Savage Stands by Autistic Remarks

NEW YORK TIMES ^ | July 21 08 | JAQUES STEINBERG

[camerakid400]

Michael Savage, the incendiary radio host who last week characterized nearly every autistic child as “a brat who hasn’t been told to cut the act out,” said in a telephone interview Monday morning that he stood by his remarks and had no intention of apologizing to those advocates and parents who have called for his firing over the matter.

“My main point remains true,” Mr. Savage, whose radio audience ranks in size behind only those of Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, said in an interview on Monday. “It is an overdiagnosed medical condition. In my readings, there is no definitive medical diagnosis for autism.”

On his program lastWednesday, Mr. Savage suggested that “99 percent of the cases” of autism were a result of lax parenting. He told his audience: “They don’t have a father around to tell them, ‘Don’t act like a moron. You’ll get nowhere in life.“ He added, “Straighten up. Act like a man. Don’t sit there crying and screaming, idiot.’ ”

Asked Monday if he actually believed that 99 out every 100 cases of autism was misdiagnosed, Mr. Savage conceded that figure was “a little high.” “It was hyperbole,” he said.

But he said he was proud to have prodded discussion on the subject, and planned to give over his entire show on Monday — broadcast live from northern California from 3 to 6 p.m. Pacific time — to parents and other callers who wished to disagree with him, and to educate him.

[montag813]

Savage made a great and apt comment about this subject on CNN tonight:

"Should we include people with glasses in a new 'blindness spectum disorder'"?

It really sums up the idiocy of the open-ended diagnoses of kids with all manner or behavioral and attitude issues into "autistic spectrum disorder".

[Alia]

You believe your grandson is "high functioning autistic".

I am familiar with what is called "high functioning autism"; and I have a different experience. I've met many individuals who can function "in range" but exhibit other characteristics which make them stand out in a range of criterion provided by experts who define "normal". One of my brothers, is such a person. Clearly able to function in the every day world; (double majors, advanced degrees) but something not quite so "in range" about him. Back in "his day", he was defined as having an "underdeveloped personality" by the experts of then (his college years).

They asserted this was probably due his being born a "tongs" baby (using tongs to pull the child out of the womb when trouble is present).

In later years, it was given a newer label, and on and on. Each time a newer "label".

I'd like to believe that the experts really were driving towards a productive goal in "advanced" understanding of these newer "not perfectly commercial ready" labels applied to individuals.

In real terms, you've told me your grandson functions well; has some little ticks which make him not quite the "hollywood TV serial/soap star".

In real terms, my "odd" brother, who is very advanced mentally, has found his way in the world perfectly well and without using any disability handles nor special assistance. He's beyond middle age; and still just a wonderful quirky himself. Without doubt were he born now, he'd be labelled "high functioning autistic".

The wierdest thing for me and my other brothers? We knew that brother was "different"; but so what? He was our brother and we loved him and defended him from bullies. I was 25 years old before I recognized that he was whom OTHERS called "deficient" or "disabled". He was never "disabled nor deficient" to us. He became disabled and deficient to himself once the labellers got done with him.

He became suicidal in his 20s. Finally, he decided the experts didn't know squat-much about humanity outside a test theory or tube, and he went on to live his life on his terms.

He owns his own home, functions in the world just like the rest of us.

In high functioning autism; the intellectual develop is either below or above normal. What this brother got from his family was extra help in learning to manuever the larger world. He got there. And on his terms.

[Alia]

Everyone wants to be “special”.

When the assault against men began (1970s/1980s) in the SF Bay Area in re fathers molesting daughters; it was horrific. In the first place it usually wasn't bio dads; but boyfriends of their mom or stepdads doing what molesting there was.

HOWEVER, in all chick circles, it became a "who'd been molested the most" what men call a "circle jerk". You'd a thought all these females were related to the Huns and their Hordes. It was awful. As tho telling their made-up victim stories made them really "special". Extra, uber special. Then it morphed to how many guys tried to "rape" them. It was like a badge of how "desirable" there were on some invisible index of social sexual desirability.

I took a pass on having any new girlfriends during this phase. It was inevitable that some chick was raped thrice in 20 seconds, and that's why she is the way she is, and how she'd make a great feminist spokesfemme.

ugh.

[MaxMax]

I like the way Savage continues to yell from the high hills about this issue.

God Bless You Dr. Savage.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

There are so many posters here that have no clue. Autistics can cover a fairly wide range. There are some who can integrate, and there are some, that barring a scientific break through. are lost top us. My best friend’s child will look into the shadow cast by a chair for hours, and will suddenly scream, jump up. wave his arms, and run straight into a wall.

[Alia]

LOL! Nope, none of this "coincidence" in the SF Bay Area had passed me by, while I was going through what I was going through with my son, and with Silicon Valley so close by...

I suppose.... getting the label could be the newer program for "directing" potential silicon valley employees; it could also be a great way to shut down the young bucks. Then again, it could just be, that someone doesn't like the fact that boys enter these fields in far greater numbers than do females.

