Autism Memoir Author Monica Holloway Sheds Light on Understanding Autism and Its Lack of Correlation to Violence

Los Angeles, CA, December 18, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Upon reports surfacing that Sandy Hook Elementary School shooter Adam Lanza had autism or Asperger's syndrome, autism memoir author Monica Holloway publicly declared, “I'm so worried that people who don't understand autism or Asperger’s syndrome will now associate it with violence, which couldn't be further from the truth. If he did have autism, there was clearly something else going on there. Period. Autism would not cause a person to commit such an unthinkable, evil act.”

An autism advocate and mother to a 15-year-old son with autism, Holloway says of the speculation that there’s a link between violence and autism or Asperger’s syndrome, “We need to remember that Adam Lanza is one individual. My son and his many friends with Aspergers couldn't be violent if they tried. They are the most gentle and vulnerable people.”

Autism is a complex condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. There is no research to support that there is a link between autism and planned violence.

“I love my son Wills so much, and I'm worried about the backlash for him socially and emotionally,” says Holloway. “Because I was not educated on autism before I had Wills, I know how it feels to not understand. I had no idea what autism meant or was. I will speak to any school in this country to help shed light on autism.”

Holloway has offered to donate her autism memoir Cowboy & Wills to schools, law enforcement and first responders wanting to learn more about the human side of autism. To help with any misconceptions of autism, she also is available to speak to schools nationwide on autism and Asperger’s syndrome.

Says Holloway, “There are so many troubling sorrows after such an unspeakable tragedy. Only healing now.”

For media inquires, including to interview Holloway or for additional comment, contact Jess Block, publicist, at 909-706-8525 or jessblockpr@gmail.com.

About Monica Holloway: Monica Holloway is the bestselling author of Cowboy & Wills, a Mother's Choice Award's Gold recipient, and the critically-acclaimed author of the memoir Driving With Dead People, described by Newsweek as “unforgettable,” Glamour christened “a classic,” and the Washington Post deemed “irresistible.” http://www.monicaholloway.com https://www.facebook.com/cowboyandwills

About Autism: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism now affects about 1 in every 88 American children, including 1 in 54 boys. Autism is a complex condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges.
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Author Monica Holloway
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909-706-8525
www.monicaholloway.com
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