The “refrigerator mom” is long gone. But are some commentators now trying to blame autism on bad fathering?
According to a liberal watchdog group, the conservative talk show host Michael Savage — whose 10 million listeners make him the third most listened to radio host — called autism a fraud and 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. 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. Act like a man.”
(There’s more if you have a strong stomach.)
The Web site Autismparents has his “apology.”
Media Matters for America — a liberal group focusing on media criticism — has links for every station on which Michael Savage appears, making it very easy to complain to each program director if you’re upset.
[UPDATE: Savage responds. An attempt to "boldly awaken parents and children" to "cartel of doctors and drug companies."]
[UPDATE: A range of reactions Monday]
[UPDATE: Savage on air Tuesday]
LOL, can’t believe this is the first time you’ve heard this sort of thing!
Savage isn’t the only one who wants to blame autism on parents. I’ve heard it blamed on women getting breast enhancements, parental drug abuse, parents not giving the little monsters a good whack upside the head to “larn ‘em” and the ever popular, the kids really don’t have a problem, it’s all in their parents’ imagination. Autism really doesn’t exist.
Yeah. Right.
Trust me, if you’re the parent of an autistic kid, you’ve heard all the “explanations”, and been given tons of “useful” advice.
You’ve heard it all.
TalkinKamel —
Is this a partisan issue, or are there certain communities of people who you’ve found are more likely to blame the parents?
Sounds to me that Mike Savage is doing a media push. Is his ratings down? What way to get more attention that to stir up about 6 million people?
I don’t know if this will work to his benefit. AFLAC just dropped as a sponsor for his show. He will go from a national #3 strongest broadcaster to 109 very soon with these callus, harsh comments.
Again - These comments are so awful it just seems like a ratings ploy. He is not even in the 1950’s - more like 1850’s with his thinking.
JUST A LOAD OF HORSE.
Most kids nowadays don’t have enough discipline.
Stop blaming others for your own mistakes.
.
HE IS RIGHT !
savage is a trout mouth coont.
I heard this man’s entire explanation this evening about what he said and what he meant. He’s right. I know many many people who are getting money by fraudulent claims from local charities to permamnent SSDI that are healthy able people.
Many families have no moral core. Just want an easy ride.
Autism is serious as all illnesses are. But we have a portion of this country that look for any means to get something for nothing or to make someone else pay because they are too selfish or *busy* to care for their own kin.
ANYONE WHO IS STUPID ENOUGH TO MAKE A BLANKET STATEMENT LIKE THAT HAS NEVER LOOKED INTO THE EYES OF A CHILD WITH AUTISM AND SEEN THE HEARTBREAKING EMPTINESS. OR WATCHED A LITTLE BOY PLAY WITH THE SAME LINE OF TOYS OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN, NEVER RESPONDING TO HIS NAME. AUTISM IS A VERY REAL EPIDEMIC DISORDER, WITH A GENETIC/ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSE WHICH HAS YET TO BE DISCOVERED. WHY WOULD SOMEONE WHO KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT THIS CONDITION WANT TO HURT PARENTS MORE THAN THEY ALREADY ARE?
Being married to a speech therapist who frequently deals with various levels of autism I can tell you that she has the utmost admiration for parents of autistic children. This is not an issue of improper parenting, rather a condition that is untraceable, minimal clinical correctiveness, coupled with a medical system that doesn’t recognize the severity for prompt treatment. I believe his last name is indicative of his compassion for this ailment.
If this clown really believes this, and he’s not just trying to get ratings, well -
Maybe he’d like to meet our twins and spend one week taking care of them. Our identical twins are autistic, hyperactive and destructive. You’ve got to meet these 2 guys to believe they’re for real. I could guarantee Mr. Savage that after one day he will be begging to leave my house.
Watch out, sweeps week.
I could be wrong, but as Michael Savage is a non de plume, someone told me his real last name is “Wiener.”
Somehow that fits. Sad that anyone listens to this rabid moron. Not to to put too fine a point on it. However, 2,500 people a week wanted to be on the Jerry Springer show so I shouldn’t be surprised.
Your headline is NOT what he stated. Clearly sensationalized and misquoted. He stated “99% of Autistic children are brats”. He goes on to say that it is widely over-diagnosed and those children who truly have Autism should be treated. He calls on parents to be responsible and the medical community to act ethically. Seems like its the media that has the agenda. At least quote him correctly.
I wish Mr. Savage could walk a mile in my grandson’s shoes. He should be deeply ashamed of himself. Yes, there will always be those who take advantage of a situation, but to damn the entire autism spectrum community is simply irresponsible. Attend an Autism Speaks event or, what the heck, participate in one of the many national Walk Now events and meet some of the children and adults for whom we gladly give our time and money. (We’d be happy to meet you at the Orange County event in November.) Otherwise, keep your disgusting, uninformed opinions to yourself.
