Parents of children with autism, among others, are calling for the firing of conservative radio show host Michael Savage after his rant about autism on air. An online petition has been started. You can see a video about his remarks here. He has defended what he said on at least one TV show shown in the video, saying his comments needed to be considered in context.
In an article discussing the remarks that aired last Wednesday on the show Savage Nation, it states:
In remarks he later characterized as directed at the large number of diagnosed children who he feels are not truly autistic, he called autism "a fraud, a racket. ... I'll tell you what autism is. In 99 percent of the cases, it's a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out. ... What do you mean they scream and they're silent? They don't have a father around to tell them, 'Don't act like a moron. ... Act like a man. Don't sit there crying and screaming, idiot.'"
Several dozen parents and protesters stood before WOR's office on lower Broadway in Manhattan, holding signs like "Fire Savage." John Gilmore, executive director of Hicksville-based Autism United, a coalition of advocacy and service groups, said, "If someone wanted to pick the most vulnerable group in the country, you'd be hard pressed to find one easier than autistic children."
via www.newsday.com
The news conference and protest was held yesterday.
A statement released by the Autism Society of American states: "We are dismayed that these grossly inaccurate remarks would be aired in any platform, much less on a nationally syndicated show. We will continue to work with families, people with autism and the broader public to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders."
Over at P.L.A., a parent describes the journey he has taken with his son with autism and decries this kind of mocking of autism as that of a ten year old bully - a post well worth reading- and interesting since it's dated in May 2003, indicating that Savage has done this before.
UPDATE: Response by Rep. Mike Doyle of PA
2 comments:
'Don't act like a moron. ... Act like a man. Don't sit there crying and screaming, idiot.'
Oh wow, too bad my husband didn't think of using that tactic. Then all our problems would be solved.
I was so angry at this, but lacked the energy to blog about it.
I admit there it a hint of truth in his words... sometimes autism is overdiagnosed. But not by 99%!!!! It is very real and very prevalent, and insensitive people like the savage Mr Savage makes life even more difficult for families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Goldie- I agree with your comments-and even assuming his point about it being overdiagnosed is correct, using the figure 99% is - well - ridiculous.
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