What crime is committed when X slaps Y because Y has autism?

The crime committed when X slaps Y because Y has autism is classified as a hate crime. Hate crimes are defined as offenses motivated by bias or prejudice against a particular group based on specific characteristics, such as race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or nationality. In this scenario, the act of slapping Y is not only an act of physical violence (which corresponds to assault) but is further motivated by Y's autism, making it a bias-motivated crime.

The motivation tied to Y’s disability elevates the act to a hate crime, as it reflects an animus against individuals with autism. Laws regarding hate crimes exist to protect individuals from violence and harassment stemming from such biases, recognizing that they target specific vulnerable populations.

Other classifications of crime, such as assault or harassment, may describe the actions without addressing the underlying motivation linked to disability. Discrimination, while it can cover similar contexts, typically refers to unfair treatment rather than a specific violent act. The aspect of bias in this situation is crucial in understanding why the correct classification is a hate crime.