The nonsense that vaccines are causing autism though is a crime which is causing WAY MORE SICKNESS and harm than is is excusable. Patents that are refusing to vaccinate thier children due
to fear of contracting autism are guilty of child abuse in my eyes.
I wish Savage would attack the anti-vaccine fanatics instead of the
inflated numbers of autism diagnosises then I could agree with him more.
The real issue with the autism debate which I have a bone to pick with is nonsense that vaccines are causing autism which a crime worse than autism over diagnosis and is causing WAY MORE SICKNESS and harm. Parents that are refusing to vaccinate thier children due to fear of contracting autism are guilty of child abuse in my eyes.
I wish Savage would attack the anti-vaccine fanatics instead of the
apparent inflated numbers of autism diagnosises then I could agree with him more.
I think he’s wrong, but why is autism suddenly so prevalent. I read something a while back about investigating infant and toddler vaccines. That some contain mercury. Mercury CAN cause brain damage.
Has anyone else heard about this?
I think this is ridiculous! There are so many spectrums of this disorder and for him to say it is a fraud, makes him very ignorant. I work with kids with emotional disorders and you can tell when a child probably did need better discipline or a stable home environment. When you see an actual autistic child, and try to work with them then you will know it is not a child just acting out.
A conservative said this? No way, what a surprise.
ADD and ADHD? Yes, mostly lack of parenting and parents looking for an easy out to NORMAL energy levels of children. AUTISM? No. Definitely NOT a lack of parenting. It is a real thing and I commend those parents that are raising an autistic child. This moron Savage, obviously doesn’t have an autistic child nor has he been around one. Sound like he is just afraid of them because of his own hang-ups and childhood issues. His ignorance is annoying.
Michael Savage is a snake oil salesman. Go to his website and count how many times he asks for donations…. for what???? He has cures for cancer, healing children, etc. etc. And wait…. here’s the best part of his “apology”…. his brother died in a snake-pit of a mental institution so he knows first hand what real disability is. Is that an apology. No, that’s saying once again that autism isn’t real, his brother’s disability was real. I have to wonder if this stupidity isn’t some publicity stunt to get some attention because no one could be this stupid. His freedom of speech offends the intelligence of every thinking person within earshot. I will not support any company that advertises on his show and I hope no one else does. That’s the only way to shut him up. Well it probably won’t shut him up but he won’t be polluting the airwaves unless he pays for it himself. I know autistic children, I know autistic adults. Mr. Weiner who may be a savage but his real name is much more fitting should know from whence he speaks. Has he mentioned how much time he’s spent with autistic people? Did he mention his knowledge of the autistic spectrum? Did he happen to find a way to insult and degrade autistic adults or is it just children that are brats? Holes in his rant huh? I know many autistic people. I know autism is very real and that there are countless people, families, children who have been devastated by it.
Anyway, why does Weiner’s opinion matter again?
As a teaching professional in a grade school that has 4 classrooms devoted to children with special needs. You would really be surprised to know that he is closer on the numbers than you would think. Out or the 90+ children it is estimated that more than half would excel in standard classes and the only thing holding them back is the parent(s) and a doctors diagnosis and referral.
I’m not here to start an internet war and I’m certainly not advocating Savages statements. Having an Autistic child can be hard, sometimes extremely so depending on how the illness manifests in the child. The learning environment here helps the child as well as the parents. For instance our facility includes a breakfast and noon meal prepared for the children as well as an extended social or play time that extends the time at school for an extra hour. These little extras are a real benefit for parents of truly Autistic children.
But to parents of undisciplined and disruptive children that extra hour after school is one hour that the parent doesn’t have to take responsibility and deal with the problem he/she has created.
Bottom line is.. Just because Savage’s statements are not completely accurate, doesn’t mean that he’s completely wrong either.
Joseph
I can’t believe this guy still has job!
He was clearly offensive to the autisic community and he was clearly offensive to single mothers! He was offensive to children (I wonder if he has any - I pray not) and he was offensive to doctors. Not every doctor is ready with a bottle of pills to help our “out of control” children. Yes there are doctors out there that are quick on the draw with the prescription pad, but there are good, honest physicians who do outstanding work.
I am disgusted at his attempt to “apologize” - I heard the clip and no, it wasn’t the entire show that I heard, but i didn’t need to. He isn’t man enough to admit that he said these things and his idea of an “apology” is to say “but you didn’t hear the whole show” {wah, wah, wah} I am thanking GOD that I did NOT.
I think “freedom of speach” has crossed the line here and it’s time, as parents, that we stand up and let it be known that enough is enough. We don’t need people like this on the air, even if it is “syndicated” or whatever his show is. There is enough negativity out there - let’s not add to it by giving these people a microphone.
