‘Gas them and light them’ - Advocate wants harsh punishment for boys who beat autistic schoolmate

Although she is yet to watch the video of autistic student Tyree Green being beaten by two of his schoolmates, Maia Chung, founder of The MAIA Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation, said that when she thinks of punishment for the perpetrators, the only words that come to mind are 'gas them and light them'.

"If you take up yourself and beat someone who is autistic, then you need to be gassed and light and that's where I am with that. What must the victim do? Lay down and be the victim?" she said.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.

Chung said she believes that Green's condition may have been a contributing factor in his bullying, and that more awareness needs to be spread in public schools about the disorder.

Reflecting on the incident, she likened it to comments from Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang, when he urged members of the security forces not to miss when returning fire from gunmen.

"I agree with him, because if somebody is shooting at you, then are you going to say 'I am over here, shoot me', or are you going to shoot back if you are armed?" Chung reasoned, opining that a similar thought pattern should be employed with the boys who beat up their autistic schoolmate.

"Somebody is unable to defend themselves intellectually, or is different and is beaten so severely and anecdotally, you might not have it that autism plays a role in a lot of these bullying ... gas them and light them. That's all I have to say," she reiterated.

Chung's foundation is non-profit organisation formed to increase awareness and tolerance for those affected by autism and various disabilities, as well as to channel resources towards entities that help these marginalised persons function within the Jamaican society.