ASA and autism speaks statement about radio Savage

[Guest guest]

http://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?

JServSessionIdr009=beah3kfz51.app27a & page=NewsArticle & id=11701 & news_iv

_ctrl=-1

ASA statement on Savage Radio Comments

Friday, July 18, 2008

By: Carin Yavorcik

ASA will continue to work to raise awareness

This week, talk show host Savage made inaccurate and

derogatory comments about autism on his radio show, calling the

condition " a fraud " and the result of a lack of parental discipline.

Mr. Savage's unsubstantiated comments reflect the misconceptions of

over 50 years ago that autism was caused by " refrigerator mothers " or

unemotional parenting, which have been completely disproven by the

scientific community. Autism is a neuro-developmental medical

condition that requires early identification and lifelong treatment.

For over 40 years, the Autism Society of America has worked

tirelessly to educate people on the nature of autism spectrum

disorders, the services and support families need, and the tremendous

potential of people on the autism spectrum. We are dismayed that

these grossly inaccurate remarks would be aired in any platform, much

less on a nationally syndicated show. We will continue to work with

families, people with autism and the broader public to raise

awareness of autism spectrum disorders.

This interest

All interests Search:

ASA Announces New Board at Annual Membership Meeting

ASA and Easter Seals Release 2008 State Autism Profiles

Thousands Gather at Gaylord Palms in Orlando area for 39th Annual

Conference to Teach and Learn about Autism Spectrum Disorders

Study Finds New Genes Related to Autism

more ...

http://www.autismspeaks.org/statement_regarding_savage_remarks.php

Statement by Autism Speaks Regarding Radio Host Savage's

Remarks About Autism

One important goal of increasing awareness about autism is to foster

a greater level of acceptance and understanding of the very real and

significant challenges it poses to individuals with the disorder and

their families. The good news is that we see more and more

expressions of this compassion every day and everywhere, from

classrooms and playgrounds to ballparks and supermarkets.

Unfortunately, there are those who are apparently incapable of

feeling compassion. They deserve our pity, not our scorn.