“Autism Society Responds to Tragic Death of George Hodgins”

Editor's Note: This letter was published March 20 on the Autism Society website. The original can be viewed at http://www.autism-society.org/news/autism-society-responds-to-2.html

“March 20, 2012

“By Autism Society

“(In response to the March 8 article, Sunnyvale mom kills autistic son, self, police say).

“A letter from the Autism Society called “Cuts to adult disability support are devastating,” was published in the San Jose Mercury News on March 17 in response to reports of a woman murdering her son with autism and then killing herself. Since the article was published, some individuals have questioned the Autism Society’s motives for not mentioning the victim of the story, George Hodgins, 22. We apologize if our letter offended anyone. 

“It was wrong of us to not mention Mr. Hodgins by name, but this in no way was intended to lessen the value of his life or justify the killing of an innocent individual. Killing is wrong without a doubt, regardless of whether stress or pressure on a family is the culprit. If parents are dealing with stress and in a desperate state of mind, they should call their local police department or local crisis hotline for immediate help. We stand with those who mourn the tragic death of Mr. Hodgins and encourage all to remember the valued life of Mr. Hodgins in their thoughts.

“The Autism Society is here to help. Call us at 1-800-3autism.”