I thought I’d forget about your inconsiderate statements after my earlier entry, but now you are compounding your offense by making excuses and saying the usual line: That’s not what I meant. I’m still angry that you are perpetuating the myth that some parents want their children to be diagnosed with autism so they have an excuse for their children’s behavior. Do you have an excuse for yours?
Here’s what it will be like when I travel with my adult son with autism soon. I’ll worry that David’s interest in the plane, how high we’ll be flying and whether the nice flight attendant has children will scare people into thinking he’s a terrorist or pervert. It’s happened to others. If he talks a little loud, will someone complain that he’s disruptive and we should be put off the plane? It’s happened to others. The truth is that he just doesn’t always understand boundaries, and believe me, I have tried.
If we’re a minute late taking off, David will be pointing at his watch and asking if the pilot knows what time it is. If we miss our connection or one of our flights gets canceled, he simply won’t understand and may get rather vocal. These days, that can mean the police are brought in.
I am hopeful that these issues won’t come up. This is an age of zero tolerance for what is often perceived as unruly behavior. If I can’t keep my son under control, does that mean he should stay home? Must he forego visits to his grandparents because he can’t understand how he should behave in public?
Do you have any clue how hard it is to parent a child with autism and then have people criticize your parenting skills? Until you do, don’t criticize those with autism or their parents.
Many people want your employer to fire you for your comments about people with autism on July 16 on your radio show “The Savage Nation.” I don’t. It’s free speech. Your employment should end because the hateful things you say will (one can hope) cost you your audience, which will then cost you your advertisers. No revenue, no show.
You now say, “It is the falsely diagnosed, the misdiagnosed and the outright fakers” that you were speaking against because they use up public funds that should be reserved for the more severely autistic who need the services these funds provide. Of course, you never said any of that before, you just painted everyone diagnosed with autism with a broad brush.
Mr. Savage, if your follow-up statements are genuine, here is what you should say: “I’m sorry. I spoke before considering my words carefully.” Then make your statement. A sincere apology goes a long way. Note the word “sincere.”
I don’t think you’ll do that, because you don’t really want anyone to think you’re a nice guy. You get better ratings by shooting from the hip and making people mad. Nice guys really do finish last in your business. I understand that.
I don’t think your ratings will suffer that much either. It’s a sad fact that a lot of people like to listen to such ranting. I think it makes some people feel like it’s proof they aren’t too bad, because right there on the radio is someone who is worse.
Not me. I want to listen to someone who will take responsibility for what he says and does and leads by example. That isn’t you.
You sound like you are not a regular listener of the Michael Savage Show. Dr. Savage is an accomplished scientist, author, and radio broadcaster. Yes, he can be harsh in his presentation sometimes, but I believe in freedom of speech as you say you do. I don’t know anything about autism and I am grateful to God that my children were not born with it. There is a stigma to it however even these days with or without Dr. Savage’s words. Even before Savage said anything about it, I wondered how valid it is…that doesn’t mean it isn’t valid, but like the ADD, ADHD diagnosis the autism factor has really taken off. Is it because we want to label the children who aren’t “normal”? All children are different, and some act might act up legitimately, but most just need a little strict, firm direction. I say, leave Savage alone and Savage: you should already know that people are going to try to pin blame on you…DON’T GIVE IN, I KNOWWHATYOUMEANT!!!!
Bravo Johanna!!!! We all have the right to “comeback” one, two or the number of times we feel necessary on this issue!!
Now,For comment 1:
Let me tell you what Savage is, because I know a bit about this clown>
I could tell you that he is a racist, homophobic and cruel cockroach…..but I am not really sure about that, because as you said, he is also a scientist and obviously, an educated guy. So what I really think he is, is a Hate and Fear monger, somebody willing to say anything, anything for ratings. I learned several years ago not to pay attention to what this moron has to say, because sometimes he contradicts himself for the sake of spreading hate, but that does not mean he did not go real over the top this time.
You really should be thankful with God for not having an autistic kid,…but maybe all of us that have one are also thankful to God for having one!!
Also, I do not know whay you mean by “Stigma to it” theres no Stigma to it!!There is only sympathy and compassion (except obviously for the kind of Savage’s human garbage) Finally I do not think you know what are you talking about…at all, actually you do not have a clue on what is autism, you do not know what Savage meant. Sometimes he does not know what he means, because he only is thinking on that ignorant “Savage nation” that believe all his words without questioning, with the sole purpose of making money through bigotry
3,Absolutely. I think the problem is not that clown himself, but his ignorant followers. No audience, no joker!! But he has audience because hate and not justice or reason is also commodity.
Jane, you and Michael Savage are the absolute scum of the earth. Good for you that your children were born healthy. You both make me sick. Both of you have no idea what you are talking about. Take if from me, a parent to a child with autism, you two can stand together in ignorance.
The letter says everything that I feel. Michael Savage has damaged all of the hard work parents and advocates have made to help the public understand autistic behavior. His remarks are totally reprenhsible. It is so sad that people are influenced by his comments. Unfortunately, she is not the only one. He should be fired for his inhumane remarks.
The letter says everything that I feel. Michael Savage has damaged all of the hard work parents and advocates have made to help the public understand autistic behavior. His remarks are totally reprenhensible. It is so sad that people are influenced by his comments. Unfortunately, he is not the only one. He should be fired for his inhumane remarks.
It’s so great to see intelligent, rational people posting. My faith in humanity is improving. Savage is a media prostitute, same as Rush, Ann, Bill, etc. I wonder if even they are amazed at the things people will believe.
