Adam Lanza Suffered From Asperger's Syndrome -- Cause Of Shooting?

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Adam reportedly suffered from this mild form of autism which is known for causing difficulties with social interaction but it’s not known to cause violent behavior. Read on for the shocking new details on Adam’s mental state at the time of the shooting.

Many new clues on Adam Lanza‘s emotional issues are coming out and now a new report claims that the 20-year-old had Asperger’s syndrome. A law enforcement official who wanted to remain anonymous claims that Adam, who was reportedly burning himself with a lighter in the weeks leading up to the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, did indeed suffer from this.

Asperger’s is known to cause significant impacts on those who suffer from the syndrome. People who have Asperger’s are known to have problems with social interaction, a hard time enjoying achievements with others, issues with eye contact, posture, gestures and sometimes characterized as “social awkwardness.”

We recently told you that Adam had been burning himself to try to be able to “feel something.” Richard Novia. the head of security at the Newtown school district remembers having to have extra supervision around Adam.

“He was very withdrawn and meek,” Richard told the WSJ. “[Adam] was one of those freshmen coming in very much in need of watching,” however, “At that point in his life, he posed no threat to anyone else. We were worried about him being the victim or that he could hurt himself.”

One little girl who survived recounted the terrifying events of the day:

“I was in the gym and I heard like seven loud booms. And the gym teachers told us to go into the corner so we all huddled. I kept hearing these booming noises. We all started crying so all the gym teachers told us to go into the office where no one could find us. Then a police officer came in and told us to run outside.”

ABC

— Chloe Melas

More On Adam Lanza & the Sandy Hook Elementary School Tragedy:

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I have been an amateur scientist since I was 24 years old. I am now 56 and just recently diagnosed with asperger’s syndrome – something I had all my life and didn’t know it. So far, I cannot find a single incident of any professionally diagnosed patient with autism or asperger’s ever killing anybody. The nature of autism always is destructive to oneself without the self being aware of it. I think Adam Lanza planned a suicide, but was going to take down as many innocents as possible. This is more sociopath behavior. Sociopath behavior is not found (so far as I know) in any one with autism or asperger’s on any level. I’d appreciate anyone finding evidence to refute my limited research, but of course I expect you to be a researcher yourself. I don’t have time to waste on those who are ignorant of the scientific method.

Jim Costello

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First of all, autism or asperger syndrome has never been a contributing factor to violent behavior, nor was it this time!

However, there is something far, far worse than a school shooter, with or without autism or aspergers syndrome involved. It’s the hate-mongering ignoramuses who masquerade as journalists while goading even dumber ignoramuses and idiots into harming and killing thousands more! While I cherish the right to free speech, I’m afraid the Riot Act needs to be extended over such garbage as this, with the facts so twisted and contrive, and it’s evil purpose so cyrstal clear!

You’re an idiot who knows nothing about us Aspies.

I am disgusted! That Hollywood author is retarded

Adam had Asperger’s Syndrome and the baby-sitter was told to never turn his back on Adam. He was living in the basement of his mother’s home. He had posters of guns on the walls.

just because he has Asperger’s (or is suspected to have), does NOT mean it is the culprit..

being someone that has Asperger’s, whoever wrote this needed to do their research a little frakking bit more before making this. I’m doing my best to contain my temper right now, because, you know, self-mutilation is a sign of DEPRESSION, STUPID!! It is so freaking pathetic how people just instantly connect all of this to Asperger’s, I mean, for one you arent ‘afflicted’ with it. It’s just a condition. I do NOT suffer from it; I blossom.

Exactly!!! My son has Aspergers, and the condition that they are talking about Adam being in is NOT the syndrome. I am afraid that now more stupid people will fear people with Asperger’s.

Whats wrong with this article? people with AS spend their lives being pushed around and ridiculed so its not suprising that some have hatred of people and are violent.

As a speech pathologist who works with kids with Asperger’s, you are flat out wrong. Children with Asperger’s may appear shy in social settings (not all, some) but they are not violent by any means. This article should be removed promptly.

Thank you @ Do Your Research!

Chloe your an idiot.

As an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, I find it horrible that the media are citing Asperger’s Syndrome as one of the causes of the shooting. Do some research before you start “reporting” things like this.

Autism had nothing to do with this

I’ve seen children and adults with it killing
Didn’t interpret in their minds “they were scared of people period ” killing and make “autism” like is a danger or evil illness no no no that BS he is a murderer finish ‘just sayin’

First off: BEFORE YOU REPORT ANYTHING REMOTELY USEFUL: KNOW YOUR FACTS !!!!
I also have Asperger’s and I have been a victim of other epople’s tempers and anger. This is NOT reporting. HL (namely, YOU, Chloe) should have an attorney in house. Or on retainer.I see LOTS of lawsuits coming your way.

Jes’ sayin’.

I am completely disgusted by the fact that you are “reporting” that aspergers caused this horrific incident. People with aspergers do not need a stigma added to their already difficult lives. It is irresponsible and incorrect to blame aspergers for this. If this monster had aspergers it didn’t cause this tragedy. There must have been other mental issues involved and I am completely disgusted and disappointed by the blatantly inaccurate reporting done by this site. Get your facts straight before you start throwing out ridiculous accusations that make life More difficult for innocent people with aspergers. My thoughts and prayers to those affected by this tragedy and I hope that the people at Hollywood life will think and research before they post anything else that could negatively effect innocent people.

I second that Disgusted! There was something seriously wrong with this guy but Aspergers is not linked to any kind of planned violence like this. PLEASE be careful and
responsible about how you report this and don’t alienate a community that already has challenges!

@Snotster: 100 % agreed. We do not any more stigmas attatched to us already.
Thank u, Disgusted and Snotster for your comments. Both of u are 100 % on target. We are not known to be violent, and usually we are the victims. There had to be other things into play,to cause this, but Asperger’s is not one of them.
It is not a factor, and i can see that HL needs to do a retraction.