**Child Autism/ADHD & Shooting**

[junbug7]

I have a 9 year old daughter who has Autism & ADHD. She's on the higher end of the spectrum with her Autism, and her Rx for ADHD is pretty effective. Since I bought my first handgun in 2013, I've sooo wanted her to become familiar with firearms and learn to shoot. When I have a firearm out to clean & such, I casually show it to her. She listens for the most part, not overly interested or curious to "play" with it.

I'm not the most patient person, and I don't want her to have any anxious or uncomfortable feelings when learning. Besides I'd rather a more advanced/experienced individual teach her. Does anybody know of any Instructors, ranges, classes that would be suitable for her?? Any info would be appreciated, thanks!! =)
.

[Calico1404]

Tough subject OP, my initial response is your are on the right track by casually introducing firearms. Safety is key here, a controlled environment , 1 round loaded at a time.

A bolt .22 would be fantastic.

The reason I mentioned single shots is to control any accidents from a fully loaded firearm. 1 shot and the rifle is free and clear for inspection, reset etc

[Red-Osier]

Classes for children dosen't seem to be a topic that comes up to often here. Others might know of some classes. I would suggest this topic in general guns as it would be seen by more members. Good on you Junbug wanting to teach her regardless.

[junbug7]

Originally Posted by Calico1404

Tough subject OP, my initial response is your are on the right track by casually introducing firearms. Safety is key here, a controlled environment , 1 round loaded at a time.
A bolt .22 would be fantastic.
The reason I mentioned single shots is to control any accidents from a fully loaded firearm. 1 shot and the rifle is free and clear for inspection, reset etc

It IS tough. It wouldn't cross my mind if her issues were on the severe side. As it is, it's not really new to her. She sees my dad & I with our firearms and she has been with me while desert shooting... She sat in the car about 20 feet away but she watched some.

You didn't even need to explain, that's a great idea!! I think im going to get her the Pink Daisy BB gun for Xmas. Let her learn with that & my .22 handgun.

I need to research childrens/youth classes and maybe in a younger age group, hopefully a bit slower paced. Thanks for the info!! =)

[junbug7]

Originally Posted by Red-Osier77

Classes for children dosen't seem to be a topic that comes up to often here. Others might know of some classes. I would suggest this topic in general guns as it would be seen by more members. Good on you Junbug wanting to teach her regardless.

I thought about that but wasn't sure if I could do repeat posts on multiple sub threads, I will though good idea.

Thank you!! I have niece with similiar issues as my daughter, at 25 yrs old she was sexually assaulted. It wasn't realized until a day or so later when she was talking to her mom... un-phased!! Im assuming due to the slower neurologically relay in the brain, which is what Autism is.

Just 1 of my daily worries.

[Red-Osier]

I understand about worries.

[Win231]

Personally, I wouldn't introduce firearms to anyone with Autism (or any mental disorder), especially since, as you say, she's not interested. I don't think it's worth the risk. There are other more-suitable hobbies that don't involve deadly weapons. I've witnessed scary behavior with firearms by individuals with mild mental issues. Perhaps you could discuss this with her doctors?

You might consider the fact that Adam Lanza had Autism. Of course, I'm not saying your daughter would commit mass murder, but much is not known about Autism. Adam's mother saw nothing wrong with allowing him to have guns. As I said, there are safer, more-appropriate hobbies; why does it have to be shooting?

[junbug7]

Originally Posted by Win231

Personally, I wouldn't introduce firearms to anyone with Autism (or any mental disorder), especially since, as you say, she's not interested. I don't think it's worth the risk. There are other more-suitable hobbies that don't involve deadly weapons. I've witnessed scary behavior with firearms by individuals with mild mental issues. Perhaps you could discuss this with her doctors?
You might consider the fact that Adam Lanza had Autism. Of course, I'm not saying your daughter would commit mass murder, but much is not known about Autism. Adam's mother saw nothing wrong with allowing him to have guns. As I said, there are safer, more-appropriate hobbies; why does it have to be shooting?

I didn't say that she wasn't interested, I said she isn't overly interested. She takes notice of the smallest things/actions/behaviors. Due to the ADHD, she may not hold interest for extended periods of time, but in the several moments she can memorize about 90% of whatever it happens to be & is accurate. Autism is not a mental disorder, it's a neurological issue.

