documented. [16] Dozens of murders have been reported in the Western press over the past decade, particularly in the Canadian press. [17] The Autistic Self Advocacy Network notes 36 in 2012, all involving people with disabilities, primarily autism.[ citation needed ] Each murder case is treated individually, but the general motive given for each is "autism" or "living with autism". [18] Testimony on this subject emphasizes the supposed severity of autism and the despair it is thought to generate. [19]

A form of extreme violence, the murder of autistic people by their relatives is justified by the bad public perception of autism, assimilated to a "lifelong pathology" that should be fought. [20] Some of this violence results from the medical model of autism, which promotes a vision of autism as a disease to be eradicated or an abnormality to be normalized. [21] The extreme violence is illustrated by the accounts of murderers who want to "kill autism" in the hope of making their loved ones "normal". [22]

Social class seems to be a predisposing factor to murder, as the infanticidal mothers did not have the financial resources to receive effective support for their disabled child. [23]

Distress mischaracterized as violence

According to Anne-Sophie Ferry, "Autism is not characterized by violence or outbursts of anger", though the latter sometimes results from communication difficulties or accumulated distress.[ page needed ] [24] Institutionalized non-speaking autistic adolescents may express violent behaviors such as spitting or biting, without understanding their actions. [25]

Some behavioral characteristics of autistic people are wrongly interpreted as violence by those around them, including dislike of physical contact, lack of eye contact, and lack of response to parents' voices. [7] Non-speaking autistic people may have inappropriate behavior in terms of force and impact on the other person, leading them to be characterized as violent behaviors. [25]

Further, autistic people's sensory hypersensitivities can trigger reactions that are perceived as violent. Autistic Individuals may attempt to cope with sensory overload by impulsively releasing it through actions such as avoidance or clawing gestures, often without considering the potential for violence; this violence is not intended to harm others but rather as an effort to regulate their sensory experiences. [25]

Criminal and delinquent behavior

No evidence exists suggesting an association between ASD and delinquency, and the delinquency rate is lower among autistic individuals than among allistic individuals. [26]

Individual cases of autistic criminals do not provide generalization of a predisposition to violence to the entire autistic community. [27]

A psychological profile of two mass murderers, Adam Lanza and Anders Behring Breivik, found that their actions were not explained by autism alone but rather by the intertwining of various factors, including the association between ASD and narcissistic personality disorder, which forms "a particularly 'explosive' combination that increases the risk that an autistic individual may engage in extremely violent behavior". [28] Anders Breivik was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, narcissistic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. [29]

Jeffrey Dahmer, a cannibalistic and necrophiliac serial murderer, was retrospectively diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in 2002, [30] but the accuracy of that speculative diagnosis has been questioned. [31]

Social perception

Autism is associated with inappropriate behaviors, such as violence, [24] delinquency, and crime in the English, [27] French, [32] and German media. [33]

Robert Chapman argued in 2017 that a bias exists in the way information about violence in autism is processed: violence experienced against allistic people from autistic people may receive more attention, whereas violence experienced by autistic people is invisible, or considered "normal", leading to "a collective cultural failure to recognize violence against autistic people as a significant and pressing socio cultural issue". [34]

Media portrayals of autism and violence negatively influence public opinion on autism [27] and foster negative impressions of autistic people by linking ASD with criminal behavior. [35] For example, an analysis of 100 French and Italian works of children's and young people's literature published between 1995 and 2005 featuring a main character with a disability found that autistic people are presented as violent. [36] The film The Specials has a line that autism educators "take a beating all day". [37] The American film The Accountant (2016), which features an obsessive, unempathetic autistic accountant operating as a contract killer, has been called offensive to autistic people, in part because of the violence it exhibits. [38]

Beyond fictional characterizations, news sources may perpetuate the connection between autism and violence. For instance, an American mass murderer was immediately labeled as autistic in the French media on December 14, 2012. [39] Individual cases of autistic people versed in cybercrime [40] and terrorism [41] have also been documented in the press. [27]

Activists for the rights of autistic people oppose the media exposure of a relation between autism and violence, [42] [43] arguing that social discrimination is already a source of suffering for this population. [42] Activists began to document acts of violence committed against autistic people in the 2000s, calling for a political response. [2]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asperger syndrome</span> Formerly recognized subtype of autism

Asperger syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger's syndrome or Asperger's, was a diagnosis used to describe a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. Asperger syndrome has been merged with other conditions into autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is no longer a diagnosis in the WHO's ICD-11 or the APA's DSM-5-TR. It was considered milder than other diagnoses which were merged into ASD due to relatively unimpaired spoken language and intelligence.