Wow, by the comments I’m receiving, most of you are quite angry. I thought liberalism was supposed to be tolerant! Your comments show the closed mindedness. Sorry to all those who are offended by my opinion. You can call me scum, stupid, or whatever else you want to call me. Your intolerance to my ignorance does not help you make your point. It only shows me that you are closed-minded, angry, and judgemental.
“Your employment should end because the hateful things you say will (one can hope) cost you your audience, which will then cost you your advertisers. No revenue, no show.”
Sounds like the same could be said about the Star. How are your advertising sales going?
11, I consider myself a conservative not a liberal. A conservative does not portray himself like a bigot like that Savage Scum.
Do you think Savage is a conservative? Then you lack information not only about autism, but also about politics. Savage preys not on the people he insults but on the uninformed flock of bigots that believe he is a conservative. We are not angry, we are offended, hope you know the difference. About us being closed minded, angry and judgemental… are not those the typical words of liberals? You really need to read a little bit more!
Martin, calm down!!! Is this the end of the world? Are you the designated “thought and opinion” police? Come on!!! So, we are not all knowledgeable about this cause: forgive me!! You don’t know me, I don’t know you…can’t we all just get along? Just because I’m a Savage listener and fan, does not make me a monster!!! There’s a lot worse things in the world than this…Austism is being researched and many people are being treated for it. What Savage was saying is that the pharmaceutical companies are trying to make money off of kids who don’t have autism and are being diagnosed as such. What kind of definitive tests are done to DEFINITELY diagnose someone with autism? Savage’s comments didn’t take that away. So, the man misspoke, offended, whatever you want to call it…don’t tell me you’ve never made a mistake Martin…As for not knowing a lot about politics, well maybe you’re right, but I do know that Savage and everyone else here has the RIGHT to speak whatever is on their minds without the “thought and speech” police sending us to the slammer. That’s what’s so great about the USA, I can think what I want, I can say what I want, and I can stand up for what I want, and so can you.
Savage (Wiener nation) is a nut case, period!!! He always makes outrages comments to help boost his sub par ratings. That’s why his “show” is on in the worst time slots. Oh, remember he got axed by MSNBC years ago for horrific comments. According to many in the business, he is a horrible person off air as well. Another thing, can you believe he is asking people to now donate to some bogus fund to help support his First Amendment fight against some unknown enemy. How disgusting!! He always talks about how many best sellers he has over the years. I know of hardly who’s bought any of his books.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/11/crusades_versus_caution.html please read the article… this is not to say that those who’s children are autistic are misdiagnosed, only that diagnosis is not definitive for everyone…
14, My comments are perfectly “calm down”. Also, my comments are directed to the blog and not exactly to you. Except when you called us closed minded, intolerant and things like that. Why do not review the whole blog again? If this is not the end of the world, (actually it is not ) and you do not think this is important, then why to engage in the discussion?
I really do not understand your points. if you want to get along with people (which is real good and I agree with you in that) then try to listen and learn. If you do not agree do not call people intolerant only because can not agree with you!
Nobody denied your right to speak! did I? Thats a weird approach! when and how was that? but seems that you are trying to deny not only mine, but that of others.Mistakes (we all have) are not corrected by comebacking and trying to nail one more on somebody else.Savage was not saying what you say he was saying, I do not understand the purpose of trying to correct something that not even him is trying to correct.
If you admire him, thats fine with me, But hey….when you blog, people will respond…thats something else you need to learn.I am not and do not pretend to be “thought and opinion police”. Thats a poor excuse people uses to cut off the debate. Thats fine,its only that I do not understand why to start the debate then. Well honestly I am getting bored. Good luck and the best to you!
The main weakness in Savage’s remarks on autism is the idea that all children with autism are medicated. My son is autistic, 9 years old, and has never been given a single medication in his life. He receives speech therapy, behavioral therapy and occupational therapy. He spends his entire day in a special education class with a team of specialists (and 8 other children with language disabilities). Savage’s original comment was shot from the hip. He has no clue what he meant or was trying to incite. His comments made in response to the outcry are simply moronic.
One more point: There are excelent articles about autism. Many of those go against “conventional wisdom”. Some are good, some are weak, and you can tell the author does not have the slightest idea about what he/she is talking about. But even those, may result useful. The difference with this case, is that they are not trying to insult autistic kids and their families for ratings.
One of Savage’s quotes was “I’ll tell you what Autism is. In 99 percent of the cases, it’s a brat that hasn’t been told to cut the act out.”
How can any thinking, rational, compassionate human being defend those remarks? Jane, apparently you are neither thinking nor rational, and you certainly aren’t compassionate.
Please try to be civil here. Everyone has a right to make his or her point. We don’t have to agree, but name calling isn’t necessary. I welcome diverse opinions, but not vulgar ones.
Jane, I am a conservative. Unfortunately there is no defending Michael Savage’s inaccurate and extremely hurtful comments about autism. He was not looking out for parents. If he was, he would have accurate information. He would also realize how hurtful his remarks are. There is no way you can understand how much a diagnosis of autism affects the child and the family. Some times it does feel like the end of the world. Continuing to defend him, is adding salt to the womb.
My anger made me say things in a way in which I do not even speak. My anger is directed at ignorance as you some one said on here. Michael Savage’s comments are indefensible. I listened to his so called explanation. I was so offended when he kept referring to these children as sad and ill. God works in mysterious ways. As hard as it is to raise a child with autism, he provides me so much joy. To attack him or doubt him is so cruel.
My wife and I are two conservative parents raising a boy with autism. Politics has nothing to do with our outrage at Michael Savage. I doubt it has to do with many other upset parents. Savage’s commens are not based on facts. His ignorance is beyond belief. “Dr.” Savage continues to insult us by claiming that as a child he lined up things and counted tiles. He claims he would have been called autistic. Any one with any knowledge, knows that autism is a complex disorder. Once an informed and educated person identifies autism, there is no doubt what it is. Jane, your comments about autism were as irresponsible as Michael Savage. You sound like a nice enough person. Please let some good come of it and educate yourself and others who think like you.
