Comments on: Autism father kills himself and his son

By: Jen

Jen — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:17:00 +0000

I think that everyone should quit judging period. No one knows what really happened. I have a 4 year old son with autism who has never said one single word. Our days are hard. I love him with all my heart and he is my world. I could never try to compare my struggles to anyone elses. I am not a religious person but I do believe one day we will all be judged, lets hope our stories turn out better.

By: Wayne Streeter

Wayne Streeter — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 02:32:18 +0000

I had the pleasure of having dinner with both Williams on the Capitol Limited in March 2004. It was clear to me that they were very close friends and were enjoying their time together. Mr. Lash was a very classy man.

By: Christine Delman

Christine Delman — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 18:11:39 +0000

As the mother of twin 4 year old Autistic sons, I can tell you first hand that yes living with Autism is stressful for a parent. Can any of you imagine how it feels for a 4 year old to still be in diapers, and not be able to communicate your needs? To any moron out there who would evn for 1 second try to condone what that father did, that is heinus, and inexcuseable. I live it every day of my life, and could not for a nano second ever contemplate harming either of my percious angelic boys in any way, shape, or form.
As for Autism Speaks, they are a wonderful organization dedicated to education & research. So much has been acomplished in the world of Autism because of Autism Speaks.

By: ifnjegpgo

ifnjegpgo — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 03:55:14 +0000

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By: Autism Vox » Greek Myths and Real Tragedies

Autism Vox » Greek Myths and Real Tragedies — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 02:08:40 +0000

[...] In the past few months, I have found myself reading about “parents killing their children” not in Greek tragedy but in the news: Dr. Karen McCarron, who allegedly killed her 3-year-old daughter, Katherine. William Lash III who allegedly killed his son, William Lash IV. These stories are awful to read about; instead of tragedy by ancient Greek dramatists, these are real tragedies involving real people. [...]

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 02:42:48 +0000

weary-word: Do these commenters provide any other identification of who they are—–are they autism parents? I can’t believe the first comment.

By: weary-worn

weary-worn — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 01:52:13 +0000

Point taken in re: ebohlman’s and Steven’s comments. However, van Dyk did not get a “pass” for the murders like I am seeing on message boards and yahoogroups/lists in the case of Lash. I have seen far too many comments essentially excusing Lash due to his son’s autism. For some it does not matter what the facts of the case may be, they will look for a ‘reason’ to make sense of it and to separate themselves from it … and the blame gets placed on the autistic child.

Examples from the WP board:

“[...]did anyone wonder what it was like for this man with such great accomplishments to have an Austic (sic) son..” posted by Mina Schoenheit, MA.

“[...] Clearly, he was ashamed of having a autistic son, while he himself was a brillant man.” posted by p.markham

“[Autism] is something that can push the most skilled and patient parent to the brink.” posted by posted by liebe_007

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 22:58:34 +0000

I remember that story about Edmund van Dyk—–and how horrified I felt.

And have been feeling about what happened last Friday morning.

By: Stephen Drake

Stephen Drake — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:36:35 +0000

My gut is leaning me toward your view, ebohlman.

The brief account of domestic problems followed by the murder/suicide immediately brought to mind another recent case – one not involving kids with disabilities.

Back in May, Edward Van Dyk, a doctor going through a messy divorce, threw his two young sons off a hotel balcony and then killed himself the same way.

There’s an article on it still available at this URL:

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/14686235.htm

After almost ten years of following news stories on murders and suicides, the ones involving kids still turn my stomach – whether they have a disability or not. (and yes, I know the sentiment is shared by everyone I know who has written here and elsewhere on these issues)

By: Mike McCarron

Mike McCarron — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 23:38:43 +0000

That article in “Mon-NOS” was wonderful. Anyone assulted by Autism Speaks needs to read that article just to help them get their feet back on the ground again.