I think if we are as offended as we say we are - we should perhaps file suit against him. We can file suit against co-workers for telling an offensive joke, or having a ‘firemen’ calendar; so why can’t we file suit against someone who has blantantly offended so many people? Let’s band together here America and take our country back starting with Michael Savage!!
Maybe this jerkoff would like to come to my house and explain to my autistic daughter that she is just doing this for attention. He can also explain it to her teachers and to her therapists and to everyone who has been affected by autism.
Get rid of this jerk. America won’t tolerate use of the ‘n’ word but what is going to be done to an ignorant jackass who attacks defenseless children and the exhausted parents who are just trying to make it through the day without losing their minds?
This only shows his intelliegence about a severe medical disorder.
Is he a medical Dr or Neurologist ? The answer is “NO”, he should have never attacked people who have special needs. He should be responsible for his actions. Just like other people who have made mistakes in their lives their is consenquences.
I took his advice and told my six-year-old to stop acting like a moron and a fool and also like a girl.
He still won’t talk. He still won’t poop in the toilet. He still flicks his fingers in front of his eyes. He still needs to have certain doors in our house open, certain ones shut, certain ones locked, certain ones unlocked, certain lights on and certain lights off. He still repeats funny sounds and noises over and over.
What now? Are there some better names I can call him to fix this situation? Perhaps I should beat it out of him?
In fact, I wouldn’t mind if he was only acting like a “girl”. I am female, so it’s not really an insult to me. I would take an effeminate son anyday over what is going on here.
I am interested in learning more about his research study on Autism. While I agree that Autism is probably over-diagnosed, as are a lot of other neurological and psychiatric disorders, I am wondering where he came up with 99% of all diagnoses being fraudulent.
I am wondering how large his sample was, and was it completely random? What was the percentage of children in the experimental group (those that were called morons and fools and told to stop acting like girls) lost their ASD diagnosis thereafter. Did the girls stop acting like girls as well? What percentage of children in the control group lost their diagnoses?
I am also interested in conducting a similar study on criminally violent men (which make up 85% of the violent prison population) to see what percentage of them were similarly bullied or verbally abused by their parents. I would be interesting to see the correlation.
It’s too bad that this bad man has to exert his greed and need for attention and ratings by hurting others and offering ignorant ideas like this.
Ok, here’s the rub with this whole situation: I keep reading comments on different news sites about this Savage ordeal. People seem to be attempting to make this into a liberal vs. conservative issue. Or they are pulling other so-called “diseases du jour” into the debate, such as ADD/ADHD or Bipolar disorder. As a special education teacher of children with autism, and someone who is well educated as to the official criteria for the diagnosis of these disabilities, I am well aware that there are cases of misdiagnosis out there…this is true of any disorder or illness. Not all doctors are good doctors, period. This small incidence, however, does not negate the fact that true cases of all these disorders exist and affect students, families, and caregivers. The medical community is not wildly over-diagnosing autism; rather, as our knowledge of autism grows, we are better able to determine true cases. Regardless of one’s reputation as a “shock jock” or one’s politics, it is demeaning and insulting to individuals with autism and other developmental/learning disabilities, as well as their families and teachers, to refer to them as “idiot”(s) or suggest that the disability is somehow based on bad or neglectful parenting. This is simply untrue, bottom line, and it belies the ignorance of anyone who agrees. I am a supporter of freedom of speech, and I understand that Savage’s comments are protected and legal, but I’m just not sure why anyone would want to ruin their public reputation for the sake of malicious comments against children, which are in no way fact-based. Furthermore, I sympathize with his brother’s struggles with mental illness, but this does not make him an authority on developmental disabilities, which are an entirely different category of disorders. All this man has done is won himself much negative attention from a very dedicated and determined group of advocates who will not back down in the face of adversity when it comes to those they love and support. I know many children and adults with autism, and I wouldn’t trade the laughter, love, and wisdom I have gained from them in a million years. Dear Mr. Savage, have fun watching your career go down the proverbial drain.
Your headline is misleading…Michael Savage, to whom I have carefully listened on this issue, DID use the word “brats” but DID NOT say Autism is nonexistent. He said that (a) there are no exact biological criteria for Autism’s diagnosis - e.g., Myesthenia Gravis is indicated by drooping eyelids and double-vision, both of which can be controlled by medication; (b) there is as yet no clear treatment for actual Autism cases; and (c) Autism is being diagnosed in far too many cases for whatever reason, and here I’ll allow Mr. Savage’s words to speak for themselves. I encourage people to listen to Mr. Savage…
Mr. Savage:
Research has shown that the brain scans of neurotypical vs. autistic spectrum people are clearly different. Even the experts do not understand what causes this. So I think you’d better keep your mouth shut until the experts figure this out.