I very much appreciate this open letter to Michael Weiner aka Savage. I am horrified by his attempt to link autism to some kind of public conspiracy to make money by the pharmeceuticals or other companies. In order to make that kind of accusation, there would have to be some kind of medication out there that first took into account the enormous range of the autism spectrum and second had some sort of effect on it. No such medicine exists. We don’t know what causes autism. We don’t even know exactly what autism is. For this radio personality to claim that bad parenting or lack of parenting is somehow responsible for the surge in diagnoses is not only insulting to all of us who battle this syndrome every hour of every day, it actually causes harm in that it pushes the misperceptions of autism back into the forefront of the market place of public opinion.
I am also a parent of an autistic child, we live in Tucson. I agree this has nothing to do with politics. Mr. Savage’s thoughtless remarks and mis-information have damaged any family who has an autistic child. Please read my blog for my attempt at a rational response to his irrational rant. http://rhymerchick.wordpress.com/
Didn’t any of you people hear his two full days of dedicated followup to clarify his comments and invite those with autistic expertise to further explore the whole issue. Get over yourselves.
31: I do not believe so. Because when he insults and denigrates gays,minorities, people with AIDS and so on, he has never had a sincere apology. The “Nation” in action….
All,
Yes I used my real name here. I have a son with Autism and my family has given up EVERYTHING for his care. Michael Savage should be fired. period.
Don Imus attacked a protected class and was let go almost immediately. Is not a disabled person also a protected class. The only difference is that we do not have leaders in the community raising hell on the nightly news. Nobody marching for equal rights for the disabled. Nobody with this affliction who can communicate the hell that they and their families live on a daily basis. I would not trade my son for anything in the world and would love this Savage SCUM to spend 5 minutes with him. He has more love in him than Savage will ever know in his lifetime and I hope Savage is still defending himself when he goes to his grave and burns for eternity. Maybe then he will step back and see the errors of his ways.
Signed,
A loving father who refuses to allow ANYBODY to call his son a Moron!
I’m truly sorry for upsetting those who have autistic children. But do all of you who are p.o.‘ed and offended honestly, truly believe that 100% of the children diagnosed with autism are autistic? Be honest…this is not to say that your child/ren is/are not autistic, I just want to know if 100% of them that are diagnosed as such are…I’m ignorant scum, remember…so enlighten me. Do you all mean to tell me that there are NEVER, EVER misdiagnosed cases of autism?!!!!!
I’m autistic. I was diagnosed with it. I know I’m not a brat, because it’s been damned hard. I don’t ask for special favors, even though I should get them for my own benefit. I take the same tests in the same amount of time as those without handicaps. I have suffered so much in my 21 years from autism and the resulting depression because I always felt “inferior.” In recent years, autism has become more understood, and for that I am happy.
But as for your pimp daddy Mike Savage, I wouldn’t waste my saliva to spit in the man’s face. I encourage everybody to boycott his advertisers, including Rockstar Energy Drinks (which his son owns and his wife runs). I’m all for free speech, just as Johanna said, but it doesn’t mean we have to give that man one dime of our money to say this crap.
Here is the issue.
Michael Savage is an ass. Not because he said that autism is being misdiagnosed. Jane, you are also an ass for defending his comments. Also not because of the misdiagnosis defense. The problem is Savage and people like yourself who dehumanize these children and adults. People who shun them and their families because of their actions.
I have constantly been faced with taking a child into a store who has a meltdown because of a smell, a sound, a light that stimulates him past the point of no return. Think of static on the radio, and no matter how much you play with the volume or the tuner the noise won’t go away, it won’t get quieter, it just stays constant. Forever. You would do ANYTHING to get that noise out of your head. ANYTHING.
Jane, you and others like you are the ones who are staring, whispering (or worse – saying it aloud) “Why don’t they control that kid”
These are the actions perpetuated by statements like the one by Savage and even worse by those like yourself who do not live with it and only judge from a distance. Worste of all, Savage gets paid for being an ass. You just volunteered yourself to lash out in an article with no parsonal gain.
Get a life, go find a useful cause to debate, maybe you can impact the world in a positive way.
So, Mike Foley, you still did not answer my question about the 100% diagnosis. You can think all you want about me. You can call me what you want. I don’t care. This is a FREE country, I have the FREEDOM to have my questions and opinions, as you do. I’m not the type to point and stare. Noone on this earth is perfect. We all have things wrong with us. Some more than others. I admire parents who have children with disabilities and the energy and love and patience they must have. Children with disabilities are exceptional in many things, especially in that they show compassion and love better then a “non-disabled” human being. I am not at all bashing disabled children. All I was asking was about the validity of SOME who are diagnosed. No, I stand corrected, I was keeping my mind open to the fact that some diagnosis may not be correct. I’m sorry for your frustration, that I am frustrating so many people here. I believe in freedom of speech. That’s my biggest point here…not belittling or bashing or taking away any of the pain that disability brings…
And to address the question you asked, Jane. First I want to ask you, why in the world would we WANT our kids dx’d? There are no drugs to “cure” autism. Insurance companies autmatically red flag our coverage requests if they see the medical coding of 199-299 (these codes indicate mental and cognitive problems). In the very recent past that usually led to a denial of coverage (now thanks to advocates and lawmakers in different states that policy is not allowed). SSDI payments are extremly dificult to get and so small that the effort to procure the payment is not worth the effort (or so I have heard). We face interminable waiting lists for whatever therapies are available. And we face uphill battles with school districts who would rather spend thier money denying our kids free and apropriate education as guaranteed by IDEA. See what fun we signed up for?
