Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion National Dialogue Hurting Or Helping?

This is perhaps too off giftedness and I have no issue with it being deleted if need be as I am conscious that it may be perceived as political, though I mean only to comment on the cultural differences in the discourse about the cause of this tragedy.

From my perspective - as a non American - this discussion is fascinating. In my country the focus has been on guns (we have gun control and all the same problems with access to treatment for ASDs and mental health issues, we have no mandated gifted programs etc - and yet no mass killings in nearly 20 years). I follow various news sources from around the world and there has been almost no mention of giftedness, ASD or anything beyond guns as a cause of the deaths in this situation from any country other than the USA (I say cause of the deaths as there has of course been recognition that he was mentally ill and that this was likely a factor in him taking up weapons). Rather, internationally the response has followed the argument that all the other issues cease to be an issue *from a mass killing perspective* (obviously, as mentioned, the psychological issues exist regardless) if the person doesn't have easy access to guns.

I note it because I found it fascinating that this becomes about giftedness/ASD only in the States and I mention it not as a criticism, just as noting the difference in cultural spin. It must make it extremely hard for parents of kids who do not fit 'easily' socially.