Yes, I think putting my daughter into a hypothetical adult situation when she's only 9 is premature. And there's a whole bucket full of details I could pick apart with that example, too involved... There's nothing to consider about that situation. That situation is not MY situation. I don't put my kids into situations that are unrealistic for them. I wouldn't consider activities for them just because I have an interest in them.

Of course, I am well aware of activities & hobbies that are suitable for my daughter. She is and has been involved with extracurriculars. While ballet, dance, soccer, etc are activities to participate in, Firearm safehandling is a skill. (For productive reasons that are nobodys concern, stimulating brain activity helps the brain function within itself. That's not my main or top reason but it's better to think & focus, than run around & just do)

But other hobbies aren't my intent, and I didn't say it had to be shooting, but that's the only thing Im inquiring about here. I wouldn't post here to find out about a karate class. I appreciate you taking the time to reply, thanks.

[ENTHUSIAST]

Originally Posted by Win231

Perhaps you could discuss this with her doctors?

This is horrible advice there have been numerous threads here on Calguns about doctors questioning parents about firearm ownership in the home as part of a "routine medical questionnaire". They are trained in the medical profession to have an Anti-Gun bias and to treat guns as a danger. They are not going to give the OP any helpful advice regarding taking his daughter shooting.

OP you know your daughter best I think you are right take it slow with a Daisy BB gun then gradually move up to a single shot .22LR. Ingrain in her all the rules about safety while teaching her the finer points about marksmanship no need to be in a hurry to move up in terms of caliber. Let her become confident around guns and allow her to learn firearms at a pace that is comfortable for her while developing a strong father daughter bond.

[junbug7]

Originally Posted by ENTHUSIAST

This is horrible advice there have been numerous threads here on Calguns about doctors questioning parents about firearm ownership in the home as part of a "routine medical questionnaire". They are trained in the medical profession to have an Anti-Gun bias and to treat guns as a danger. They are not going to give the OP any helpful advice regarding taking his daughter shooting.

OP you know your daughter best I think you are right take it slow with a Daisy BB gun then gradually move up to a single shot .22LR. Ingrain in her all the rules about safety while teaching her the finer points about marksmanship no need to be in a hurry to move up in terms of caliber. Let her become confident around guns and allow her to learn firearms at a pace that is comfortable for her while developing a strong father daughter bond.

I didn't even respond to that because I wouldn't ask her Dr about that. That's a parental decision. If you don't know or can't tell what your child is capable & able to do than that would be a "No" answer in my opinion.

I think she'd enjoy the pink BB gun!!

[darkwater]

Originally Posted by Win231

Personally, I wouldn't introduce firearms to anyone with Autism (or any mental disorder), especially since, as you say, she's not interested. I don't think it's worth the risk. There are other more-suitable hobbies that don't involve deadly weapons. I've witnessed scary behavior with firearms by individuals with mild mental issues. Perhaps you could discuss this with her doctors?

You might consider the fact that Adam Lanza had Autism. Of course, I'm not saying your daughter would commit mass murder, but much is not known about Autism. Adam's mother saw nothing wrong with allowing him to have guns. As I said, there are safer, more-appropriate hobbies; why does it have to be shooting?

http://www.mdedge.com/currentpsychia...ct-or/page/0/2

"Most people who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) do not commit violent crime. When violent crime occurs at the hands of a person with ASD, it is almost always precipitated by a comorbid psychiatric disorder, such as severe depression or psychosis. "

https://www.autismspeaks.org/science...m-and-violence

“As a spectrum disorder, autism is quite variable,” Dr. Veenstra-VanderWeele says. “But planned violence overall is less common, not more common, in people with autism. When stories like this emerge, it’s sometimes tempting to link a single person's actions to a larger group of people who share something in common.”

I have a son on the spectrum, too. He was on the trap team last year and did very well with safe gun handling.

[Win231]

Originally Posted by darkwater

http://www.mdedge.com/currentpsychia...ct-or/page/0/2

"Most people who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) do not commit violent crime. When violent crime occurs at the hands of a person with ASD, it is almost always precipitated by a comorbid psychiatric disorder, such as severe depression or psychosis. "

https://www.autismspeaks.org/science...m-and-violence

“As a spectrum disorder, autism is quite variable,” Dr. Veenstra-VanderWeele says. “But planned violence overall is less common, not more common, in people with autism. When stories like this emerge, it’s sometimes tempting to link a single person's actions to a larger group of people who share something in common.”

