Gun Safety and Autism in the News
There is a very sad story in the news this week related to the death of a 4 year old boy with autism. This seems to be more of an issue of gun safety than an autism issue since plenty of kids without autism meet the same fate. A safety would not slow down most kids with autism.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A 4-year-old boy accidentally killed himself with his police-officer mother’s gun as she dropped her children off at school, police said Thursday. The gun apparently fell between the two front seats of the car as the mother leaned over to comb her daughter’s hair.
The 35-year-old mother is a sergeant with the San Juan police department and her statement will be taken in more detail when she is ready, Commissioner Hilton Cordero said.
Her autistic son, Jeremy Marcano, got out of his booster seat, picked up the gun and shot himself in the face, Commander Jose Marrero Rivera told The Associated Press.
Marrero said he did not know where Brenda Lee Cotto had the gun before it fell. Police did not comment on whether the boy’s autism was a factor.
Related:
- Guns and other weapons. These do not belong in the homes of children with neurological disorders, particularly teenagers. The combination of a high potential for depression and easy access to lethal force is very dangerous, and younger children with PDDs may be at risk simply due to their impulsivity. As some recent, tragic cases have shown, storing guns in a locked box under the parents’ bed or in a gun cabinet does not guarantee safety around determined teens. If you enjoy shooting sports or hunting, see if you can store your guns at a shooting range or hunt club. - Autism and Gun Safety
- Firearms Safety
- The Child You Save May be Your Own
- Unintentional Firearm Death Stats (Ages 5-14)
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