Comments on: Hacking Autism – Gary McKinnon

By: Seamus Oge

Seamus Oge — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:55:32 +0000

My grandson is autistic and far from “high functioning” but he still understands “consequences.” If advised he will lose a favorite activity he will cease the proscribed actions.

The best solution is that Gary will receive a lengthy sentence, be placed on probation in the charge of Homeland Security and ultimately become obscenely wealthy as a consultant to major corporations. (Re Frank Abagnale)

By: QuoVadisAnima

QuoVadisAnima — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 00:46:10 +0000

So when an Aspie does something dangerous, we’re supposed to give them a slap on the hand & community service? Mr. McKinnon had no clue that he was doing something wrong or illegal?

I thought Asperger’s just meant impaired social skills; I didn’t know that meant an inability to follow clear cut rules & laws. Or perhaps you are suggesting they have impaired morality skills?

Perhaps Aspies should not be allowed to participate in society without a keeper then…
(That is sarcasm for those of you who might have difficulty picking up on it)

My son has high-functioning autism – is more impaired than Aspies – and he has no problem with following rules & laws. And the last thing I want to do is send people on the spectrum a message that they can get away with things that others can’t because they just can’t help themselves. That will completely work against them in ever gaining social acceptance or understanding.

Advocating for people on the spectrum is a two-way street guys – either we want them to be able to function in society or we want to treat them “special” – can’t have it both ways.

By: CaptSpaceBat

CaptSpaceBat — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:43:42 +0000

I have Asperger Syndrome, co-morbid with other mental health issues, and like Mr McKinnon, have a deep fascination and extreme skill with technology. Were it not for my heightened sense of clinical paranoia, I too would probably have done just what Mr McKinnon did in his search for what he perceived to be the truth.

The point here is that his intention was unlikely to be malicious, although he may not have considered all of the repercussions of his actions.

Mr McKinnon is unlikely to receive a fair trial in the USA as he is now a scapegoat for pointing out that the Emperor’s new (security) clothes were in fact illusory. The US government and legislature are unlike to show the same compassion afforded others in similar circumstances and, as such, his extradition should be resisted in the strongest possible manner.

If our supine government will not act, then it will be down to the will of the people to prevent another miscarriage of justice.