Don Burke Blaming Autism For His Behaviour Is “Disgusting” And “Pathetic”, Advocates Say
Quote:
Autism Awareness Australia said it was “sickened tonight by Don Burke’s excuse of undiagnosed Aspergers as a reason for his appalling behavoir” “What kind of human sinks this low?”, the organisation tweeted.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network of Australia & New Zealand said that it is “outraged that someone would claim to self diagnose Asperger’s as a way of deflecting the history of predatory and misogynistic behaviour,” highlighting the profoundly negative impact Burke’s claims are having on people with autism.
“In particular males who are autistic are deeply distressed by this as they spend a great deal of time trying to navigate social and romantic relationships. The idea that they would be associated with the kind of behaviour that Don Burke is accused of is deeply offensive,” a spokesperson said.
“The Autistic Self Advocacy Network expresses disgust at Don Burke’s attempt to minimise the seriousness of his alleged ongoing sexual assault of women. ASAN does not condone sexual assault under any circumstances.”
Autistic people, including those who identify as people with Asperger Syndrome, are more likely to be victims of assault than they are perpetrators. The manner in which Mr Burke’s revealed his ‘self-diagnosis’, which has no validity, indicates a last minute attempt to evade the consequences of his act“
Autism Awareness Australia CEO Nicole Rogerson also told Junkee she was appalled by Burke’s comments, pointing out that “he had an opportunity to apologise to those women, and instead tried to use autism as a get out of jail free card. It’s just pathetic.”
Don Burke allegations: Autism advocates hit back at ‘unforgivable slur’Quote:
Tuesday, autism spectrum advocacy group the I CAN Network called on Burke to retract his “unforgivable slur”.
“Missing body language cues is not an excuse for [alleged] sexual harassment or assault and we condemn such behaviour,” the group said in a statement.
“Too often, people on the autism spectrum are described as soulless or empty – Don Burke’s comment plays into this incorrect stereotype.”
Fiona Sharkie, CEO of Victoria autism association Amaze, similarly described the comments as incorrect and offensive.
“The autism community faces discrimination in our schools and workplaces everyday due to the myths surrounding autism. Mr Burke’s comments perpetuate these myths and are damaging to all autistic people, their families and supporters,” Ms Sharkie said in a statement to The New Daily.
Don Burke a 'feral desperado' Vic MP saysQuote:
”Having Asperger's does not make anyone a filthy, perverted sleazebag, it does not lead to sexual assault, it does not lead to the sorts of activity Mr Burke stands accused of," opposition Autism Spectrum Disorder spokesman Bernie Finn told parliament on Tuesday.
People on social media are also offended by his describing Aspergers as a “genetic failing”
The Australian advocates are much more vocal then their American and British counterparts about this issue. I have
a whole thread dedicated to attempts to use the “autism defence”. While most of my examples are non celebrities, Robert Durst, Lori Love and Gary McKinnon are using the autism defence without complaint from advocates. Hollywood made a movie “The Big Short” glamorizing an Aspie criminal.
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“Self Acceptance is a process not a performance”
“You are autistic enough. And you always have been”
Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity.
27 Nov 2017, 6:00 am
