I pulled the following from Estee's blog - The Joy of Autism
Today, ASAN and other organizations including The Autism Acceptance Project released Outrage over Michael Savage's Remarks Grow: ASA, UCP and The Arc and many others join the disability community's joint statement:
We, organizations representing people with disabilities, family members, professionals and other concerned citizens, are calling upon you to withdraw support for Talk Radio Networks in response to the outrageous comments by TRN personality Micahel Alan Weiner, also known as Michael Savage.
On July 16th, Weiner announced: "Now you want me to tell you my opinion on autism since I'm not talking about autism? A fraud, a racket...You know what autism is? I'll tell you what autism is. In 99 per cent of the cases, it's a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out. That's what autism is. What do you mean they scream and they're silent? They don't have a father around to tell them 'Don't act like a moron. You'll get nowhere in life. Stop acting like a putz. Straigten up. Act like a man. Don't sit there crying and screaming, idiot."
These comments represent dangerous misinformation. The refusal by Talk Radio Networks to condemn the comments or undertake any steps in response to them, as well as Michael Savage's refusal to apologize, is absolutely unacceptable. The autism spectrum is a very real developmental disability affecting millions of Americans [and Canadians]. It includes a series of impairments in social interaction and communication, executive functioning, sensory processing, and motor skills. Adults and children on the autism spectrum often require substantial supports and services and education across the lifespan.
Comments like those on the Savage Nation do real damage to autistic people by increasing public ignorance and misinformation about autism, thereby putting at risk vital education supports and services. Contrary to the remarks by Mr. Weiner, there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that autism is over-diagnosed -- in face, research suggests that there is substantial under-identification of the autism spectrum, resulting in lack of vitally needed services and education. In addition, these remarks revive outdated and damaging misconceptions about the source of autism, recalling the "refridgerator mother" myth in which parents were blamed for having autistic children.
Talk Radio Network's sponsors must consider whether or not to associate with the hateful and offensive comments spoken by Michael Weiner. Because TRN has taken no action, we urge you to communicate the need for Mr. Weiner's immediate removal by withdrawing sponsorship for TRN's programming. There are over 50 million people with disabilities in the United States representing approximately $200 billion disposable income. We represent a market that cannot be ignored. By disassociating your businesses from the ignorant and hateful remarks made this past week and taking practical steps to help educate the public about the true nature of the autism spectrum with other disabilities, we can move forward towards creating a world that will recognize the rights of all people to respect, dignity,support and inclusion.
Ari Ne'eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
www.autisticadvocacy.org
2 comments:
Got the email a few days ago about this. What an a$$h013!! 'scuse my foul language, but that's what he is! I would love to see him visit my son's class. Then let him say it's a lack of a father to tell them to stop acting like a moron.
My guess is Savage is autistic. Obviously, he has no social skills, lack of remorse for inappropriate actions, and is flapping his gums about a subject he knows nothing about. My son with autism has enough sense to apologize when he hurts someone's feelings. Sheesh!
~lol~ good one shanna!
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