Death through ignorance
Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 2010-04-18 16:24.My heart goes out to Jenny and Keith Horne-Roberts. To have lost their son in this way while he was under someone else's care must be heart breaking. Even though Harry was over 18, the introduction of antipsychotic drugs should have been thoroughly discussed with his parents - even out of courtesy if nothing else. All concerned will have been fully aware that Harry would not be able to make such a decision himself.
Unfortunately there exists a terrible ignorance in psychiatry and the medical profession as a whole, about how autistic people can react to psychiatric drugs. Autistic people cannot metabolise toxins efficiently and display side effects not seen in others. The education of doctors, psychiatrists and carers in this issue is of paramount importance. How many others have quietly lost their lives in this fashion because of this ignorance? And how many more must follow Harry before something is done? It's a scandal.
Love and good wishes to Keith and Jenny in their quest for justice and recognition of the crime committed against their son.
Janette Robb [Scotland]