Lawrence Summers's got his head handed to him for making this observation.

Oh, yes, the observation had not at all passed me by...

[truthkeeper]

I read your post and you seem to be issuing some sort of challenge to me, but I can't figure out what it is. Sorry about that.

In case I didn't make it clear, I am very proud of my boy. He is the light of my life. I do not consider him "disabled" or "handicapped"...I never did. Yes, he is different from most kids, but very special. May I suggest you read the essay, "Welcome to Holland." It is readily available online, and expresses the feelings of many parents with special children or grandchildren, mine included.

[Alia]

I have to be blunt here. Every parent since Adam and Eve has looked for some magic pill to make their children behave "just right". Parenting is hard work; good parenting, even harder. And just when you think you've devised the magic discipline or parenting style, that child grows some more and upsets that kettle of fish.

Parenting means growing with the child; and this includes constantly adapting newer methods of interaction with your child.

Just ask any parent who is horribly sleep deprived from having a wakeful newborn or older what they wouldn't give for a "magic pill".

Then there's the sassy age, the lying age, the sneaky age, the teen age, etc., etc., And before you know it, they are away soaring, on their own. You look back and wonder, when did this happen? Where did the years go?

[tang-soo]

Say what you will, but actually, he holds a PhD. in nutrition from Cal-Berkeley.

[Alia]

I am absolutely not issuing a challenge to you. You see your grandson has special needs and you are doing all you can do to assist him. Your love for your grandson comes through loud and clear, truthkeeper; and because of this I think your grandson is doing very well. I know "special" and I love "special". One of my regular buddies during the last 4 years I was in CA was a spokesman for the Special Olympics. Himself, retarded, and yet alive in his 30s. I considered my time with him to be a recharging for me. I don't know what he got out of our time together; but I knew I was spiritually fed whenever I was around him. He was able to take me to a beautiful place, each time, spiritually and cognitively. And with my church under repeated assault by the liberal Establishment, I knew the Good Lord had sent this man to me.

I will look for Welcome to Holland, and thank you for sharing this with me.

I shared with you my brother's story in order to highlight how slippery can be the spectrum on labelling children.

[seoul62]

How did you handle your children when: they suffered from an ear infection and you had to administer the medicine via syringe? My toddler is suffering from a cold which subsequently caused an ear infection and she fights like a mountain lion because she refuses to take it. Stressed out as I was, I knew that if I did not administer her the medicine that I would be doing her more harm than good. Why with all the advancements in modern technology, can there not be for example: an amoxicillin spray that can be squirted into the child's mouth?/Just Asking - seoul62.......

[Alia]

no kidding.

Well, I handled it probably the same way you are handling it; however way you can get the child to take the anti-biotic. One of my kids had a super well-developed gag reflex. I wore "pink spatter" more than a few times. I'm culling my sleepy brain at moment; but i Know via my grandkids, there are newer ways to deliver the amoxicillin. I just can't remember what these are. Some, I recall are done in sucker-types of prescription anti-biotics. But, as my daughter learned, it still doesn't mask the medicine taste.

Oh, ugh.. ear infections...

Giving one child antibiotics during an ear infection was akin to placing her in an Iron Mask. I felt like Helen Keller's Annie Sullivan, always, afterwards: Like I'd just made her properly eat her scrambled eggs.

[Shortstop7]

That was my first thought also...that he confused autism with ADD.

[Alia]

Michael Savage has been speaking out on this subject for at least a decade. He very clearly knows the difference between add/adh, and autism, having had numerous experts on his show.

He had a whole week on "nutrition" during the 90s and when add/adh was finally getting addressed in re "over-labelling".

[seoul62]

I hear that there is a device that they can put in the ear, is that any good?/Just Asking - seoul62.......

[truthkeeper]

I appreciate you clarifying that for me. It’s been my experience that oftentimes faith teaches us to accept mysteries, and for that I am very grateful.

[Snurple]

I'll let my wife answer you, she works with autistic children....

I only wish Mr Savage was correct. I am a paraprofessional that has worked with children with autism for over five years. I have not only worked in a severe room but accompanied students in the classroom as well. Having over eight years experience in the school system I can tell you these children are not just brats needing discipline. The autistic students I have worked with also exhibit seizure disorders, mental retardation and mental illness. Savage should visit a school and see for himself before making such an uniformed statement.

[Checkers]

Looks like Weiner is at it again.