Let’s do a brain scan on YOU, Mr. Savage. Then some neuropsych testing. I bet it would clearly show a large portion of your brain is a low IQ of an IDIOT! YOU should clearly be disciplined for saying something stupid that you know nothing about.
I agree with Jason, Uh Mr Savage is a conservative talk show host. Do you really think something will show up on a brain scan?
Savage is the only one in the media that is not afraid to call it as he sees it. Right or wrong, he’s the best thing going today. If you are offended by him, turn the channel you putz!
I wonder where Mr. Savage got his medical degree?
Savage has been and is to this day an immoral ,koolade drinking fool! The less than a man savage is a perfect example of the horrible thinking we are infected with along the lines of ann”who cares about the constitution” coulter.rush’jefferson had nothing to do with writing the constitution” limpbaugh amd sean”terri sciavo was dancing around the room” hannity.fools .boobs ,and morons all!
Dr. Savage has a PhD from UC Berkley in Epidemiology and is an expert in natural cures. He has written several books on nutrition amongst other topics. You might disagree with him but you should do your research first. Many leading physicians and researchers have come to some of the same conclusions. Please note that he did not say ALL cases are misdiagnosed. Please read Mr. Bensimon’s post above, which is spot on.
Right off the bat, people make ad hominem attacks without thinking a second time and seeing what Dr. Savage really said and looking at the facts. Like it or not, Autism, which exists, obviously, like the so called hyperactive disorders, has been grossly over diagnosed. Many times this has been done to assuage the guilt and shame that some parents have for bearing a child that is not perfect, sometimes it is a quick fix in the case of HDHD and the Ritalin regiment and sometimes it is a diagnosis to gain access to special programs and government funds.
One of the reasons that Dr. Savage is gaining popularity and his listenership is on the rise is because he is not afraid to go against pop culture and he recognizes that the most dangerous decease out there is the mental disorder known as extreme liberalism. All you good tolerant liberals should turn off NPR where you only hear your side of the argument and get some different perspectives. You are tolerant, aren’t you??
Unfortunately, Mr. Savage is speaking without experience. If he could spend some real time with a group autistic children and see what really occurs then maybe he would have a different judgement. Unfortunately, people love to speak their mind about others without really spending time to see why things happen. Its easier to put your two cents in without really getting your feet wet. Hopefully, maybe the media will stop focusing on the social issue of autism which is important but the main issues for most families are the following: most are nonverbal or do not understand functional language, or have echolalia, OCD, severe anxiety and so much more.
Thank you, Jason! You took the words out of my mouth. This idiot apparently has never been around an autistic child. How dare he make such a statement.
Anyone who promotes or airs beliefs other than my own should be silenced immediately!!
PS- and be made to apologize for it!! Where do they think they are, flippin America??
As a teacher of children with Autism, I dare Mr. Savage to spend one day in a classroom with children with Autism, or for that matter, at home as a parent who has to care for them 24/7 and I would like to see his reaction then.
More parents, NEED TO DISCIPLINE.
AND NOT HAVE THE TV WATCH THEIR CHILDREN.
.
Most of the people who are angry about this,
ARE THE ONES GUILTY OF POOR PARENTING.
I AM NOT SPEAKING OF THE TRUE CASES OF NEED, WHICH THERE ARE.
YES, I AGREE THERE ARE CASES WHERE THEY’RE MORE SEVERE.
BUT THEY USED TO CALL THEM RETARDED.
THEN SOCIETY CHANGED THAT WORDING ALSO, SO AS TO NOT OFFEND.
TO MAKE IT MORE FLUFFY.
In reality if a person’s HONEST ABOUT LIFE, the truth would not make them feel bad.
.
Anybody who dares disagree with Michael Savage should just shut up, or face the deadly barrage of snarkisms!
Right, Tim?
(And anyone who’se angry about what he said, is guilty of poor parenting. This is America, where we have freedom of speech—except when it comes to Michael Savage, who should not be criticized.)
this is awesome! lets get more conservative radio hosts to say crazy stuff like this and/or hooked on prescription drugs so we can get them where they belong
the unemployment line
So the question that begs to be answered is, was this a problem in the 30’s 40’s and 50’s? Back when divorce was unheard of and women didn’t marry for money. Back when you were allowed to spank your child for acting out and misbehaving? Back when women didn’t try to raise children without a man. It probably wasn’t. I’ve seen the kids with ADHD and ADD. They are like that because the parents do not pay attention to the kid, so they act out to get attention. This then forces the horrible parents to seek drugs to calm their children down. The child grows up thinking he needs drugs to be normal.
I agree with Savage.