I have a son on the spectrum, too. He was on the trap team last year and did very well with safe gun handling.

There are 40 mothers & fathers of young children who likely wouldn't be comforted by the theories of psychiatrists. These are the same "Qualified Medical Professionals" who get it wrong so frequently...declaring inmates up for parole hearings to be "not a threat to society" and sending abused children back into their parents' homes where they are then murdered by those "non-threatening," parents, & declaring sex offenders "rehabilitated."

[darkwater]

Ok, so again...you're going to blame all ASD people for the act of a few...and you wonder why the anti-gun crowd is winning?

[zvardan]

The autism spectrum is always being updated. In fact, ADHD is now being lumped under autism (and Dyslexia), something I take medication to treat. But of course, who knows how much of this is related to medical conditions (what we want to believe) and what can effectively be chalked up to personality differences within an individual.

Comparing Adam Lanza to someone who is, for example, socially shy and "weird", is effectively ignoring all other aspects of an individuals life experience as an input to their overall behavior and character. Nature versus nurture...

Ergo, as we say here, correlation does not always equal causation.

[A-J]

Originally Posted by junbug7

I have a 9 year old daughter who has Autism & ADHD. She's on the higher end of the spectrum with her Autism, and her Rx for ADHD is pretty effective. Since I bought my first handgun in 2013, I've sooo wanted her to become familiar with firearms and learn to shoot. When I have a firearm out to clean & such, I casually show it to her. She listens for the most part, not overly interested or curious to "play" with it.

I'm not the most patient person, and I don't want her to have any anxious or uncomfortable feelings when learning. Besides I'd rather a more advanced/experienced individual teach her. Does anybody know of any Instructors, ranges, classes that would be suitable for her?? Any info would be appreciated, thanks!! =)
.

I had the same issue with my son who is also high functioning autistic. We would sit and talk about guns, and I would show him how they operate while cleaning. We also went over the 4 rules repeatedly. Then we were at the range and my wife caught a hot case down the shirt. In his mind, she "got shot" and that was it for years.

Then he decides he wanted to shoot. We go over everything and finally are at the range, 1 round loaded into the Mosquito, he raises the gun and his hand is shaking so bad he couldn't do it. No go.

A couple years later, and you have what this post here describes:

http://calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1124082


There is nothing more satisfying than shooting with my kid, and he's been bugging me constantly ever since that day to go again.

My advice - take your time, do it slow, and she'll let you know when she's ready. Try not to be disappointed if it takes longer than you'd like.

[Win231]

Originally Posted by darkwater

Ok, so again...you're going to blame all ASD people for the act of a few...and you wonder why the anti-gun crowd is winning?

No surprise the anti-gun crowd is winning. They're winning because of militant, extremist enthusiasts who believe guns are for everyone.

[blkside]

Originally Posted by Win231

There are 40 mothers & fathers of young children who likely wouldn't be comforted by the theories of psychiatrists. These are the same "Qualified Medical Professionals" who get it wrong so frequently...declaring inmates up for parole hearings to be "not a threat to society" and sending abused children back into their parents' homes where they are then murdered by those "non-threatening," parents, & declaring sex offenders "rehabilitated."

Your points are so biased with mainstream media nonsense. The fact that people like you seem to treat these conditions as a mental illness like psychiatric issues is alarming. Oh my god he has flat feet, oh so did the last 2 mass murderers.
I would suggest you spend some time doing some reaearch before you just post nonsense that belongs in your toilet.

[Whiterabbit]

Originally Posted by junbug7

She listens for the most part, not overly interested or curious to "play" with it.

I'm not the most patient person, ....
.

I'd check myself right there. She's not ready. That's cool. Maybe later.

Originally Posted by Win231

Personally, I wouldn't introduce firearms to anyone with Autism (or any mental disorder), I don't think it's worth the risk. There are other more-suitable hobbies that don't involve deadly weapons

Well, one of the guys in my club has autism, and he does pretty well. So......

(I think people without autism shoot and are shot and killed every day. Sometimes it is easy to forget that.)

Originally Posted by junbug7

I didn't say that she wasn't interested, I said she isn't overly interested. .