So you ask are there misdiagnosis? Well duh. Yes, there probably are because the autism spectrum is a spectrum i.e. a wide variety of symptoms. But that doesn’t mean these misdiagnosis indicate fakers. What it does indicate is there is a problem to begin with, one not made up by a parent who is hoping to join the autism train and all those benefits I mentioned in the above paragraph.
And for the record the rebuttal to Mike Weiner Savages website is at www.nationalautismassociation.org/savagestatement.php
Regards
Kate
Answer to your question?
Michael Savage said “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”.
You are asking if 100% of the cases are diagnosed correctly?
Sounds like 2 different issues.
Again I say:
Get a life, go find a useful cause to debate, maybe you can impact the world in a positive way.
What have you done to improve the world since the first post in this blog?
And how does Savage’s attacks by calling Autistic children “MORONS” really affect your world?
Your primary concern is freedom of speech? And whether all diagnosis are correct?
I pray that you never have any REAL problems in your life.
The word “spectrum” is an excuse for morons like Savage. This is not so hard to understand, if you have any brains…
*Autism is not exactly a disease, it is a syndrome.
*There are many, many,“symptoms” (behaviors included)
*Not all of them are always present, some cases show some, others show more, others show less.
*The intensity of those also vary a lot
*The practical result of it, is that some persons are “high functioning”, some others are severe cases and so on.
*There is, then, a wide variety of different conditions, but all of them related by the presence of some (few or many) of those items
*Spectrum, does not mean some kind of limbo where you put kids that can not be diagnosed otherwise.
*You find then autistic, Asperger,PDS NOS..all of them in the autistic spectrum.
I only bring this because seems that for some the term “spectrum” causes a lot of noise.
Thats not the case of Savage…Sure he understands this, but did not care enough…after all, before any barbaric comment, he always “estimates” his audience.
And most of the time he is not wrong in his estimation.
Jane, give it up. With each post, you look like a bigger jerk. You have such a nerve responding so negatively to the heart felt pain posted by families actually affected by autism. We don’t care about hypotheticals (misdiagnosed kids). We care about our own kids. All you are doing is convincing everyone that listeners of Michael Savage like you are crazy and mean spirited. Proclaiming “good for TRN” is just sick. I pity your children.
Jane, free speech does not equal hateful speech to the most innocent of indivduals. Michael Savage’s argument was that parents of the so called “misdiagnosed” are benefiting financially. I can promise you, based on personal experience, austim is a finacial drain. Whatever benefits one receives are a result of fighting tooth and nail with endless documentation. It would be impossible to get money without substaintal proof from many professionals. Face it, Savage made a big mistake. He needs to just admit it, apologize and give lots of money to autism research.
The ironic thing is that those that Savage has more contempt for…are not really those that he insults and offends on a daily basis, but rather those that “believe” in him.Those he gets money from! He is not fool, he is just, greedy mean and perverse.
Jane waving the white flag
Okay, I clearly see that this issue is a very dear and serious one for those who are involved in this cause personally. I am truly sorry if my “spirited” debate caused any hurt feelings. Also, I must admit that I did not hear the July 16 rant and rave Savage did (I’m sure he did, I’ve listened to him long enough to know how he gets). So, in actuality, I cannot defend what he said. However, I do wonder if some diagnosis of autism or the “spectrum” might be premature. BUT, I have no knowledge of what is involved or what parents of autistic children go through. I hope all those I offended can find it in their hearts to forgive me. I am sorry for my ignorance. We all have problems either with ourselves or in our families. At one time or another we are all looked at as though something is wrong with us. I am not a robot. I too have feelings and by no way am I minimizing the work and love that must come with having autism or having a child with autism. Thanks for letting me post and for putting up with me. But I gotta just say: I do love freedom of speech…
Jane, you said something Michael Savage will never say, “I’m sorry if I offended anyone”. Thanks. Also, Martin, I read over your explanation of autism. You are spot on. The word disease has been used to describe autism so much lately. Every time I hear it, I want to correct the term. Also, I want all individuals to understand that these kids don’t need pity. They need support and understanding. Most importantly, they need to be recognized as wonderful human beings who make us better people.
Mr. Foley, yup I guess I did separate myself from Savage on THIS issue (and a few others, but not all). I have children and I, too, would do anything for them and would fight for them…
Jane-
“Is it because we want to label the children who aren’t “normal”? All children are different, and some act might act up legitimately, but most just need a little strict, firm direction.”
Ignorance.
It’s a fact that strict, firm direction has no good impact on a child with autism. There is an autism sprectrum, but these children have a lot of the same qualities. But, you wouldn’t know that.
Please do everyone a favor and keep your mouth closed about things you don’t know about.
Johanna Eubank writes about the joys and trials of raising a child with autism.
About Johanna Eubank
Johanna Eubank is a news and research assistant for the Arizona Daily Star. She and her husband Dave have two sons, 22-year-old David, who has autism, and 19-year-old Rob, who is studying to be an aerospace engineer.
Email: jeubank@azstarnet.com
Donate to Easter Seals to help families living with autism!
You sound like you are not a regular listener of the Michael Savage Show. Dr. Savage is an accomplished scientist, author, and radio broadcaster. Yes, he can be harsh in his presentation sometimes, but I believe in freedom of speech as you say you do. I don’t know anything about autism and I am grateful to God that my children were not born with it. There is a stigma to it however even these days with or without Dr. Savage’s words. Even before Savage said anything about it, I wondered how valid it is…that doesn’t mean it isn’t valid, but like the ADD, ADHD diagnosis the autism factor has really taken off. Is it because we want to label the children who aren’t “normal”? All children are different, and some act might act up legitimately, but most just need a little strict, firm direction. I say, leave Savage alone and Savage: you should already know that people are going to try to pin blame on you…DON’T GIVE IN, I KNOW WHAT YOU MEANT!!!!