What a TOOL!!!! ADD and ADHD is over diagnoised but autism, come on. Try having family with it then write a bs acticle.
people call him a neo nazi facist because he disagrees with them. He isn’t a Nazi or a facist he just doesn’t really think this disorder is as widespread as “experts” make it seem to be. A great example is the south park on ADD. Autism is real and affects many people, but many kids are just brats that use it as an excuse. We need more discipline in this country because nobody these days wants to accept responsibility. People fake injuries and sue over dumb things (such as coffee that was too hot that they spilled on themselves sic[McDonalds]), and are rewarded. We need to change this country where stuff like this doesn’t fly. Autism is another avenue that people use to try to avoid responsibility. If your kid has trouble in school make him work hard instead of treating him as a special case. Your kid also just might not be good in that subject. Don’t go running to Autism or ADD to explain it.
Michael “Savage” Weiner has a long, nauseating history of saying things that are misogynistic, homophobic, hateful, and glaringly inaccurate. Clearly, his ratings still weren’t where he wanted them to be, so he upped the stakes by attacking autistic children. Come on—does anyone really believe that he just wanted to start an intelligent discussion about the possibility that autism is overdiagnosed?
Those whinging about “free speech” need to read up on the Constitution. The first amendment guarantees that Mr. Weiner won’t be arrested for spewing his vile garbage. It does not guarantee his right to a radio show, corporate sponsorship, or immunity from criticism on the OC Register blog.
The man is dangerous and disgusting, and I daresay I’d feel the same about most of the folks leaping passionately to his defense.
I know a kid with autism. His is in the low stage I guess you can put it that way. Anyway - The Mom was a alcoholic and a druggie so who knows if it is autism or something else. But I do think it does exist but it could be over diagnosed like by polar and ADD. Maybe some misunderstood Michael Savage.
Ratings publicity stunt. Get people talking, get the name before the public,etc. This guy should send you all a thank you note.
I learned a long time ago: DON’T feed the trolls. Even the highly paid, syndicated talk show ones. He was going for a ratings grab.
don’t write about Savage. Ignore what he says.
But. Contact his advertisers and his stations and get him thrown off the radio. THAT is where the lasting change happens. Deny him a forum and he becomes just another ignorant man in the masses.
Johnadams: Sigh. No, silly. I do not think “everyone whom [sic] has an opinion that differs from [mine] is misogynistic, homophobic, hateful, and glaringly inaccurate.”
I DO think as much when someone regularly says things that are misogynistic, homophobic, hateful, and glaringly inaccurate. (Oh, and I forgot anti-Semitic.)
By the way….do you actually know moms who drug their kids so that they can drink cosmos and watch movies? Now THAT’s newsworthy!
I live next door to a couple who are raising two boys with autism. I can tell you I wouldn’t wish this condition on any child. The Mother is a saint in my book. She is constantly run ragged after them all day, every day. One child has learned to speak some words and is doing better than the other boy.
We had a party in our yard one night, the boys came over and went to where we were playing horse shoes, tossing the steel shoes into the air, unaware that if it had crashed upon his skull it would have seriously injured or even killed him. I saw the kid’s life flash before my eyes before I could grab the horse shoes from him. They are unaware of their actions, one boy runs unclothed from his house often with his Mom chasing after him. Autism is REAL, I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I’m not sure who this Savage character is, but he sounds like a typical right wing wacko,. He is possibly in denial about several other things like what Global Warming is doing to our planet, or believes you can get AIDS by kissing a gay person.
I’d be pleased to introduce Mr. Savage and any other autism nay sayers out there to my 5 year old son, Gabriel. He is autistic - a beautiful little boy with a heart of gold.
I can read through the lines of what Mr. Savage lacks the eloquence to say - that the medical community has not really even scratched the surface in terms of performing modern day, technological research of the disease and its causes. Nobody knows the cause with any degree of certainty. It’s not cancer, heart disease or diabetes. The propeller heads haven’t yet “nailed it” down to say “that’s it”, “we’ve got it”. It’s a spectum disorder that takes seemingly infinite forms and levels of severity. No one child with autism is 100% alike.
Meanwhile families and communities suffer and the financial toll on society gets heavier. I agree that it’s frustrating for those who don’t understand and for those who are just livid. My view, as a parent of an autistic boy, is that I have about 40 more years of life on this planet and I’m going to pour all I can into this little boy and feed his needs.
As for Mr. Savage and his ilk, unless he has something constructive to offer or is going to provide ABA and occupational therapy to my son for a reduced rate, I’d prefer he stay out of my way and just stick to topics that he knows something about.
So you’re offended based on the words of someone you don’t respect and don’t pay attention to in the first place. Seems like any time you spend trying to stop Savage is playing right into his hands. Heres an idea-suck it up and ignore him. Who cares what some guy on the radio says? Is anyone else tired of the perpetually thin skinned always offended contingent percentage of our country?
