It is true though that SUVs are very bad for the environment and use up an awful lot of petrol (gas), and I hope people recognise this. They are even starting to become more popular here in England. It is a great shame he didn't protest in a peaceful manner.
I believe in always making the ethical/moral choice where possible - and arson is immoral. Same as wasting the planet's resources.
To put it in perspective, if a child with AS got involved with a gang who persuaded him to commit arson, then AS would be an important factor.
If an adult who was obsessed with fridges, and was very poor and stole a book on fridges that he desperately wanted, AS may be a factor (there was a very similar case and the girl was let off).
Commiting the arson more than once and bragging about it later is different.
Why is it different? Why do you expect an adult with AS to be any wiser than a child? Many AS adults are notoriously clueless, socially.
So he committs arson and gets rewarding feedback from the people who encourage him. He gets to brag about it. Of course, he does it again and again until he is caught.
Let him off the hook? Of course not. But take into account the fact that his judgment is affected by AS, yes. Just as happens in many other cases when adults are guilty.
Jerry
In the scenario you describe he would then be detained in a mental health facility instead as a danger to society, as someone who knows no right from wrong.
This has happened to people who were judged incapable of understanding their actions, is that a better outcome for him?
Darn good question. I have really mixed feelings about this whole scene because I do want our peers to be held accountable for what we do. I hear he got eight years. Maybe he is better off doing the time than the alternative.
Jerry