Autism advocates outraged over radio host’s comments

July

Radio show host Michael Savage has made parents and advocates of autistic children very angry. On his July 16th radio show, he said autism was”a racket” and “a fraud” and that ” in 99 percent of the cases, it’s a brat who hasn’t been told to cut the act out.”

Here’s what Stephanie Contrucci Kuhn and David Kuhn, co-directors of a program that provides behavioral therapy to autistic children at the Westchester Institute for Human Development had to say:

“Mike Savageâ€™s recent comments are extremely insensitive and misinformed, to say the least. Research overwhelmingly indicates that autism is caused by abnormalities in brain structure and/or function. In recent years, such research has greatly increased our knowledge of autism and interventions effective in addressing and improving its associated deficits. With the incidence of autism on the rise, our communities struggle to provide and maintain quality programs for individuals affected. We, like other professionals working with children with autism and developmental disabilities, will continue to work and distribute accurate information regarding autism to parents, caregivers, educators, and community members and to work with individuals with autism in order to assist them in living fulfilling lives.â€

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 24th, 2008 at 2:39 pm by Candice Ferrette. Print This Post | Email This Post

2 Responses to “Autism advocates outraged over radio host’s comments”

Steve C. July 25th, 2008 at 10:06 am
like ADD and ADHD i think Autism is over diagnosed. That is not to say that many of these kids are autistic. When I first heard the story I immediately thought that perhaps he confused ADD/ADHD with autism. If he had said that I would have to then agree that most of the kids “diagnosed” ADD/ADHD are brats.
Trust me no one was more than a handful than Me , when I was young. I actually had issues, but overcame them, mostly.

I know when i kid has a real issue and when he’s just spoiled and the parents give up. I spent some time with a supposed ADD child, I am here to say, he wasnt. As a matter of fact I treated him as he should have been treated and he turned around his behavior whenever he was around me. With that being said, many of these illness diagnosis are knee jerk reactions and driven by the declining medical coverages. It is also a shame because it takes away from the children who, indeed have the disability.

Like most “shock” jocks he did it for attention. People need to stop head hunting and just use the exposure and open door this man made as a launching point for proper medical treatment and understanding. instead of looking to get the guy fired. We are in america and freedom of speech is supposed to protect us from losing our jobs when we stick our foot in our mouth.

For once, it would be nice if people didnt have lawsuit/money on the mind. and just went about business.
Joh August 9th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Nice insight from the previous poster who doesn’t know his ear from his elbow. Glad he/she’s not a doctor.

Autism, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome are real and serious conditions. To somehow throw those afflicted under the “brat” umbrella, is to show ignorance at the very least.

The shock jock got his 15 minutes of fame but autism remains for millions of children and adults worldwide. Let’s keep shining the light on these conditions and their treatments so sufferers can live happier, better lives.

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