Rbm.
Thanks for the thoughtful response.
This is how I'm looking at it :
Yes I understand what you're saying and I'm not speaking out against anyone with autism.
This is primarily concerning Brian Kohberger and not killers like Elliot Rodgers who by the way wasn't diagnosed with autism but (from the link below) what's termed as 'malignant narcissism', and imo a possible incel as well ?
The mass murderer displayed malignant narcissism, envy, and entitlement that are not typical with his reported autism spectrum diagnosis. Misunderstanding mental illness introduces potential for misplaced fear.
www.theatlantic.com
Making the case for the inappropriateness of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in Elliott Rodger’s case is critically important to address the public misconception that autistic individuals have an unusually high potential for violence.
By higher functioning Brian may still understand very well what he has done was wrong; however I'm leery of his defense using this at this late date,
to promote a sense of sympathy for him.
If BK wasn't diagnosed with autism before it's possible he is not autistic.
Regardless, he was thought competent enough to be placed in a position of some authority over other students , according to the Dateline show, and yes it was discussed before that episode.
The only affliction BK may be suffering from is a sense of grandiose entitlement that could be on par with Elliot Rodgers.
Re. the red bolded : I wouldn't take BK's nighttime excursions as a sign of having different awake/tired moments from most other people. He had run into a group of people per the Dateline one of whom recognized him whilst they were returning from a hike at dusk-- but BK was just walking up the hill and apparently just beginning his hike !
While it could be a manifestation of an autism diagnosis, it could also be that he liked night time better and it was easier to 'observe' (stalk) people like the young students he eventually murdered.
Curious if the defense will provide proof if she thinks BK has autism ?
Was he ever diagnosed before the killings ?
Hope that makes sense.
Omo.