In the opinion of the professional staff at the Yale Child Study Center, individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome are more likely to be victims rather than victimizers. Obviously, they noted that there is a need for more research into the causes that led to the loss of 26 lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School, since there does not appear to be any single cause given the complex inter-relationship between availability of firearms in our society, whether the perpetrator had any undiagnosed or untreated mental health issues, and whether there were adequate mental health resources and supports available .
A conference was held with Yale Child Study Center’s Dr. Fred Volkmar, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Steve Marans of the National Center for Children Exposed to Violence to discuss moving forward.
To find information about the press conference and the statement, please visit the Yale Child Study Center website.
Press release about Asperger’s Syndrome from the Yale Child Study Center: http://childstudycenter.yale.edu/news/article.aspx?id=4550
Press conference details: http://news.yale.edu/2012/12/17/coping-tragedy-newtown