Lisa, You are so correct! This has to be nothing more than a ploy to boost listener response and ratings. Nobody could be this stupid. Maybe Mr. Savage should move to Sirius Radio like Howard.
Johnadams, Women have ALWAYS married for money..even back in your time… that is the time of our second president (:
Anything M Savage says is just to put $$ into his narcisstic pockets! He is frightenly dangerous to American Society & Our World views. He broadcasts under a stage name, earning his living by preaching hate practices & dividing neighbors against each other, dividing Our Nation when we need to be United more then ever. He is a predator. He is Not a Dr of Medicine or Psychiatry & his apologoies for any of his hate is worthless. He should be taken to Court for acts of sedition.
FreedomofSpeech,
Thanks for writing your example about the party at your house and the game of horseshoes. My son is autistic and often doesn’t respond to his name. Like many autistic children, he is often in “his own world” and needs constant prompting (verbal and light should touch) to be brought back into the now, get eye contact, listen and understand.
Due to the skyrocketing diagnosis rates, most people know and have met autistic children or parents and are somewhat familiar with what’s at hand here.
Mr. Savage probably has never spent 30 seconds with one autistic child or father of an autistic child. He’s entitled to his opinion and I’d die for his right to express it. But is it too much to ask for the guy to actually do some research and talk to some experts (there are many neurologists who are autism experts in California)? I mean, to suggest that it’s all so simple and a behavioral issue or due to weak-minded parenting is just ridiculous. In some respects, I wish I had a brat. The only thing that allows me to sleep at night is that I have a daughter and another son without autism. They don’t know it yet, but I’m going to ask them to at least “look out” for their older brother after we die. Not a fair weight to place on them, I know. And that worries me.
The opinions on this board vary. I am shocked to read some input about autism being misdiagnosed as bad parenting.
I would ask those people to visit five of their local schools, talk to the long term administrator (there is one at every school) and ask them these questions:
1) Is autism on the rise?
2) Do they have more kids or just a better diagnosis?
I think you would be intrigued what you find in the results.
Further - blaming autism on bad parenting really unkind. Walk a mile in someones shoes and do a little more research before you brow beat hard working, loving parents who have a huge challenge raising a child with autism. its not easy. Fighting this negative opinion should not have to be one of the battles because families have their hands full.
What was autism before it was ‘autism’?
We didnt have this back in the 50s 60s 70s…what happened?
Processed foods???
Autism seems to be a created ‘disease’…
STRIVE to be SMARTER than a democrat…
BTW, Michael Savage R O C K S out of San Francissy!!!
Cant believe he lives there, but C O O L ! ! !
John Adams is a Savage groupie.
He is incapable of getting a clue.
Anybody who actually thinks women never married for money in the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s (and even before that), that there was no divorce back then and that we were all healthy, happy, free of mental disabilities and, doubtless, living happy, “Little House on the Prairie” lives is a few bricks short of a load.
Michael Savage is an overpaid, underworked, radio talk show host. He is not an expert in psychology, neurology, children, parenting (is Savage even married? If so, is he a father?) He isn’t a doctor. He isn’t even your old-fashioned reporter type, who actually went out and talked to people, and got his stories that way.
He. Is. A. Radio. Personality. Nothing more. He’s good at marketing Michael Savage and shooting off his cake-hole. Nobody should listen to his idiot opinions about Autism, or anything else.
And, marla, as I recall, back in our parents and grandparents generations, there was indeed a great deal of mental illness, and mental disabilities. The general attitude was that we should just ignore it, or shut the sufferers away, out of sight, out of mind. People just didn’t know that much about it, and didn’t want to talk about it. It doesn’t mean it didn’t exist.
(But, as I said earlier, Mr. Adams is a Savage groupie.)
Actually TalkinKamel…while I disagree with Savage’s comments, he is in fact a doctor. He holds a Ph.D. from Berkeley in nutritional medicine and has two master’s degrees- one in medical anthropology and one in medical botany.
He is a bit more than just a radio host, but his comments on autism were quite ignorant.
Yeah, and how much has he kept up recently with “nutritional medicine”? And medical anthropology, and medical botany? Does he have an actual practice? Does he see patients, do research, write books on these topics? Is he conversant in the latest developments in these fields? Seems to me if he were actually good at any of the things he got these degrees in, he’d actually be working in those fields. (Maybe he’s got a bad habit of screaming at patients, and telling them they’re all just acting like a bunch of girls. Maybe his colleagues in Nutritional medicine, medical anthropology, etc., couldn’t stand him—for good reason. Maybe, despite the Ph.D and the Masters, he really didn’t have that great a grasp of the material. Really, if he’s such a smart fellow, why isn’t he wowing us with his splendiferous scientific discoveries, instead of attacking autistic kids on the radio—heck, isn’t he even smart enough to wangle a T.V. show, like Oprah?)