Kinda defensive, being defensive in that way, it does seem like you are eager to "push" your hobby on her. That statement I just made is overly strong and not exactly the case, but I don't have a gentler way of putting it. It's more like the statement I made, taken down 2-3 notches. That's how it comes off.

Originally Posted by A-J

My advice - take your time, do it slow, and she'll let you know when she's ready. Try not to be disappointed if it takes longer than you'd like.

The man knows.

----------------

This is my opinion and worth nothing.

[darkwater]

Originally Posted by Win231

No surprise the anti-gun crowd is winning. They're winning because of militant, extremist enthusiasts who believe guns are for everyone.

I'm not saying guns should be forced on everyone...I'm saying you can't draw a blanket conclusion for a subset of people based on how a few acted. If we follow your logic, then technically we'd get better results banning certain races from owning guns rather than those with ASD...but, that would be racist, so apparently it's more acceptable to target a crowd that generally doesn't fight back. As with anything, you have to look at things on the individual level as everyone is different. That's why they call it a spectrum, not a one-size-fits-all bucket.

[Whiterabbit]

Originally Posted by darkwater

so apparently it's more acceptable to target a crowd that generally doesn't fight back.

Progressive playbook: Help me, help you, help yourself.

And if you don't, I will make you regret I ever asked you for my help.

[ar15robert]

I have a son who is high functioning austism he is 14 now but been shooting with me for 7 years i started him young on the 22 rifle and he enjoyed it didnt shoot a whole lot at first but went with me for weekend trips and gradually took to shooting the rifle more.I also let him pull the trigger on the ar and past 2 years hes been shooting it often and getting better at longer distance targets.

These days he shoots it more than me and is really focused on hitting the targets at further range.I let him try my 45 last time out too but hes got some work to do on that.

I got lucky he took to them and respects firearms theres somethings that they just wont do or not interested but camping and shooting is something he likes to do.

[junbug7]

Originally Posted by A-J

I had the same issue with my son who is also high functioning autistic........ My advice - take your time, do it slow, and she'll let you know when she's ready. Try not to be disappointed if it takes longer than you'd like.

Good advice, thanks.

Originally Posted by Whiterabbit

I'd check myself right there. She's not ready. That's cool. Maybe later.
Kinda defensive, being defensive in that way, it does seem like you are eager to "push" your hobby on her. That statement I just made is overly strong and not exactly the case, but I don't have a gentler way of putting it. It's more like the statement I made, taken down 2-3 notches. That's how it comes off.

Originally Posted by Win231

Personally, I wouldn't introduce firearms to anyone with Autism (or any mental disorder), especially since, as you say, she's not interested.....

I hadn't meant to come off as defensive. Just trying to clarify what I typed. If I knew she wasn't interested I wouldn't give it a 2nd thought.

With this thread, I was hoping for info on youth shooting or parents with similar situations. I am eager to learn what I can on the subject.... But eager to push my daughter into shooting, I am not. I have not talked or mentioned to my daughter about her shooting at all. I try to do my homework on any subject before jumping in head first, I figured this forum would be best for opinions & info.

Regardless what I learn or find out, If she is standoff-ish or uninterested I wouldn't force her to try just because I want her to do it. Especially not with firearms.
.

[A-J]

Let me add that taking my kid to the range whenever I went was a hoot for him. The range we went to allowed him to sit at the table in the lobby area where he could watch my wife and I through the glass. The bonus was he could also see the other people shooting, so it allowed him to see that a lot of other people shoot. Women, children, etc.

It may be a few more years before she's ready to do it, assuming she'll come around. Patience is going to be your best friend, as I'm sure you're well aware.

[Win231]

Originally Posted by darkwater

I'm not saying guns should be forced on everyone...I'm saying you can't draw a blanket conclusion for a subset of people based on how a few acted. If we follow your logic, then technically we'd get better results banning certain races from owning guns rather than those with ASD...but, that would be racist, so apparently it's more acceptable to target a crowd that generally doesn't fight back. As with anything, you have to look at things on the individual level as everyone is different. That's why they call it a spectrum, not a one-size-fits-all bucket.

You're not following any logic. Comparing mental illness to races of people is as asinine as it gets...much like comparing prejudice against Pit Bulls to prejudice against assault weapons.

[Whiterabbit]

Originally Posted by junbug7

Good advice, thanks.


