Autism experts are cautioning against linking the spectrum disorder to violence in the wake of the Parkland, Florida, shooting that killed 17.

Several news media outlets included in their coverage of the attack that alleged shooter Nikolas Cruz, 19, had autism, but autism advocacy groups have been quick to say that the two aren’t related.

“A massive shooting happens, and it’s a senseless act of violence,” said Dr. Karoly Mirnics, director of the Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “As you are searching for answers, you start to notice differences.” If you haven’t interacted with people on the autism spectrum, you might jump to conclusions, the doctor said. 

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