Thoughts from IDEA House concerning school shooting
We, at IDEA House, are so greatly saddened concerning the horrific events and
loss of the 26 children, teachers, and staff in Newtown Connecticut.
When something like this occurs, the country as a whole and we, as individuals,
search to find a reason to why something so tragic could come about.
There has to be a reason why Adam Lanza had a mental break.
IDEA House is a school for children with Autism. We can, without a doubt,
state that this violent act had no connection with Autism. We are not saying
he was not on the spectrum at all, we are simply stating that what caused him
to do such a thing had nothing to do with the Autism diagnosis.
Some individuals with Autism can have more than one diagnosis. They can
have mental health issues, as well. Autism, by itself, does not fall under the
mental health umbrella. It is strictly a neurodevelopmental disorder.
People on the spectrum are not associated with such violent acts.
If an individual on the spectrum, acts aggressively, they are normally reacting
to something and are not capable of premeditated violence.
There are a couple reasons why Autism could be confusing to the general public.
First, it is possible for someone with mental illness to be misdiagnosed with Autism
because they have ‘some’ Autistic traits. This can happen, trying to avoid
‘labels’ at a young age. Many personality disorders are not diagnosed until the
age of 18.
Secondly, individuals with Autism, just like individuals who don’t have Autism, can have a
mental health diagnosis, such as Borderline Personality Disorder, Antisocial
Disorder, or Schizophrenia. If an individual with Autism, does act aggressively,
AUTISM is NOT the cause.
The word ‘meltdown,’ normally associated with Autism is NOT a premeditated act of
violence against others. A ‘meltdown’ is not even a temper tantrum. It can be
caused by an unexpected change in routine, overwhelming social situations, and
any kind of overstimulation. Overstimulation can be attributed to too much
noise, bright lights, touch, and social interaction.
Many ‘meltdowns’ can be avoided with sensory breaks. Most individuals with Autism can
feel when they are on ‘overload’ and heading toward a meltdown. They have been
taught what to do in order to avoid a full-blown meltdown. Deep massages,
walking, and quiet are a few of the ways to diffuse overload.
When a full meltdown occurs, it can resemble a tantrum, but the motivation behind it
is completely different. A meltdown is caused strictly by frustration that
builds to the point of exploding without thought of manipulation in any way.
Someone, having a tantrum, wants a reaction of some sort and have a goal
connected to their behavior.
We hope that this helps you to understand Autism a little more. Actually, in
discussion with our children at the school, one boy said, “That’s not Autism,
that’s behavioral.” He was exactly right. If you would like more of an
understanding, please feel free to contact us at
shumate.ideahouse@gmail.com
or call at 330-760-49655.
Thank you
IDEA House staff
We, at IDEA House, are so greatly saddened concerning the horrific events and
loss of the 26 children, teachers, and staff in Newtown Connecticut.
When something like this occurs, the country as a whole and we, as individuals,
search to find a reason to why something so tragic could come about.
There has to be a reason why Adam Lanza had a mental break.
IDEA House is a school for children with Autism. We can, without a doubt,
state that this violent act had no connection with Autism. We are not saying
he was not on the spectrum at all, we are simply stating that what caused him
to do such a thing had nothing to do with the Autism diagnosis.
Some individuals with Autism can have more than one diagnosis. They can
have mental health issues, as well. Autism, by itself, does not fall under the
mental health umbrella. It is strictly a neurodevelopmental disorder.
People on the spectrum are not associated with such violent acts.
If an individual on the spectrum, acts aggressively, they are normally reacting
to something and are not capable of premeditated violence.
There are a couple reasons why Autism could be confusing to the general public.
First, it is possible for someone with mental illness to be misdiagnosed with Autism
because they have ‘some’ Autistic traits. This can happen, trying to avoid
‘labels’ at a young age. Many personality disorders are not diagnosed until the
age of 18.
Secondly, individuals with Autism, just like individuals who don’t have Autism, can have a
mental health diagnosis, such as Borderline Personality Disorder, Antisocial
Disorder, or Schizophrenia. If an individual with Autism, does act aggressively,
AUTISM is NOT the cause.
The word ‘meltdown,’ normally associated with Autism is NOT a premeditated act of
violence against others. A ‘meltdown’ is not even a temper tantrum. It can be
caused by an unexpected change in routine, overwhelming social situations, and
any kind of overstimulation. Overstimulation can be attributed to too much
noise, bright lights, touch, and social interaction.
Many ‘meltdowns’ can be avoided with sensory breaks. Most individuals with Autism can
feel when they are on ‘overload’ and heading toward a meltdown. They have been
taught what to do in order to avoid a full-blown meltdown. Deep massages,
walking, and quiet are a few of the ways to diffuse overload.
When a full meltdown occurs, it can resemble a tantrum, but the motivation behind it
is completely different. A meltdown is caused strictly by frustration that
builds to the point of exploding without thought of manipulation in any way.
Someone, having a tantrum, wants a reaction of some sort and have a goal
connected to their behavior.
We hope that this helps you to understand Autism a little more. Actually, in
discussion with our children at the school, one boy said, “That’s not Autism,
that’s behavioral.” He was exactly right. If you would like more of an
understanding, please feel free to contact us at
shumate.ideahouse@gmail.com
or call at 330-760-49655.
Thank you
IDEA House staff