— Jane 07/23/2008 04:28 PM #
Bravo Johanna!!!! We all have the right to “comeback” one, two or the number of times we feel necessary on this issue!!
Now,For comment 1:
Let me tell you what Savage is, because I know a bit about this clown>
I could tell you that he is a racist, homophobic and cruel cockroach…..but I am not really sure about that, because as you said, he is also a scientist and obviously, an educated guy. So what I really think he is, is a Hate and Fear monger, somebody willing to say anything, anything for ratings. I learned several years ago not to pay attention to what this moron has to say, because sometimes he contradicts himself for the sake of spreading hate, but that does not mean he did not go real over the top this time.
You really should be thankful with God for not having an autistic kid,…but maybe all of us that have one are also thankful to God for having one!!
Also, I do not know whay you mean by “Stigma to it” theres no Stigma to it!!There is only sympathy and compassion (except obviously for the kind of Savage’s human garbage) Finally I do not think you know what are you talking about…at all, actually you do not have a clue on what is autism, you do not know what Savage meant. Sometimes he does not know what he means, because he only is thinking on that ignorant “Savage nation” that believe all his words without questioning, with the sole purpose of making money through bigotry
— Martin 07/23/2008 05:02 PM #
Welcome to the club. Savage has made a career out of spewing hate – particularly at gay people.
There is a big audience for hate in our country, as Ann Coulter can also attest.
Don’t expect him to go away, he’s been doing this for years and plenty of sponsors like him because he reaches their target audience
— Patrick O 07/23/2008 05:09 PM #
3,Absolutely. I think the problem is not that clown himself, but his ignorant followers. No audience, no joker!! But he has audience because hate and not justice or reason is also commodity.
— Martin 07/23/2008 05:24 PM #
Jane, you and Michael Savage are the absolute scum of the earth. Good for you that your children were born healthy. You both make me sick. Both of you have no idea what you are talking about. Take if from me, a parent to a child with autism, you two can stand together in ignorance.
— Eileen 07/23/2008 05:42 PM #
Jane, come spend a day with me and I will show how “valid” it is. Go to hell.
— Beth 07/23/2008 05:45 PM #
Jane, you said it all when you said you do not know anything about autism. You and Michael Savage have a lot in common.
— Sam 07/23/2008 05:47 PM #
The letter says everything that I feel. Michael Savage has damaged all of the hard work parents and advocates have made to help the public understand autistic behavior. His remarks are totally reprenhsible. It is so sad that people are influenced by his comments. Unfortunately, she is not the only one. He should be fired for his inhumane remarks.
— Mary 07/23/2008 05:58 PM #
The letter says everything that I feel. Michael Savage has damaged all of the hard work parents and advocates have made to help the public understand autistic behavior. His remarks are totally reprenhensible. It is so sad that people are influenced by his comments. Unfortunately, he is not the only one. He should be fired for his inhumane remarks.
— Mary 07/23/2008 06:00 PM #
It’s so great to see intelligent, rational people posting. My faith in humanity is improving. Savage is a media prostitute, same as Rush, Ann, Bill, etc. I wonder if even they are amazed at the things people will believe.
— Linda 07/23/2008 06:54 PM #
Wow, by the comments I’m receiving, most of you are quite angry. I thought liberalism was supposed to be tolerant! Your comments show the closed mindedness. Sorry to all those who are offended by my opinion. You can call me scum, stupid, or whatever else you want to call me. Your intolerance to my ignorance does not help you make your point. It only shows me that you are closed-minded, angry, and judgemental.
— Jane 07/23/2008 07:40 PM #
“Your employment should end because the hateful things you say will (one can hope) cost you your audience, which will then cost you your advertisers. No revenue, no show.”
Sounds like the same could be said about the Star. How are your advertising sales going?
— Jake 07/23/2008 07:53 PM #
11, I consider myself a conservative not a liberal. A conservative does not portray himself like a bigot like that Savage Scum.
Do you think Savage is a conservative? Then you lack information not only about autism, but also about politics. Savage preys not on the people he insults but on the uninformed flock of bigots that believe he is a conservative. We are not angry, we are offended, hope you know the difference. About us being closed minded, angry and judgemental… are not those the typical words of liberals? You really need to read a little bit more!
— Martin 07/23/2008 08:17 PM #
Martin, calm down!!! Is this the end of the world? Are you the designated “thought and opinion” police? Come on!!! So, we are not all knowledgeable about this cause: forgive me!! You don’t know me, I don’t know you…can’t we all just get along? Just because I’m a Savage listener and fan, does not make me a monster!!! There’s a lot worse things in the world than this…Austism is being researched and many people are being treated for it. What Savage was saying is that the pharmaceutical companies are trying to make money off of kids who don’t have autism and are being diagnosed as such. What kind of definitive tests are done to DEFINITELY diagnose someone with autism? Savage’s comments didn’t take that away. So, the man misspoke, offended, whatever you want to call it…don’t tell me you’ve never made a mistake Martin…As for not knowing a lot about politics, well maybe you’re right, but I do know that Savage and everyone else here has the RIGHT to speak whatever is on their minds without the “thought and speech” police sending us to the slammer. That’s what’s so great about the USA, I can think what I want, I can say what I want, and I can stand up for what I want, and so can you.