Certainly, none of those fine-sounding degrees appear to be in neurology, neuro-biology, psychology, child development, special education or anything else that might give him an actual clue. Maybe he knows all about plants; what’s he know about kids?
He’s just a radio host. And not a very good one, at that.
Savage, an expert in natural cures; from UC Berkeley. RIIIIIIIIIIIIIGGGGHHHHHHT—that sure inspires confidence!
/Not.
By the way, I’m getting tired of the way Savage keeps trying to hide behind Thomas Sowell’s coattails on this. Yes, Sowell came out, some time ago, against over-diagnosis of autism—which, he actually made clear, was the overdiagnosing he objected to. And he’s also written an article for TownHall. But Sowell never called autistic kids brats or accused them of faking it, or said autism was just bad bad parenting, or any of that garbage. We seeeeeeeeee you, Michael, can’t hide behind Mr. Sowell. (And I wish Sowell would say something, and not let his article be used by Savage as some sort of defense.)
Michael Savage has many published books on nutrition and related topics. I suspect that authoring those books did take some research. He hasn’t published anything in his field in the last 15 years or so but he did research and published for more than 20 years prior to that.
Berkeley counts among its alumni some of the most brilliant people on earth. Astronauts, pioneers in computer science. . .the list is quite impressive.
I happen to disagree with Savage about many of his ideas, including herbal remedies, homeopathy, and yes, autism. I am merely pointing this things out to correct the record, as you said he was not a doctor (he is) and was nothing more than a radio host (also clearly not true).
If you want to discredit someone, do it the right way. You don’t need to attack Savage personally to discredit him. Just throw some of his quotes out there and that is 99% of the work you have to do. When you attack someone personally, you raise the suspicion that you cannot disprove their claim and so have resorted to name calling and insults.
Not publishing anything in your field for the last 15 years, and being an expert in “nutrition” and “herbal remedies” isn’t really impressive. Savage is trying to pass himself off as some sort of real expert here, and I’m not buying. He isn’t—certainly not in the field of autism.
Savage’s claim to fame, his career, isn’t as a doctor, or researcher; it’s as a radio talk show host. And “Berkeley Alumni” is not a career, sorry. Berkeley does have some brilliant alumni. I don’t think Savage is one of them.
Savage reminds us that the refrigerator mothertheory is still with us today. One school psychologist tried to explain how to put my son to bed, as if I wasn’t doing it right. I put up with the questioning, the sneers, the naysayers-you name it. I’ve been there.
My son has never been medicated because you don’t drug autism.
My son is extremely bright.
We don’t get any money for his diagnosis. We only get services, and I’ve had to fight for the right ones.
What does Savage propose we do? Shall we return to the good old days and institutionalize kids who are too weird, or odd? What do we call kids who engage in repetitive behaviors and can’t seem to conform no matter what the consequence. How do we educate Kids who mutter to themselves, stim, repeat words and lyrics. Kids who hit themselves when stressed or frustrated. Kids who can’t seem to get the routine despite their intelligence. What are these kids if not autistic? Are they just quirky? Once upon a time, yes, they were just quirky, odd, strange, retarded, psychotic and freaks. A c hild with autism stands out like a sore thumb and does not go with the flow.
Brats can be cured, eventually, of their bratty behavior. Kids with autism continue making the same mistakes and don’t seem to understand the expectations. We know, today, that it is a nonverbal deficiency and not a willful desire to be bad or gain attention because mom doesn’t love me enough. That’s a ridiculous notion.
Savage is ridiculous.
Savage simplified what can’t be simplified.
Today, 2008, we are moving forward in positive ways, making fair attempts at removing the stigma. Savage reminds us that we are not there, yet. He is a dangerous blast from the past.
When he meant those kids need a father to tell them to “suck it up” or “don’t act like a fool”, he meant those kids who were MISDIAGNOSED. Not the AUTISTIC “1%”. Too many parents are looking for a way out from their brats, and those “special needs” classes are so tantalizing, eh? Those parents of fully-functioning, just bad-behaving kids are the ones to “suck it up”.
Savage did confuse a whole lotta people, but his “suck it up” rant’s not for the autistic kids. Just for the ‘fakers’.
By exaggerating with the “99%”, parents of actual autistic kids think that the “suck it up” rant’s for them and their kids. I don’t think he meant real, autistic kids, as “brats”. Just those who were misdiagnosed or over-diagnosed as autism. Naturally, by stating the “99%” part, his attack was misdirected at the WRONG GROUP of people - the ones with real autistic kids. Dun-dun-dah! Too bad you can’t hyphenate words in radio; I bet he meant “let me give you my opinion of ‘autism’…”
—- A Tale that has an idiotic ring..Full of sound and fury signifying nothing.
