My post states my viewpoint on the media's comments as it related to the shooting/shooter and Autism. Visit: http://www.empowernetwork.com/readytorelease.php?id=safaalima

1. Autism and the Sandy Hook Shooting
http://www.empowernetwork.com/safaalima/blog/is- autism- the- reason- behind- the- sandy- hook- killing December 19, 2012
My heart deeply goes out to all in this dreadful attack. I watched the
news channels and read various articles where this horrible mass murder
could be attributed due to Lanza’s supposed Autism/Asperger condition.
The killer was described as a “loner” “different” “odd” and then suddenly
stated he falls under “Autism Spectrum/Asperger” with an abundance of
stigmas as it relates to Autism.
Just so everyone knows the umbrella of Aut ism Spectrum Disorder-NOS
and Asperger’s are not forms of mental illness. They are in fact,
neurological disabilities or disorders. The new DSM-V diagnosis will now
have Asperger’s as a separate diagnosis which does not fall under the
Autism Disorder-NOS, and will no longer be associated with Autism. The
diagnosis of Autism is a condition that is usually detected by the age of 3
and lasts a lifetime. If you looked up mental illness and when it is usually
detected, it generally does not appear until the young adult or teenage
years. The stereotype that has been placed on Autism or Autistic children
as violent “odd” children has me a bit confused. All children do odd things
and any one can be violent. The “psychopath, sociopath and homicidal
tendency should stand alone and not be associated with Autism. Autistic children can be
aggressive at times but, this is usually due to frustration and the inability to express themselves
verbally and sometimes because of their sensory issues. For example, my daughter tends to cover
her ears when a room is too loud and might sometimes hit her head with her fist because of her
high sensitivity.
It was also stated that people with Autism lack empathy. An Autistic child may have a hard time
interpreting the emotions of others due to a lack in social interactions and or being able to express
themselves verbally at times. Their way of expressing empathy may not be that of the so called
‘normal child.” For example my Autistic daughter, is in fact, the most loving child that will hug and
kiss you. Her way of doing so will, be a soft touch to the face, kiss on the arm or rubbing your
elbow. In fact, she is sometimes more attune to what I am feeling than her brother that has no
disability. On the other hand, most autistic children are not really touchy, do not like to be touched
and like their space to be respected but, who does not.
It is amazing that the media has associated Autism as the reason or supposed cause behind this
senseless violent act on these children. I am a parent of two children and it saddened me to hear
and watch the news as I felt the pain and grieved for the parents. Then I sat back to listen to the
media peel away at Autism and people with Autism as if they aren’t recoil from society enough.
Autistic children run the risk of typically being picked on, abused and taken advantage of sadly.
Once we all gain a better understanding of various conditions and how to assist with the
treatment of them, we can embrace all children. Being a loner doesn’t make you strange. Does
talking to much or being popular make you better than a loner? Looking at why a person is a loner
and addressing the behaviors of each child is the issues. This is one way to help them adjust to
matriculating to adulthood and be positive citizens in society. The real issue at hand is the lack of
fear of authority, be it God or whomever and gun laws. So before we brand every child who has a
disability that we come across, we should be mindful to lift them up and empower them so they
can grow up to be a positive member in the community. In my own words, reach one, teach one.
My heart once again goes out to all those that lost loved ones in this sad situation, may you be

2. touched with the strength and love from my heart to yours.
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To Your Success,
Safa Alima
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About The Author: saf aalima
I'm originally from Trinidad, West Indies and currently reside in the US. I have a true
passion for Youth & Personal Development, Fitness, Health, Wellness, Marketing,
Beauty & Fashion. I provide personal training and enjoy helping clients change their
lives. To me, Health and Wellness is the foundation and one of the first steps to a healthy lifestyle.
I also love blogging about real life topics "SafaSpeaks" and enjoy sharing my insight on beauty and
fashion. I have a strong will to succeed and keep on trucking no matter what. Some may talk,
others may walk but....I choose to "RUN!" We can change the way we view life daily with Strong
Aspiration and a Fantastic Attitude. OneLove Everyone!