— Jane 07/23/2008 08:31 PM #
Savage (Wiener nation) is a nut case, period!!! He always makes outrages comments to help boost his sub par ratings. That’s why his “show” is on in the worst time slots. Oh, remember he got axed by MSNBC years ago for horrific comments. According to many in the business, he is a horrible person off air as well. Another thing, can you believe he is asking people to now donate to some bogus fund to help support his First Amendment fight against some unknown enemy. How disgusting!! He always talks about how many best sellers he has over the years. I know of hardly who’s bought any of his books.
— BGB 07/23/2008 08:36 PM #
Eileen and Beth (#5, #6 respectively) God bless you both…
— Jane 07/23/2008 08:38 PM #
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/11/crusades_versus_caution.html please read the article… this is not to say that those who’s children are autistic are misdiagnosed, only that diagnosis is not definitive for everyone…
— Jane 07/23/2008 08:48 PM #
14, My comments are perfectly “calm down”. Also, my comments are directed to the blog and not exactly to you. Except when you called us closed minded, intolerant and things like that. Why do not review the whole blog again? If this is not the end of the world, (actually it is not ) and you do not think this is important, then why to engage in the discussion?
I really do not understand your points. if you want to get along with people (which is real good and I agree with you in that) then try to listen and learn. If you do not agree do not call people intolerant only because can not agree with you!
Nobody denied your right to speak! did I? Thats a weird approach! when and how was that? but seems that you are trying to deny not only mine, but that of others.Mistakes (we all have) are not corrected by comebacking and trying to nail one more on somebody else.Savage was not saying what you say he was saying, I do not understand the purpose of trying to correct something that not even him is trying to correct.
If you admire him, thats fine with me, But hey….when you blog, people will respond…thats something else you need to learn.I am not and do not pretend to be “thought and opinion police”. Thats a poor excuse people uses to cut off the debate. Thats fine,its only that I do not understand why to start the debate then. Well honestly I am getting bored. Good luck and the best to you!
— Martin 07/23/2008 08:59 PM #
The main weakness in Savage’s remarks on autism is the idea that all children with autism are medicated. My son is autistic, 9 years old, and has never been given a single medication in his life. He receives speech therapy, behavioral therapy and occupational therapy. He spends his entire day in a special education class with a team of specialists (and 8 other children with language disabilities). Savage’s original comment was shot from the hip. He has no clue what he meant or was trying to incite. His comments made in response to the outcry are simply moronic.
— Kathryn 07/23/2008 09:12 PM #
One more point: There are excelent articles about autism. Many of those go against “conventional wisdom”. Some are good, some are weak, and you can tell the author does not have the slightest idea about what he/she is talking about. But even those, may result useful. The difference with this case, is that they are not trying to insult autistic kids and their families for ratings.
— Martin 07/23/2008 09:18 PM #
Martin…I thought you were bored…
— Jane 07/23/2008 09:32 PM #
One of Savage’s quotes was “I’ll tell you what Autism is. In 99 percent of the cases, it’s a brat that hasn’t been told to cut the act out.”
How can any thinking, rational, compassionate human being defend those remarks? Jane, apparently you are neither thinking nor rational, and you certainly aren’t compassionate.
— Paul 07/23/2008 10:18 PM #
Please try to be civil here. Everyone has a right to make his or her point. We don’t have to agree, but name calling isn’t necessary. I welcome diverse opinions, but not vulgar ones.
That said, I appreciate all of your comments.
— Johanna Eubank 07/23/2008 10:27 PM #
Jane is just an example of the mindless zombies who listen to Michael Savage. Ignorance is a terrible sin. We should pity Jane and those like her.
— Michelle 07/23/2008 10:51 PM #
Jane, I am a conservative. Unfortunately there is no defending Michael Savage’s inaccurate and extremely hurtful comments about autism. He was not looking out for parents. If he was, he would have accurate information. He would also realize how hurtful his remarks are. There is no way you can understand how much a diagnosis of autism affects the child and the family. Some times it does feel like the end of the world. Continuing to defend him, is adding salt to the womb.
— Mary 07/24/2008 08:30 AM #
Excuse me, I meant wound. I must have womb on my mind, since my precious child began his life there.
— Mary 07/24/2008 08:32 AM #
My anger made me say things in a way in which I do not even speak. My anger is directed at ignorance as you some one said on here. Michael Savage’s comments are indefensible. I listened to his so called explanation. I was so offended when he kept referring to these children as sad and ill. God works in mysterious ways. As hard as it is to raise a child with autism, he provides me so much joy. To attack him or doubt him is so cruel.
— Eileen 07/24/2008 08:38 AM #
My wife and I are two conservative parents raising a boy with autism. Politics has nothing to do with our outrage at Michael Savage. I doubt it has to do with many other upset parents. Savage’s commens are not based on facts. His ignorance is beyond belief. “Dr.” Savage continues to insult us by claiming that as a child he lined up things and counted tiles. He claims he would have been called autistic. Any one with any knowledge, knows that autism is a complex disorder. Once an informed and educated person identifies autism, there is no doubt what it is. Jane, your comments about autism were as irresponsible as Michael Savage. You sound like a nice enough person. Please let some good come of it and educate yourself and others who think like you.
— Keith 07/24/2008 09:37 AM #
I very much appreciate this open letter to Michael Weiner aka Savage. I am horrified by his attempt to link autism to some kind of public conspiracy to make money by the pharmeceuticals or other companies. In order to make that kind of accusation, there would have to be some kind of medication out there that first took into account the enormous range of the autism spectrum and second had some sort of effect on it. No such medicine exists. We don’t know what causes autism. We don’t even know exactly what autism is. For this radio personality to claim that bad parenting or lack of parenting is somehow responsible for the surge in diagnoses is not only insulting to all of us who battle this syndrome every hour of every day, it actually causes harm in that it pushes the misperceptions of autism back into the forefront of the market place of public opinion.