Diagnoses of autism have become more frequent since the 1980s, which has led to various controversies about both the cause of autism and the nature of the diagnoses themselves. Whether autism has mainly a genetic or developmental cause, and the degree of coincidence between autism and intellectual disability, are all matters of current scientific controversy as well as inquiry. There is also more sociopolitical debate as to whether autism should be considered a disability on its own.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conditions comorbid to autism</span> Medical conditions more common in autistic people

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in early childhood, persists throughout adulthood, and is characterized by difficulties in social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior. There are many conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorder, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, and epilepsy.

High-functioning autism (HFA) was historically an autism classification to describe a person who exhibited no intellectual disability but otherwise showed autistic traits, such as difficulty in social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive, restricted patterns of behavior. The term is often applied to autistic people who are fluently verbal and of at least average intelligence. However, many in medical and autistic communities have called to stop using the term, finding it simplistic and unindicative of the difficulties some autistic people face.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Autism therapies</span> Therapy aimed at autistic people

Autism therapies include a wide variety of therapies that help people with autism, or their families. Such methods of therapy seek to aid autistic people in dealing with difficulties and increase their functional independence.

The epidemiology of autism is the study of the incidence and distribution of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A 2022 systematic review of global prevalence of autism spectrum disorders found a median prevalence of 1% in children in studies published from 2012 to 2021, with a trend of increasing prevalence over time. However, the study's 1% figure may reflect an underestimate of prevalence in low- and middle-income countries.

Social Stories were devised as a tool to help autistic individuals better understand the nuances of interpersonal communication so that they could "interact in an effective and appropriate manner". Although the prescribed format was meant for high functioning people with basic communication skills, the format was adapted substantially to suit individuals with poor communication skills and low level functioning. The evidence shows that there has been minimal improvement in social interaction skills. However, it is difficult to assess whether the concept would have been successful if it had been carried out as designed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Societal and cultural aspects of autism</span>

Societal and cultural aspects of autism or sociology of autism come into play with recognition of autism, approaches to its support services and therapies, and how autism affects the definition of personhood. The autistic community is divided primarily into two camps; the autism rights movement and the pathology paradigm. The pathology paradigm advocates for supporting research into therapies, treatments, and/or a cure to help minimize or remove autistic traits, seeing treatment as vital to help individuals with autism, while the neurodiversity movement believes autism should be seen as a different way of being and advocates against a cure and interventions that focus on normalization, seeing it as trying to exterminate autistic people and their individuality. Both are controversial in autism communities and advocacy which has led to significant infighting between these two camps. While the dominant paradigm is the pathology paradigm and is followed largely by autism research and scientific communities, the neurodiversity movement is highly popular among most autistic people, within autism advocacy, autism rights organizations, and related neurodiversity approaches have been rapidly growing and applied in the autism research field in the last few years.

Asperger syndrome (AS) was formerly a separate diagnosis under autism spectrum disorder. Under the DSM-5 and ICD-11, patients formerly diagnosable with Asperger syndrome are diagnosable with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The term is considered offensive by some autistic individuals. It was named after Hans Asperger (1906–80), who was an Austrian psychiatrist and pediatrician. An English psychiatrist, Lorna Wing, popularized the term "Asperger's syndrome" in a 1981 publication; the first book in English on Asperger syndrome was written by Uta Frith in 1991 and the condition was subsequently recognized in formal diagnostic manuals later in the 1990s.

Within the study of human behavior, the Low Arousal Approach was developed by Professor Andrew McDonnell in the 1990s, and is now an internationally recognized model of behavior support. A low arousal approach to managing behavior of concern or challenging behavior focuses on stress and well-being, as well as how care givers respond in moments of crisis. Arousal refers to physiological arousal in response to stress, as opposed to sexual arousal. A low arousal approach to supporting individuals with additional needs aims to avoid confrontational situations and instead walk the path of least resistance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Classic autism</span> Former neurodevelopmental disorder now classified under autism spectrum disorder

Classic autism, also known as childhood autism, autistic disorder, (early) infantile autism, infantile psychosis, Kanner's autism, Kanner's syndrome, or (formerly) just autism, is a neurodevelopmental condition first described by Leo Kanner in 1943. It is characterized by atypical and impaired development in social interaction and communication as well as restricted, repetitive behaviors, activities, and interests. These symptoms first appear in early childhood and persist throughout life.

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive, restricted, and inflexible patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as well as deficits in social communication and social interaction, and the presence of high or low sensory sensitivity. The underlying spectrum of ASD results in a variety of manifestations and support needs of the disorder. For example, some are nonverbal, while others have proficient spoken language.

The history of autism spans over a century; autism has been subject to varying treatments, being pathologized or being viewed as a beneficial part of human neurodiversity. The understanding of autism has been shaped by cultural, scientific, and societal factors, and its perception and treatment change over time as scientific understanding of autism develops.