[Checkers]

Facts and Undeniable Truths About Michael Alan Weiner, Who Goes By The Stagename "Michael Savage"

• On April 18, 2007, at approximately 25 minutes into the second hour of his show, Weiner stated: "WE NEED TO STOP FUNDING THE WAR IN IRAQ AND START FUNDING THE WAR ON OUR STREETS". That's an exact quote. Weiner was apparently referring to homeless "scum" (his term).
• On April 17, 2007, at approximately 45 minutes into the 1st hour of his show, Weiner said the shooting (at Virginia Tech) indicates our Gun laws are too lax.
• Like Rachel Maddox on Air America, Weiner used the Virginia Tech shooting to attack President Bush throughout the 1st hour of his show on April 17th, 2007
• On April 17, 2007, at approximately 20 minutes into the 3rd hour of his show, Weiner admitted he did not recognize the name Ken Blackwell.
• On April 17, 2007, at approximately 28 minutes into the 3rd hour of his show, Weiner attacked President Bush for not mentioning Jesus Christ when he spoke at Virginia Tech Convocation.
• Throughout his April 16 show (the day of the Virginia Tech shooting), Weiner used the massacre to repeatedly attack President Bush and Homeland Secretary Chertoff for their lack of leadership. Weiner never explained what he expected the President or the Secretary to do in the wake of the school shooting.
• During the first 30 minutes of his April 16, 2007 show, Weiner called Prime Minister Blair "Tony the Coward".
• Also during the first 30 minutes of his April 16, 2007 show, Weiner called the Republicans running for President in 2008 "empty-suits". Weiner singled out Mayor Rudolph Giuliani by name.
• On April 16, 2007, at approximately 50 minutes into the 3rd hour of his show, Weiner claimed that Rudolph Giuliani "wants to make America like New York". Weiner offered no proof or evidence for this assertion.
• Calls for the impeachment of G.W. Bush
• Weiner actually did support his Congresswoman, Madame Pelosi, when she met with the Murderer Assad before he was against her meeting with Assad.
• Weiner hates President Bush, except when he likes President Bush.
• In the middle of his April 4, 2007 show, Weiner threw a fit and suddenly was off the air even though he had ninety minutes left.
• On his Nov 20, 2006 show, Weiner hosted a love-in with Charlie Rangel.
• On his Nov 17, 2006 show, Weiner played a clip from some Israeli pot smokers and then extrapolated from this clip that all of Israel have become drug addicts.
• On his Nov 17, 2006 show, Weiner said that drug addicts should be executed.
• Weiner advocates cutting and running in Iraq.
• Weiner claims he hates San Francisco; yet, he continues to live there. (What's that about?)
• Provides money to a moonbat AG candidate in a border state
• Twice hosted Chuck Schumer in a blatant attempt to damage the GOP Senate Campaign during an election year.
• Routinely calls our fellow Americans morons and idiots
• Like his brethern on Air America, Weiner thinks multinational corporations conspire with each other
• Like his brethern on Air America, Weiner thinks the oil companies conspire with each other
• Supports the minimum wage
• Like his brethern on Air America, Weiner h ates Conservative icons like Rush Limbaugh
• Attacks other Conservatives more than Liberals
• Spews hatred and vile towards our Commander in Chief during a time of war
• Claims to be a sort of "Patton" on the War on Terror, but when the Israelis started bombing Lebanon, he turned into Cindy Sheehan
• Routinely asks callers a question, then ignores their answer and continues on maniacal rant.
• Called Cheney a liar, and said he didn't believe a word he says, ever.
• Called Bush a liar.
• Said the war in Iraq is purely for profit, get this, so that Haliburton can make money.
• Said there's no difference between the GOP and Dems.
• Called Rick Santorum "Sanitarium", and an idiot.
• Said he deserves most of the credit for the ports deal not going through, and since the GOP didn't give him credit, he won't support them in any way.
• Said it won't be so bad if Dems take over, outside of some minor social changes, nothing else will really change.
• Called this a broken nation with corrupt leadership, making fun of Bush, and his rationale for the war on terror, and war in Iraq.
• Called the GOP "the corrupt, war-mongering GOP"...
• He had a caller who said he was livid with the GOP, but since the Dems are much worse, he pleaded with Savage's listeners to get out and vote... With each sentence, Savage shouted him down.
• Fired by MSNBC for telling a caller to go get AIDS and die.
• He believes that the Clintons and Bush family have developed some sort of consortium and political syndicate together. For the next several years, they will stiff-arm the rest of the political world and alternate family members to the Presidency. Hillary is next, then followed by Jeb.
• In February 2007, Creative Artists Agency (a major talent and literary agency in Los Angeles) signed Michael Savage to represent him in all media. Within days however, it was reported that CAA had dropped Savage in response to anti-homosexual remarks he made regarding fellow CAA client.
• Has said: "Organized Religion is a ponzy scheme".

Articles on Weiner

• Michael Savage: Left Winger
• Savaged: National Review
• Weiner gives money to Moonbat
• Weiner's Brown Donation
• Michael Savage: The Enemy Within (One of The Biggest Threats to Conservatives)

Video of Weiner

• Weiner's Outburst on MSNBC

[Checkers]

“The bottom line is that what Savage said is insensitive, harsh and lacking in any compassion. But he’s essentially correct. All autistic kids need extra attention, but most of it is the attention of time and disclipline which a loving parent or caring teacher could deliver. A minimal amount of medication can also be helpful, but not in the frequencies and quantities pushed by the “funky kid” industry.”

Are you implying that Michael Weiner doesn’t know what the hell he’s taking about?