Autism in and of itself is not up for debate.
— Jen 07/24/2008 11:29 AM #
I am also a parent of an autistic child, we live in Tucson. I agree this has nothing to do with politics. Mr. Savage’s thoughtless remarks and mis-information have damaged any family who has an autistic child. Please read my blog for my attempt at a rational response to his irrational rant. http://rhymerchick.wordpress.com/
— Mary Bell 07/24/2008 12:06 PM #
Didn’t any of you people hear his two full days of dedicated followup to clarify his comments and invite those with autistic expertise to further explore the whole issue. Get over yourselves.
— CB Maxwell 07/24/2008 03:26 PM #
CB, I heard his “clairfication” aka CYA. We will get over ourselves when ignorant people like you educate yourself on the facts of autism.
— Sam 07/24/2008 03:38 PM #
31: I do not believe so. Because when he insults and denigrates gays,minorities, people with AIDS and so on, he has never had a sincere apology. The “Nation” in action….
— Marttin 07/24/2008 05:32 PM #
All,
Yes I used my real name here. I have a son with Autism and my family has given up EVERYTHING for his care. Michael Savage should be fired. period.
Don Imus attacked a protected class and was let go almost immediately. Is not a disabled person also a protected class. The only difference is that we do not have leaders in the community raising hell on the nightly news. Nobody marching for equal rights for the disabled. Nobody with this affliction who can communicate the hell that they and their families live on a daily basis. I would not trade my son for anything in the world and would love this Savage SCUM to spend 5 minutes with him. He has more love in him than Savage will ever know in his lifetime and I hope Savage is still defending himself when he goes to his grave and burns for eternity. Maybe then he will step back and see the errors of his ways.
Signed,
A loving father who refuses to allow ANYBODY to call his son a Moron!
— Mike Foley 07/24/2008 06:39 PM #
http://www.savageonautism.com/
Good for TRN!!!!
— Jane 07/24/2008 07:22 PM #
I’m truly sorry for upsetting those who have autistic children. But do all of you who are p.o.‘ed and offended honestly, truly believe that 100% of the children diagnosed with autism are autistic? Be honest…this is not to say that your child/ren is/are not autistic, I just want to know if 100% of them that are diagnosed as such are…I’m ignorant scum, remember…so enlighten me. Do you all mean to tell me that there are NEVER, EVER misdiagnosed cases of autism?!!!!!
— Jane 07/24/2008 07:27 PM #
Jane,
I’m autistic. I was diagnosed with it. I know I’m not a brat, because it’s been damned hard. I don’t ask for special favors, even though I should get them for my own benefit. I take the same tests in the same amount of time as those without handicaps. I have suffered so much in my 21 years from autism and the resulting depression because I always felt “inferior.” In recent years, autism has become more understood, and for that I am happy.
But as for your pimp daddy Mike Savage, I wouldn’t waste my saliva to spit in the man’s face. I encourage everybody to boycott his advertisers, including Rockstar Energy Drinks (which his son owns and his wife runs). I’m all for free speech, just as Johanna said, but it doesn’t mean we have to give that man one dime of our money to say this crap.
— Paul 07/25/2008 12:03 AM #
Here is the issue.
Michael Savage is an ass. Not because he said that autism is being misdiagnosed. Jane, you are also an ass for defending his comments. Also not because of the misdiagnosis defense. The problem is Savage and people like yourself who dehumanize these children and adults. People who shun them and their families because of their actions.
I have constantly been faced with taking a child into a store who has a meltdown because of a smell, a sound, a light that stimulates him past the point of no return. Think of static on the radio, and no matter how much you play with the volume or the tuner the noise won’t go away, it won’t get quieter, it just stays constant. Forever. You would do ANYTHING to get that noise out of your head. ANYTHING.
Jane, you and others like you are the ones who are staring, whispering (or worse – saying it aloud) “Why don’t they control that kid”
These are the actions perpetuated by statements like the one by Savage and even worse by those like yourself who do not live with it and only judge from a distance. Worste of all, Savage gets paid for being an ass. You just volunteered yourself to lash out in an article with no parsonal gain.
Get a life, go find a useful cause to debate, maybe you can impact the world in a positive way.
— Mike Foley 07/25/2008 05:19 AM #
So, Mike Foley, you still did not answer my question about the 100% diagnosis. You can think all you want about me. You can call me what you want. I don’t care. This is a FREE country, I have the FREEDOM to have my questions and opinions, as you do. I’m not the type to point and stare. Noone on this earth is perfect. We all have things wrong with us. Some more than others. I admire parents who have children with disabilities and the energy and love and patience they must have. Children with disabilities are exceptional in many things, especially in that they show compassion and love better then a “non-disabled” human being. I am not at all bashing disabled children. All I was asking was about the validity of SOME who are diagnosed. No, I stand corrected, I was keeping my mind open to the fact that some diagnosis may not be correct. I’m sorry for your frustration, that I am frustrating so many people here. I believe in freedom of speech. That’s my biggest point here…not belittling or bashing or taking away any of the pain that disability brings…
— Jane 07/25/2008 08:47 AM #
Paul, Mike:
Great Postings. Forget about making some people understand. It simply is not there.
— Martin 07/25/2008 09:13 AM #
I think Jane is perseverating a little ;)
And to address the question you asked, Jane. First I want to ask you, why in the world would we WANT our kids dx’d? There are no drugs to “cure” autism. Insurance companies autmatically red flag our coverage requests if they see the medical coding of 199-299 (these codes indicate mental and cognitive problems). In the very recent past that usually led to a denial of coverage (now thanks to advocates and lawmakers in different states that policy is not allowed). SSDI payments are extremly dificult to get and so small that the effort to procure the payment is not worth the effort (or so I have heard). We face interminable waiting lists for whatever therapies are available. And we face uphill battles with school districts who would rather spend thier money denying our kids free and apropriate education as guaranteed by IDEA. See what fun we signed up for?