I hadn't meant to come off as defensive. Just trying to clarify what I typed. If I knew she wasn't interested I wouldn't give it a 2nd thought.

With this thread, I was hoping for info on youth shooting or parents with similar situations. I am eager to learn what I can on the subject.... But eager to push my daughter into shooting, I am not. I have not talked or mentioned to my daughter about her shooting at all. I try to do my homework on any subject before jumping in head first, I figured this forum would be best for opinions & info.

Regardless what I learn or find out, If she is standoff-ish or uninterested I wouldn't force her to try just because I want her to do it. Especially not with firearms.
.

It's all good. I can't give you the parent's perspective (Thank God for that), but like I said, the guy in my club scores a-OK

[darkwater]

Originally Posted by Win231

You're not following any logic. Comparing mental illness to races of people is as asinine as it gets...much like comparing prejudice against Pit Bulls to prejudice against assault weapons.

Why? People are born with ASD, just like they are born with their race...they weren't conditioned to be that way. And, if you reread what I wrote, I am not directly comparing them...I am saying that you have grabbed a subset of people, those with ASD, and pronounced it is better off that they don't have guns. However, we have FBI statistics that show a higher correlation of violence to a particular race than we do to a particular ASD. But, like the Democrats rabidly going after "assault weapons", which are only involved in less than 3% of all homicides, you've decided to target ASD people when evidence shows that they are one of the least likely subsets of people to harm anyone else.

[rkt88edmo]

From taking my kid out I just have the following advice.

-Be away from other shooters. The noise and brass from other shooters can be quite offputting, even if you hardly notice it, it may bother them a lot.

-Make sure they understand all loading and unloading operations. Have a clear procedure for what to do if something unexpected happens. (finger off trigger, set down the firearm, and I will be there to help you.

-Go over range rules and expectations. Be by their side between firing periods and preferably sit on a bench so that no one goes near the gear during the cease fire.

-Just shoot the .22lr

-Make sure their gun is sighted in beforehand and that they understand what the proper sight picture is.

-Make the day all about them.

-Reactive targets or shoot-n-C

-Start the target as close as the range will allow.

-Make sure their earpro and eyepro is worn correctly. They may not really understand that their hearing is at risk if there is loud noise leaking in and what things should sound like when the earpro is working properly. (I always have them double plug).

-If you are positioned at their 7-8 o'clock, you can have your left hand near their left hand and your right hand on or near their right shoulder so that you can control their body and keep the firearm pointed downrange if need be (assuming you are both right handed). You may need a extra chair or stool of your own depending on the range accommodations.

[A-J]

Originally Posted by rkt88edmo

-If you are positioned at their 7-8 o'clock, you can have your left hand near their left hand and your right hand on or near their right shoulder so that you can control their body and keep the firearm pointed downrange if need be (assuming you are both right handed). You may need a extra chair or stool of your own depending on the range accommodations.

This is so true. My son got so excited that he nearly swept the line with the gun. Being in exactly that position kept it (and him) pointed in a safe direction.

[Win231]

Originally Posted by A-J

This is so true. My son got so excited that he nearly swept the line with the gun. Being in exactly that position kept it (and him) pointed in a safe direction.

None so blind as he who refuses to see.

If your son "nearly swept the line with the gun," he's too young for shooting, or not suitable for shooting. And your denial sets the stage for a tragedy & years of regret.

[CAL.BAR]

OP - this is just NOT a good idea. FOR THE MOST PART - girls are NOT into guns (in general). Beyond that - kids on the spectrum tend to be very sensitive to loud noise and disruption. (not really a good thing for shooting) Lastly, there once was a mother who's son was "on the spectrum" who thought that she would help him share her love of firearms and perhaps help her son through his autism issues. His name was Adam Lanza. Google the name if you have to.

[Win231]

Originally Posted by CAL.BAR

OP - this is just NOT a good idea. FOR THE MOST PART - girls are NOT into guns (in general). Beyond that - kids on the spectrum tend to be very sensitive to loud noise and disruption. (not really a good thing for shooting) Lastly, there once was a mother who's son was "on the spectrum" who thought that she would help him share her love of firearms and perhaps help her son through his autism issues. His name was Adam Lanza. Google the name if you have to.

