Raising Smarter Children

This type of post is unusual for us, but in the spirit of loving our children and wanting the best for them, we simply had to speak out against the unconscionable remarks that talk show host, Michael Savage, had to say about autism.  The public “spin” in his so-called apology is inexcusable.  

Michael Savage said, “You know what autism is. I’ll tell you what it is in 99% of the cases.  It’s a brat who hasn’t been told to cut the act out.  That’s what autism is.”  He then went on to say that autism isa result of lax parenting, a fraud and a racket, and labeled the children with autism both idiots and morons.

A New York Times article says Savage stands by his comments.

Savage was not original and did not bring the autism epidemic to light.  Autism has been in the news for years, and we clearly have an epidemic on our hands.  While his so-called apology fell back on the ADD - ADHD over diagnoses and over medication, there is something terribly wrong with this picture.   In no way does autism even come close to that argument, and his publicity spin was more than unsuccessful.

One has to wonder what such a media saavy man has up his sleeve.  If indeed, he was trying to shine the light on a controversy, he could have done so in a much classier way.  If his goal is higher ratings, most likely he hit the target.

As one of the 44 co-authors of the IPPY Book of the Year in the medicine category, The Official Autism 101 Manual, these real doctors and world’s experts on autism obviously do not share Michael Savage’s views.  Judging by the raving public outcry against Michael Savage’s remarks, parents, teachers, and special caretakers do not share Michael Savage’s views.  He demeaned millions of people and then tried to explain his comments away in a reckless and unbelievable manner.

Yes, he is a talk show host and sometimes knows exactly what he is talking about - and that’s an opinion too.

Autism however, is not an opinion.  Children and adults on the autism spectrum are remarkable, and their parents are heroic for doing everything possible to create a peaceful family life and care for their autistic child. 

As a special education teacher at one time in my life, I taught children diagnosed on the autistic spectrum and loved them deeply.  They were talented, loving, and I”m being honest when I say it was also difficult.  These children light up the world when they smile and at the same time often do injurious things to themselves, like head banging, and we can only guess at the reason. 

If you care look closely enough, you may discover the child has pain someplace in their body, and they think that headbanging or other behaviors may help.

But these are things that Michael Savage apparently doesn’t know about.  I have to wonder how many autistic children he has been around and cared for. 

One of my dear friends has a child with autism, and that child has blessed the world with two beautiful books, and his art-ism.  He has a magnificent talent for art and we are all the better for it.

I’m deeply disappointed, along with The Michael Savage show sponsors, including ABC, and the millions of others who either care for or, are themselves, far enough along the spectrum feel denegrated due to Michael Savage’s remarks.

While our blog is here to promote helping children be smart in their own way, and make good decisions arising from strong values, Michael Savage did not make a good decision today, except to bolster his own self-centertedness and spin his apology with an obvious lack of good values. 

And that, dear readers, is our humble opinion.  If you are the parent or relative of a child or adult on the autistic spectrum, we send you our love.

Remember, every child is smart,

Lovingly,

Pat Wyman and Erin Mavredakis, M.D.

Tags: ABC, ADD, ADHD, autism, autism controversy, autism spectrum, brat, Erin Mavredakis, fraud, HowToLearn.com, IPPY, M.D., medicine, Michael Savage, Michael Savage and autim remarks, moron, Pat Wyman, raising smarter children