High Functioning Autism – Is It Dangerous?

I have lived with Autism for almost 26 years now.  I have been compelled to write about awareness of how possibly having High Functioning Autism can be devastating and possibly dangerous.  After the incident in Connecticut with the high functioning individual, there was concern among the community that they would be targeted for having this disorder.

Event though I am not an expert and don’t profess to be.  I may offer an opinion because not even the experts completely understand the individuals inflicted with this unusual disorder.

Many, if not all individuals with Autism misinterpret information.  The misinterpretation comes in many forms.  They often are not in touch with their environment.  Many, if not all, their senses are off: sights, smells, hearing, taste, feelings, emotions, touch, etc. 

Of the highest functioning that do well in school, a portion can not use their knowledge in real life.  Some with the ambition to complete degrees in school may have a twisted sense of what they learn.  The misinterpretation of knowledge can be used in a dangerous way. 

Some of this population, from a very young age, shows some of this twisted reality in their artwork, drawings, and ideas.  Some of the art is very gruesome, bloody, explosive, and violent.  At this young age it is often overlooked as a possible element of curiosity.  No professional knows how to interpret it or what the future outcome would be of a child expressing this in the form of art.

Some of these individuals have unusual thoughts as they grow, which are covered up by medications as much as possible.  Medications can also throw off stability, esp. switching from one drug to another along with switching different doses of the medications.  Some of these individuals are ‘time bombs waiting to go off’ from whatever pressures they perceive because their level of anxiety is very high with a poor ability to cope.

These attributes of the disorder can be associated with other mental illnesses such as:  bipolar disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, personality disorder, etc.  But, Autism can include many of these other disorders and Autism is similarly treated with medications from other mental illnesses.

Another problem concerns those on the Spectrum who are very easily influenced.  As they grow and engage in social programs, depending on the individual, they can go off into the wrong direction.  Others who negatively influence them can have lifelong consequences that they can not foresee due to their disability.  Some are like blank slates that absorb what others feed into them.  Their delayed development adds to the complication.  Sometimes nothing can be done to undo the damage caused by others.

The conclusion would be to be aware of signs of trouble that may cause concern and lead to something harmful.  An effort should be made after more than one occurrence to let authorities be alert to anything that may ultimately result in a tragedy or disaster.  Every avenue should be exhausted if there is that much concern.  The judgment of others around these individuals is of utmost importance.  Therapy and medications sometimes, unfortunately, do not help.

From my observations and feelings, medications can cause someone to actually carry out their delusional act.  Anxiety and apprehension can actually hold them back from doing something negative.  Everyone is different, so we have to be diligent to get as much help for our loved ones as much as possible.  Some situations are hopeless, unfortunately.  Some have negative outcomes, but, some can have positive ones. 

My heart goes out to all who have individuals with Autism to care for.  I know how hard it is and how much sacrifice and suffering you have to go through.