I mentioned Adam Lanza & his moronic mother in a previous thread on the same topic. But too many parents want to prove their kids are "special," "different," and "superior." I think they are trying to prove their kids are "overcoming" their mental disabilities by participating in grown-up activities. Still others with normal kids can't wait to get them involved in whatever they (the parents) enjoy, whether the kids like shooting or not. Most kids will do anything to please their parents, even if they hate the activity.

[I Swan]

Sorry to say I agree mostly with Win231 on this. I read both threads. I can understand a parent wanting the best for their child and wanting to believe their disorder isn't that bad but still this seems like a bad idea. Some of the parents saying their kids were "high functioning", it sure doesn't seem like it.

[Win231]

One other contributing factor. There is a stigma with mental illness. Many people associate it with "stupidity." Not surprising; look how people use the term "Retarded" for anything or anyone they consider dumb, or any opinion they don't agree with. Mental retardation is a birth defect - a handicap caused by brain damage at birth & it is not the same as "stupid" except, of course for stupid individuals who use the term that way.

Some parents try to extinguish that stigma by having their kids who have a mental illness participate in grown-up activities.

[WFO_Racer]

My teenage son volunteers with all types of special needs kids, his advice is be patient use good ear protection and sub sonic 22. He said the kids love to follow rules by and large.

Keep it short , set up fun targets like water balloons.

Enjoy your time with her and to hell with the ones who try to discourage you.

[ar15robert]

Originally Posted by I Swan

Sorry to say I agree mostly with Win231 on this. I read both threads. I can understand a parent wanting the best for their child and wanting to believe their disorder isn't that bad but still this seems like a bad idea. Some of the parents saying their kids were "high functioning", it sure doesn't seem like it.

My son is considered high functioning autism theres many classifications some cannot speak or understand while others can but are affected in other ways.He is also very smart in school his difficulty is understanding emotion and feelings of others he has been going to a counselor for a while and is getting better somethings that bothered him when younger he has gotten over.I also know another whos kid is affected and sadly in a way worse condition.

Like i said hes been shooting for atleast 8 years and is very good with gun safety and i dont need others to tell me how to raise my kids we already have a government trying to run our lives.

[audiophil2]

My son is on the high end of the spectrum. No one really knows he has ASD until I mention it or they work with lots of kids on the spectrum as those folks know. I volunteer for my city's adaptive sports program so I work with the whole spectrum plus Down Syndrome, paralyzed, etc. The ASD kids range from barely able to take care of themselves to so smart I would rather talk to them than most adults. Some are walking encyclopedias. None have been violent. At most they get easily frustrated simply because adults do not know how to communicate with their own kids. It drives me nuts when parent forces thier kid to play baseball when he would rather walk up and down the bleacher steps. When my boy first joined he loved ot spin around at short stop. I let him do that the entire time and after a few seasons he started playing. When they are ready to do something they do it.

My son has been shooting since he was 5. I bought him a Crickett for his birthday. He has been shooting machine guns since he was 6. I bought him a Savage 22 bolt gun when he was 10 along with a silencerco suppressor. He also started shooting a suppressed M&P22 pistol at 10. He has always had a sensitivity to noise. When he was young we could not go see fireworks. I had to cover his ears in restrroms when he dried his hands and he even complained about the noise from the fluorescent lights. Over the years he has built a tolerance or maybe outgrew the noise issues. He still sits in the car when I run my machine guns unsuppressed but i don't care for noise either. I think it has ot do with our love of music. While I enjoy all forms my son can actually memorize songs and melody's just by hearing a song once. He has perfect pitch according to his music teachers and has played drums, piano, alto and tenor sax. I can't play anything. He also has a memory that an elephant would envy. He tells me stories about when he was a year old. Imagine having your kid tell at age 10 how he was upset about not getting a specific toy when oyu turned him down in a store back when he was 2 years old. My wife and I nicknamed him The Grudge.

I teach a lot of new shooters from kids to adults. I've been around shooters that allegedly know the safety rules. I trust my son far more than anyone else because he knows the rules and lives by them. One of the tough parts of being on the spectrum is most kids are the policeman of the playground. Kids with ASD will freak out if another kid is breaking a rule. I've had to tell my son many times to stop telling strangers smoking is bad or alcohol is bad. Even not covering a mouth when sneezing or coughing gets him all worked up because he knows the right way to do things.

