Be Educated about Autism
As Chairman of the Alabama Autism Task Force, I am outraged by the recent comments made by radio talk show host Michael Savage that children diagnosed with autism are “brats” and that the disorder is the “result of lax parenting.” Mr. Savage is certainly within his right under the First Amendment to say whatever he wants on the air. The First Amendment clearly protects the rights of even the most ignorant in our society however the corporate sponsors for his show also deserve to hear the feelings of many autism parents regarding this comment. I know I plan to personally let them know how I feel about this misinformed opinion they are supporting.
Michael Savage’s remarks are both irresponsible and inappropriate. Approximately one out of 150 children today have some degree of autism, and because of alert parents who pick up on certain behavioral traits, many of these children get the help they need at an early age. Savage makes the assumption that bad behavior in children is caused by a lack of parental discipline when, in many cases, it is the direct result of a neurobiological disorder known as autism. His ridiculous statements only add fuel to a fire that has been kindled over the years by bad information and assumptions rather than facts.
Michael Savage should spend some time visiting with those parents and families who deal with the challenges of autism on a daily basis before he makes such stupid remarks. I urge all who have been touched by autism to boycott his show and ask others to do likewise.
As someone who knows people who are autistic, I believe that Michael’s surname would be even more appropriate if his middle name was “Stupid and”.
Comment by Mike Winter — July 24, 2008 @ 8:48 am
Thank you and well said Mr. Ward!!
Comment by Parent — July 24, 2008 @ 8:51 am
Savage is a right wing blowhard, just like Limbaugh and Hannity. There is no stopping this type of ignorance that they espouse, yet people continue to listen to all of them and put stock in what they say. Seriously people, wake up.
Comment by Right wing idiots — July 24, 2008 @ 12:30 pm
Thank you for responding to him in a civil manner. This, for me, is a reminder of why we work so hard in the field of ASD. Ignorance is bliss or in this case, Savage.
Comment by Keith A. Sellers — July 24, 2008 @ 1:47 pm
Why boycott? Just call in his show.
Comment by ron — July 24, 2008 @ 5:51 pm
Because calling into his show just feeds the ratings. Why not combat this problem at the source and let his financial backers know how we feel. He has made it plain and clear that he does not care what others think so why try to talk with him if he thinks we are all “idiots who have parented spoiled brats” ??
Comment by Samson Family — July 24, 2008 @ 6:09 pm
Good comment #6. Have you collected a list of sponsors yet?
I sent this note to the station: “Michael Savage regularly says appalling things. I am saddened that he has enough of an audience to sustain his broadcasts, advertisers that don’t care what they support and a local medium that supports hate.
I will continue not to listen nor will I patronize sponsors who underwrite such nastiness.”
Finally, how about demanding greater civility and respect across the board? I’m grateful for this venue of diverse opinion because “Choir practice” only reinforces a limited mindset and does not often subject ideas to hard questions.
Comment by Helen — July 24, 2008 @ 11:40 pm