Michael Savage Autism

The Michael Savage autism controversy is one of great emotional distress for many families and professionals affected by pervasive developmental disorders. The conservative radio host made shocking comments about children who have autism that sent the autistic community reeling. Although the comments were hurtful, they do shed some light on the challenges families face.

Michael Savage is a self-proclaimed explosive talk show host whose fervor for passing judgment is well documented. He is the ultra-conservative host of a radio show based in San Francisco. His site describes his commentary as “brash,” offering “unapologetic solutions.”

Media Matters writes that The Savage Nation is one of the most popular radio shows, rivaling such productions as The Rush Limbaugh Show. Commentary can be very influential with such a wide audience. Mr. Savage’s remarks about autism have touched many, and the ramifications of the message have yet to be fully measured.

His comments about autism are remarkably antagonistic, waging what seems to be an all-out attack on children affected by the condition, as well as their parents. The full comment is available online at Savage on Autism. It is necessary to break down the comment in order to process it realistically.

Savage begins with the insinuation that families seek out diagnoses for conditions in order to receive services and public assistance. He cites asthma within minority populations as an example, suggesting all parents in this demographic prompted their children to fake a cough in order to get a diagnosis of asthma.

Some may assert that his statements were conjured merely to get attention, as may be common among shock-jock practices, and the notion that Mr. Savage does not believe his own assertions is quite reasonable. While objectivity is necessary to address the comments properly, it becomes readily apparent that little research is behind Savage’s statements.

• Gross generalizations
  • ”See, everyone had asthma from the minority community.”
• Haphazard statistics about autism
  • ’’In 99 percent of the cases, it’s a brat who hasn’t been told to cut the act out.”
• Obvious lack of education on the subject of autism
  • ”What do you mean they scream and they're silent?”
• Blatant misinformation
  • ”They don’t have fathers around to tell them, Don’t act like a moron.”

It is reasonable to assume that these statements are not backed by empirical research.

With such reckless statements that are not supported by any facts about autism, statistical data, or evidence, it may be concluded that the proclamation is little more than a ploy to get media attention. This comes at a price to the autism community. Irresponsible remarks presented on such a large public forum are best viewed as entertainment. However, there are significant ramifications to consider.

The potential ramifications are both negative and positive. The fundamental problem is the way that pervasive developmental disorders are presented to the public but there is value in bringing misconceptions about the conditions to light.

Pervasive developmental disorders are complex, and since the causes of autism are unknown, there is quite a bit of room for speculation. Treatment approaches are equally problematic because they are often behaviorally based, making it very difficult to explain a child’s success.

Interventions are behavior-based but they have an effect on the brain. Approaches such as applied behavioral analysis appear to be little more than systematic drills that teach simple concepts. However, the concepts are not the target; the behaviors are. Many do not understand that the programs work to train the mind to process information differently.

When behaviors improve, those who do not understand the fundamentals of the autistic brain may often attribute it to misdiagnosis. It seems as if a child must drown in the symptoms of autism in order to prove that the diagnosis is real.

While there are other negative ramifications, it is important to focus on how the Michael Savage autism comments help the autistic community.

1. Promote awareness
2. Expose common misconceptions
3. Present problems with prejudice
4. Encourage advocacy
5. Expose a desperate need for education
6. Expose a need for more autism research

A Chicago Tribune article released on July 21, 2008 explores some of the reaction to Mr. Savage’s comments. While many rally for his dismissal, it is important to note that his comments have brought many important issues to light. It is equally important to make a clear distinction between opinion and fact as well as journalism and entertainment.

In keeping with his character, Savage offers no apologies, but he did offer to allow parents and advocates to “educate” him on the matter. That is, if they tuned in to his radio show.

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