I could scream

July 21, 2008 at 10:16 pm (adoption)

Parents of Children Diagnosed With Autism Demand Retraction and Apology from Mike Savage

 

Radio talk show host calls autism a ‘hoax,’ refers to children affected as ‘brats’ NIXA, Mo., July 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The National Autism Association (NAA) today joins thousands of parents around the country in demanding an apology and retraction from radio talk show host Mike Savage for his July 16 broadcast in which he stated that children affected by autism are ‘brats,’ and that bad parenting is to blame for a ‘fraudulent’ epidemic now affecting one in 150 children.‘Autism is a very serious condition that greatly impacts the lives of those affected,’ said NAA board member Lori McIlwain. ‘Many children with autism experience tremendous physical pain from underlying pathologies, which accounts for the screaming this person callously dismisses. To have an uneducated opinion about autism is perfectly within one’s right, but to earn a living by shock-value exploitation of children’s suffering, while suggesting they should be called ‘idiots,’ is disgraceful.’While the symptoms of autism often include unusual or negative behaviors, there are serious underlying medical issues that cause these symptoms. ‘To suggest that these kids and their parents are to blame for autism is just plain ignorant,’ said NAA vice president Ann Brasher, who has a grandson diagnosed with autism. ‘The devastating emotional toll autism takes on families is unfathomable to those like Mr. Savage who haven’t lived with it. He owes an apology to children and their parents for trivializing their pain.’ In addition to a public apology and retraction of his words regarding children and families impacted by autism, NAA asks that time be allowed on the Savage show for a truthful portrayal of autism, its effect on families, and the advances in research that are offering hope for recovery to those dealing with autism.For more information on autism, visit www.nationalautismassociation.org. To lodge a complaint against Mike Savage, call Talk Radio Network at 541-664-8827.Contacts:Wendy Fournier (Portsmouth, RI) 401-835-5828Rita Shreffler (Nixa, MO) 401-632-6452SOURCE National Autism Association

OMG I could scream after reading this. Some of you know that I have a 12 year old son with autism. Fewer of you know that my 9 year old son is now showing major signs and being tested. I am very passionate about all of my children. When I read this mt stomach turned. My boys are NOT brats! They are the sweetest most compassionate boys anyone could wish for. They are smart and funny. They are wonderful and I am blessed to be their mother.

As to this part of his little rant “[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. That’s what autism is. 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. You’ll get nowhere in life. Stop acting like a putz. Straighten up. Act like a man. Don’t sit there crying and screaming, idiot.’ “

Well Mister Savage I am willing to bet that my autistic child is much smarter than you. His IQ is extremely high. He is also smart enough to not call children morons and idiots. Maybe its just that he is a much better person than you and would never hurt an innocent child. In fact he would never purposely hurt anyone. The simple fact is that you are far inferior to these autistic children you seem to hate.

This man has got to be held responsible for his words. He needs to be off the air. I am asking all of you to sign the petition. Also write to everyone. I have added a partial list of his sponsors. (all of which I am boycotting until this is resolved)

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/pull-michael-savage-off-the-air

ABC
Acura
American Express
Ancestry.com
Boca Java
Bochringer
Bosch
Campbells
Citrix
Consolidated Resources
Direct Buy
Dish Network
Ebay Motors
Efax
General Motors
Gallo Wines
Hoover
Legal Zoom
Marshalls
Nautilus
Nivea
Outback Steakhouse
Prudential
Purina One
Simon & Schuster
Staples
Subway
Texaco Chevron
United First Financial
Volkswagon  

Advertisement