One of the inevitable consequences of a society that values freedom of speech is that people say a lot of really dumb things.  That ultimately makes our country stronger because Americans are smart enough to weigh all the arguments that have been made and reach their own conclusions.  They also get the opportunity to form accurate opinions about the people who say the dumbest and most reprehensible things.  The system only works, however, if responsible citizens are vigilant and willing to make sure the public has the information it needs to counter the many baseless assertions that are made on our airwaves, in the press, and on the Internet.

Last week, we had a classic example of someone with access to a microphone saying something really dumb.  On the July 16 edition of his radio show, talk show host Michael Savage disparaged families with autistic children and called most cases of autism spectrum disorder frauds.  He said:

“[Y]ou want me to tell you my opinion on autism, since I’m not talking about autism?  A fraud, a racket…. 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.  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.  Straighten up.  Act like a man.  Don’t sit there crying and screaming, idiot.’ “

65 years of rigorous medical research have proven that that autism is a real neurological condition.  The evidence is overwhelming and unequivocal.  That’s why it’s so disturbing that Michael Savage would make such an inaccurate statement about autism.

One out of every 150 children in the United States has an autism spectrum disorder.  The range and severity of symptoms of autism vary from case to case, but symptoms often include difficulties in communicating and interacting with other individuals and exhibiting repetitive behaviors and intense interests in specific subjects.  The care involved in treating these symptoms often requires hours of intensive therapy every week - regimens that are often inaccessible or unaffordable for many families.  With early intervention and concentrated treatment, the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder can be mitigated, enabling individuals with autism and their families to participate fully in their communities.

I understand that shock jocks get the big bucks for being as obnoxious and controversial as possible – but there’s no reason we have to stand idly by and let Mr. Savage boost his market share at the expense of families who are dealing with a heartbreaking and financially draining health issue.

Those of us who know more about autism than Michael Savage have a responsibility to call him out on this issue.  As one of the founders and Co-Chairs of the Congressional Coalition for Autism Research and Education, I felt compelled to do so.  If I were a radio station that broadcast his show or a company that sponsored it, I’d certainly reconsider my association with it, and if I were a parent of an autistic child, I’d certainly demand that.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 at 10:33 am and is filed under Politics .