When my son is at gun shows he carry's my business cards. He knows more about guns than I do and he has been talking to vendors since he was 7. They all love his spirit and are impressed that he can pick out AK variants or talk to them about the specs of a gun.

Comparing a kid on the spectrum to Adam Lanza is simply asinine. He was a spoiled brat with no parental supervision. Just like the Columbine kids and the Batman shooter. They did not shoot people because they were mental. They shot people because they were immature and lacked discipline. Lanza did not even speak to his mom and his dad was out of the picture. I see a lot of brats every where. They are not mentally ill. They are just brats.

I had to go to school one day because my boy got in trouble on the playground for fighting. I asked him what happened and he told me a boy was hitting a girl so he stepped in the middle and took the blows until he had to fight back. He is a black belt in TKD but back then he was a low belt. I told the the principal that I was taking him for ice cream and he should be ashamed for even thinking he would intentionally hurt anyone. The teacher defended him to the principal but the school rules are cut and dry. My son has always stood up for other kids. It is not like he looks for trouble either. He is like Andy Dufraine in Shawshank. He lives in his own world at peace with himself and others. He is very laid back like me.

When he was 8ish he was a was a higher belt rank. We were at my cousins house by the pool. It was the first time my son met his year younger cousin because they just moved here. The kid was a brat and was scratching my son in the pool. I was sitting next to his dad. I told my son to tell him not to scratch him and he did but the little brat did it again. I told my cousin to take care of his boy. My cousin told his son not to scratch my son and he lied saying he was not doing it. I saw the scratches. He did it again. My son knows not to fight unless I allow him or if he is alone. I turned to my cousin and told him "I am going to tell my son that he has my permission ot use his TKD to beat him until I say to stop and if you get in the way I will beat you." My son was about 40 lbs and a foot bigger. My cousin pulled his kid out of the water just as he was about to go near my son and talked to him in the house. He never touched my son again. Neither of us had to get into a fight and the only one injured was my son. ASSuming every kid on the spectrum is a ticking time bomb is plain stupid. They do not like violence and I can say that because I have worked with a few hundred in the city.

If a kid on the high end of the spectrum decided to go nuts it would be bigger than anything in history. Just judging from my sons ability to follow rules, plan, and shoot he would make Charles Whitman look like Ray Charles. My kid runs his .22 out to 225 yards like it is nothing. He can clear a gun better than many adults. He counts his shots better than a pro can count cards. In fact, I started teaching him to count cards when he was 3.

Is he the exception? Not at all. Spend time in Silicon Valley and you can see all the engineers on the spectrum. Poor social skills, introverted, and damn smart. Even the non verbal kids can be very smart. Autism is not the same as retardation. Unless you actually spend time with a person on the spectrum you have no idea about the IQ. Looking at them won't tell oyu anything.

[Win231]

Originally Posted by ar15robert

My son is considered high functioning autism theres many classifications some cannot speak or understand while others can but are affected in other ways.He is also very smart in school his difficulty is understanding emotion and feelings of others he has been going to a counselor for a while and is getting better somethings that bothered him when younger he has gotten over.I also know another whos kid is affected and sadly in a way worse condition.

Like i said hes been shooting for atleast 8 years and is very good with gun safety and i dont need others to tell me how to raise my kids we already have a government trying to run our lives.

Adam Lanza had been going to shooting ranges & shooting safely for several years...before that morning.

[ar15robert]

Originally Posted by Win231

Adam Lanza had been going to shooting ranges & shooting safely for several years...before that morning.

So your saying I should not let my kids shoot anymore let them be liberals and anti gun. There's also a lot more killers that are not autistic too.

Gotta love the gun community��

[Win231]

Originally Posted by ar15robert

So your saying I should not let my kids shoot anymore let them be liberals and anti gun. There's also a lot more killers that are not autistic too.

Gotta love the gun community��

You are (unknowingly) illustrating what your main motivation is for encouraging your kids to have access to firearms. You have an "all, or nothing" mindset, i.e. "If I don't make my kids shoot, I'm anti-gun & I'm letting the government "run my life." The "Everyone should have guns" attitude is what's destroying our gun rights.

[ar15robert]

You don't know me or my son and what is best. Attitudes like yours there would be less shooters. If I felt my son couldn't handle or take interest in firearms I wouldn't push it and leave it at that.

i ain't forcing him to shoot he's taken interest In it.