So you ask are there misdiagnosis? Well duh. Yes, there probably are because the autism spectrum is a spectrum i.e. a wide variety of symptoms. But that doesn’t mean these misdiagnosis indicate fakers. What it does indicate is there is a problem to begin with, one not made up by a parent who is hoping to join the autism train and all those benefits I mentioned in the above paragraph.
And for the record the rebuttal to Mike Weiner Savages website is at www.nationalautismassociation.org/savagestatement.php
Regards
Kate
— Kate 07/25/2008 01:29 PM #
Jane,
Answer to your question?
Michael Savage said “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”.
You are asking if 100% of the cases are diagnosed correctly?
Sounds like 2 different issues.
Again I say:
Get a life, go find a useful cause to debate, maybe you can impact the world in a positive way.
What have you done to improve the world since the first post in this blog?
And how does Savage’s attacks by calling Autistic children “MORONS” really affect your world?
Your primary concern is freedom of speech? And whether all diagnosis are correct?
I pray that you never have any REAL problems in your life.
— Mike Foley 07/25/2008 03:20 PM #
The word “spectrum” is an excuse for morons like Savage. This is not so hard to understand, if you have any brains… *Autism is not exactly a disease, it is a syndrome. *There are many, many,“symptoms” (behaviors included) *Not all of them are always present, some cases show some, others show more, others show less. *The intensity of those also vary a lot *The practical result of it, is that some persons are “high functioning”, some others are severe cases and so on. *There is, then, a wide variety of different conditions, but all of them related by the presence of some (few or many) of those items *Spectrum, does not mean some kind of limbo where you put kids that can not be diagnosed otherwise. *You find then autistic, Asperger,PDS NOS..all of them in the autistic spectrum.
I only bring this because seems that for some the term “spectrum” causes a lot of noise.
Thats not the case of Savage…Sure he understands this, but did not care enough…after all, before any barbaric comment, he always “estimates” his audience.
And most of the time he is not wrong in his estimation.
— Martin 07/25/2008 03:31 PM #
;-). I love freedom of speech…!
— Jane 07/25/2008 05:59 PM #
Jane, give it up. With each post, you look like a bigger jerk. You have such a nerve responding so negatively to the heart felt pain posted by families actually affected by autism. We don’t care about hypotheticals (misdiagnosed kids). We care about our own kids. All you are doing is convincing everyone that listeners of Michael Savage like you are crazy and mean spirited. Proclaiming “good for TRN” is just sick. I pity your children.
— Keith 07/25/2008 06:11 PM #
Jane, free speech does not equal hateful speech to the most innocent of indivduals. Michael Savage’s argument was that parents of the so called “misdiagnosed” are benefiting financially. I can promise you, based on personal experience, austim is a finacial drain. Whatever benefits one receives are a result of fighting tooth and nail with endless documentation. It would be impossible to get money without substaintal proof from many professionals. Face it, Savage made a big mistake. He needs to just admit it, apologize and give lots of money to autism research.
— Eileen 07/25/2008 06:27 PM #
The ironic thing is that those that Savage has more contempt for…are not really those that he insults and offends on a daily basis, but rather those that “believe” in him.Those he gets money from! He is not fool, he is just, greedy mean and perverse.
— Martin 07/25/2008 07:27 PM #
Jane waving the white flag
Okay, I clearly see that this issue is a very dear and serious one for those who are involved in this cause personally. I am truly sorry if my “spirited” debate caused any hurt feelings. Also, I must admit that I did not hear the July 16 rant and rave Savage did (I’m sure he did, I’ve listened to him long enough to know how he gets). So, in actuality, I cannot defend what he said. However, I do wonder if some diagnosis of autism or the “spectrum” might be premature. BUT, I have no knowledge of what is involved or what parents of autistic children go through. I hope all those I offended can find it in their hearts to forgive me. I am sorry for my ignorance. We all have problems either with ourselves or in our families. At one time or another we are all looked at as though something is wrong with us. I am not a robot. I too have feelings and by no way am I minimizing the work and love that must come with having autism or having a child with autism. Thanks for letting me post and for putting up with me. But I gotta just say: I do love freedom of speech…
— Jane 07/25/2008 08:49 PM #
Jane, you said something Michael Savage will never say, “I’m sorry if I offended anyone”. Thanks. Also, Martin, I read over your explanation of autism. You are spot on. The word disease has been used to describe autism so much lately. Every time I hear it, I want to correct the term. Also, I want all individuals to understand that these kids don’t need pity. They need support and understanding. Most importantly, they need to be recognized as wonderful human beings who make us better people.
— Keith 07/26/2008 05:48 AM #
Jane,
You have officially separated yourself from Savage.
— Mike Foley 07/26/2008 06:16 PM #
Mr. Foley, yup I guess I did separate myself from Savage on THIS issue (and a few others, but not all). I have children and I, too, would do anything for them and would fight for them…
— Jane 07/26/2008 08:58 PM #
Jane-
“Is it because we want to label the children who aren’t “normal”? All children are different, and some act might act up legitimately, but most just need a little strict, firm direction.”
Ignorance.
It’s a fact that strict, firm direction has no good impact on a child with autism. There is an autism sprectrum, but these children have a lot of the same qualities. But, you wouldn’t know that.
Please do everyone a favor and keep your mouth closed about things you don’t know about.
— Kristina 08/15/2008 07:56 PM #