There should be an economic revolt against all organizations that advertise on this individual’s show.
Do not make any purchases supporting the wares of the advertisers– Take the savings and purchase stock in these organizations and bring it to the shareholders..
Media Matters took Savage’s quote completely out of context! The statement quoted here was referring to the kids that are being diagnosed with “autism-spectrum” disorders, with symptoms such as general inattention or wanting their toys to be organized. The psychiatric racket and drug companies make a TON of money by expanding the market for their goods and services to kids who DON’T NEED them! In fact, misdiagnosing, treating, and medicating these kids *who DO NOT have anything CLOSE to resembling autism* ultimately takes away from the attention and funding to help ACTUAL AUTISTIC KIDS!!
Media Matters and the OC Register should print a RETRACTION. This is a ridiculous ploy of some sort to go after Savage for something he DIDN’T EVEN MEAN. Intentional misinterpretation of the lowest form, and in my opinion, completely disgraceful!
Michael Savage is the ONLY one out there in the media telling it like it really is and telling the whole truth….
lizab, I suspect that shoving autistic kids into institutions, forgetting about them, keeping them out of sight, beating them into submission, and not letting them bother “decent”, “normal” folk, is exactly what Savage has in mind. I’d say the same about his groupies, except they don’t seem to have minds; they’ve ceded them to Savage.
And, like you, lizab, we’ve never gotten money, just services—and not much of the latter; our local Regional Center likes having lots of kids of their roster, but it doesn’t like actually having to do anything for them, or actually provide services. . . that’s too much like work!
(And, yes, what little we’ve gotten, we’ve had to fight tooth and nail for. And, talking to other parents in the area, our experience is not unique.)
I agree with Micheal. I know several people who have chosen to blame bad behavior or stress of life, on their child’s state of mind. I think that every parent needs to STAND up and BE A REAL PARENT!! You know in the 60’s-80’s everyone has ADD or ADHD.. And no one was on drugs! And now you cant even get through on day without hearing a pathetic mother go on about how awful her life is because of “autism”. When I know that it is because of lack of parenting. If these parents to their roll seriously and punished their kids accordingly, there would be no problems. I deal with a mother on a day to day basis who has a child with autism. And for 8 years, she has used it to blame all her life’s problems for it. She is pathetic to do that. And then she passes it on to the rest of the family and they all think that ALL their kids have problems. Give ME A BREAK!!!! I think Michel is RIGHT!!! I think if there was a dad, or mother who actually taught their children discipline and manners, autism wouldn’t even be considered.
GROW UP AND BE A REAL PARENT!
Amanda
Grow up and be a real human being. Also, try being less hysterical. And self-pitying. (Yeah, self-pitying: oh, poooooor Amanda, she’s surrounded by pathetic, bad mothers, who just don’t punish their kids the way Amanda just knows they ought to be punished! And for 8 years she’s suffered from a horrible mom who has a kid with autism! For God’s sake, somebody call Amnesty International! GIVE AMANDA A BREAK!)
And, if you really dislike all those “pathetic” moms, and that one mom whom—you claim—is blaming all her life’s problems on her autistic child, why don’t you just stay away from them? Leave them alone. It sounds as if they have enough problems, and, I suspect, you’re only adding to them.
I wish you have autistic grandchildren or children so you know what the pain is. God will punish who has dirty mouth. Will see..
I’ve read most of these comments & alot of them sound like they’re from people who want to form a opinion or comment about autism without actually doing research. Autism has nuthing to do with bad parenting. Autism is a neurological disorder. When a child is diagnosed with autism it does not mean they’re sick or mentally challenged. It is a disability that can be treated, and when I say it can be treated I don’t necessarily mean with medication. Not all kids with autism need meds. Michael Savage has a right to his opinion but he’s always going to sound foolish because it is obvious he hasn’t done his research on autism & kids with special needs. I’m sure everyone has heard of a library & the internet.
Until I came across his autism comment, I didn’t know that Michael Savage existed. Now I wish I was still ignorant. As a young adult with aspergers I have to say that this guy is a full-blown NAZI!!!! WTF gives him the right to say hateful things like that? I mean, most of us suffer enough with the disorder without having to put up with his crap!! I also couldn’t help noticing his sexist comments interweaved in there. Has he got problems with his masculinity? I sure think so… psychology says that most men who are sexist or homophobes have problems with their own sexuality and masculinity.
Celebrities like Michael Savage and Denis Leary shoot their mouths off about things they know nothing about, and their silly fans believe them—they’re FAMOUS, donchaknow? That means they know EVERYTHING! (Sarc.)