Sex and gender differences in autism exist regarding prevalence, presentation, and diagnosis.

Discrimination against autistic people involves any form of discrimination, persecution, or oppression against people who are autistic. Despite contention over its status as a disability, discrimination against autistic people is considered to be a form of ableism.

Hypercalculia is "a specific developmental condition in which the ability to perform mathematical calculations is significantly superior to general learning ability and to school attainment in maths." A 2002 neuroimaging study of a child with hypercalculia suggested greater brain volume in the right temporal lobe. Serial SPECT scans revealed hyperperfusion over right parietal areas during performance of arithmetic tasks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Autism and LGBTQ identities</span>

Current research indicates that autistic people have higher rates of LGBTQ identities and feelings than the general population. A variety of explanations for this have been proposed, such as prenatal hormonal exposure, which has been linked with sexual orientation, gender dysphoria and autism. Alternatively, autistic people may be less reliant on social norms and thus are more open about their orientation or gender identity. A narrative review published in 2016 stated that while various hypotheses have been proposed for an association between autism and gender dysphoria, they lack strong evidence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Equine-assisted therapy on autistic people</span> Animal-assisted therapy for autism

Equine-assisted therapy or equine-assisted therapy on autistic people is a therapy using a mediating horse or pony. A session can take place on foot or on horseback. Equine-assisted therapy is one of the few animal-assisted therapies regularly studied for its effectiveness, and the most popular of all autism therapies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Autism in France</span> The history of autism in France

The history of autism in France is marked by the strong influence of psychoanalysis, and by the persistence of institutionalization practices that violate the fundamental rights of autistic people. According to estimates at the end of 2016, 0.7 to 1% of the French population has an autism spectrum disorder, most of which is undiagnosed, leading to varying degrees of disability.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Employment of autistic people</span>

The employment of autistic people is a social issue that is being addressed more and more frequently. People with autism suffer one of the lowest employment rates among workers with disabilities, with between 76% and 90% of autistic people being unemployed in Europe in 2014 and approximately 85% in the US in 2023. Similarly, in the United Kingdom 71% of autistic adults are unemployed. This is despite the fact, that "approximately 50% of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have an IQ in the average to high range and do not have any additional physical needs." Young autistic adults are the most unemployed group when compared to people with learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or speech/language impairment.

References

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  19. ↑ McGuire (2016a , pp. 201–220)
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  23. ↑ McGuire (2016a , pp. 210–211)
  24. 1 2 Le Callennec; Chapel (2016). Autisme: La grande enquête. Préface de Josed Schovanec[Autism: The big survey] (in French). Paris: Les Arènes. ISBN   9782352045298.
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  27. 1 2 3 4 Maras, Mulcahy & Crane (2015 , p. 515)
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  30. ↑ Silva, JA; Ferrari, MM; Leong, GB (November 2002). "The case of Jeffrey Dahmer: sexual serial homicide from a neuropsychiatric developmental perspective". Forensic Sci. 47 (6) (6 ed.): 47–59. PMID   12455663.
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  32. ↑ Gravillon, Isabelle (20 May 2016). "La France peut mieux faire". L'École des parents: 27–34. ISSN   0424-2238.
  33. ↑ Schmidt & Sachs (2014)
  34. ↑ Chapman, Robert (27 July 2017). "We need to talk about the domestic abuse of autistic adults" . The Establishment. Retrieved 14 November 2017.
  35. ↑ Brewer, Neil; Zoanetti, Jordana; Young, Robyn (1 January 2017). "The influence of media suggestions about links between criminality and autism spectrum disorder". Autism. 21 (1): 117–121. doi:10.1177/1362361316632097. PMID   27132012. S2CID   3460552.
  36. ↑ Laurence, Joselin (14 August 2014). Reprèsentations plurielles des héros en situation de handicap dans la littérature de jeunesse. ERES. ISBN   9782749237312.
  37. ↑ "[Film] Hors normes : quand l'autisme crève l'écran". Le Média Social. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
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  39. ↑ Wacjman, Claude (6 February 2014). "Que nous enseigne la controverse sur l'autisme?". Psychologie Clinique. 36: 8–30. doi:10.1051/psyc/201438008 . Retrieved 5 April 2017.
  40. ↑ "Londres : 8 ans de prison pour le cyber-terroriste ultra connecté". Ouest-France . 2 May 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
  41. ↑ "Londres : un étudiant autiste coupable d'avoir posé une bombe dans le métro". Le Figaro . 3 May 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
  42. 1 2 Lutz, Amy S. F. (17 December 2012). "Don't Be Afraid of People With Autism". Slate . Retrieved 24 September 2017.
  43. ↑

Bibliography

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