Michael Savage Speaks on Autism

Michael Savage, the Republican pundit and radio host, recently said during one of his shows that he felt many parents hoped for an autism diagnosis for their children so they would then have an excuse for unruly behavior. He claimed that many just weren’t doing their jobs and parenting their children and if they would they really wouldn’t be autistic.

When there was then an outcry as a result of his comments he backpedaled saying he meant those who "fake autism" or who are misdiagnosed with autism. But that is not what he said. What he should have said is, "I’m sorry. I spoke before I thought. Upon further reflection, this is what I meant….."

Many are now calling for him to be fired from his job. That won’t happen because he did what he is paid to do. Shoot from the hip and stir up controversy. He’s not paid to deal in facts. He’s paid to deal in stereotypes and mass hysteria. Apparently, he has lost sponsorship as a result. Truly, I don’t think he should lose his job for his comments. It is free speech after all. That does not mean that I agree in the slightest with what he said. I find his comments to be ignorant and offensive, especially to those parents who have autistic children. It certainly can’t be easy.

Some friends of ours have an autistic son who is 9 years old. He is severely autistic. He cannot speak and he has frequent emotional outburst that nobody can control. His parents are loving, caring, and attentive parents. They do the best they can, but their son’s behavior is entirely unpredictable. That doesn’t make them bad parents. Parents have a difficult job already; parents of children with special needs have even more of a challenge. People like Michael Savage who spout their ignorance to a mass market are truly the ones who need to be told, "Don’t act like a moron."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/23/arts/23arts-SAVAGELOSESA_BRF.html?ref=arts