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What gives a radio personality the right to bully disabled children, calling them names and verbally beating them down? Michael Savage has made some nasty remarks towards Autistic children, calling them "idiot" and "brat".
A disorder affecting children within their first three years of life, the Autism Spectrum is one that affects language, communication and social issues. There is no known isolated cause, although studies have led to an underlying genetic component and environmental triggers of the disorder. There is no cure.
So when the number three radio personality, Michael Savage of The Savage Nation insulted the Autistic population and their parents, one can only imagine the backlash that followed.
According to the AC:
Michael Savage has labeled children with autism "brats" as well as "idiots" and "morons." Michael Savage went on to suggest the autism was a racket designed to get public assistance.
Advocates for children, for Autism, Autism organizations and many others are simply outraged at his nationally aired attack on children, calling for a retraction, boycotting of the show and even his immediate termination.
In a Fox News article, Savage is reported as saying ""In 99 percent of the cases, it's a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out." He also was quoted as saying:
"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, you idiot.'"
The University of California, Berkley graduate holds degrees in herbology, botany and nutritional ethnomedicine but psychiatry and psychology, or any other specialized degree that focuses on human development are not ones listed on his curriculum vitae.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Autism is anything but a behaviour resulting from the lack of a father's discipline.
Social skills
Fails to respond to his or her name
Has poor eye contact
Appears not to hear you at times
Resists cuddling and holding
Appears unaware of others' feelings
Seems to prefer playing alone — retreats into his or her "own world"
Language
Starts talking later than other children
Loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences
Does not make eye contact when making requests
Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm — may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech
Can't start a conversation or keep one going
May repeat words or phrases verbatim, but doesn't understand how to use them
Behavior
Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping
Develops specific routines or rituals
Becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals
Moves constantly
May be fascinated by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car
May be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch and yet oblivious to pain
And that is just the bare-surface minimum of the spectrum that affects different children very differently.
There are many causative theories circulating but one in particular has created less blame and more understanding of these children. An autistic adult who has become a valuable inside tool to understanding Autism named William Stillman. He is an author and self-advocate highly specialized in the area of Autism.
In response to the recent negative outburst from Michael Savage, Stillman maintains his decorum and says:
This culminated perhaps most succinctly when it was brought to my attention that a radio talk show host referred to autism as a hoax, a fraudulent excuse for bad parenting, and concluded that children with autism are “brats” and “idiots.”
You can only know what you know—until you know better, or differently. And ignorance need not hold negative connotations if one endeavors a greater appreciation and respect. Autism is oftentimes an invisible disability, meaning, many of us get by, blend, and “pass” for normal because there’s nothing particularly telling about our outward appearance at first glance. It is obvious when someone is physically compromised because they are blind, deaf, or use a wheelchair—it’s visible and tangible, and, in observation, we are more likely to make compassionate accommodations. So when a child melts down in the middle of the mall, screaming and thrashing, it may not be unreasonable that the average layperson leap to conclusions not unlike the radio talk show host.
He continues to explain from a first person perspective how an autistic individual cannot just snap out of it, explaining how the world is a sensory overload for the individual and the individual, a sponge. Read more of his response here: Autism: A New Cultural Competency.
Don Imus, he is not. Savage's words aimed at an entire medically substantiated group were far worse than Don Imus' horrible remarks, making one statement, calling an entire basketball team "nappy headed ho's". For that, Imus was suspended and appeared with Al Sharpton, making an apology for his remarks. Savage's statements referring to autistic children as fatherless brats, idiots, morons and claiming that it is all part of a scheme to obtain some type of public assistance deserve nothing less.
A senseless attack on a vulnerable group of children that have no control over who they are but who do, indeed, have significantly more class than that expressed in the statements made on public radio by a PhD level individual who was born of a race that endured horrific abuse.
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I happened to be listening to Savage that day, a lot of what is being reported is being taken at least mostly out of context.
The brunt of his rant was in regard to the over diagnosis of children as either autistic or in the autistic spectrum, as was my grandson, by doctors with an agenda for medication.
My grandson was treated early with nonmedicative therapy for three years and eventually mainstreamed into regular education classes last year.
Ptui!!!!! on all the quacks who can only feed the kids meds for behavior they can often grow out of if treated early enough.
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I agree this guy does not belong on the airwaves.
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Savage is a crazy person - seriously. Everytime I am driving in my car in the evening (that is when he airs here in MN) I am just amazed at the crap this guy gets away with.....he has ranted over many topics.
I didn't hear this one, and see what Gar contributed and would have to agree that if that was the point of Savage's rant it has some warrant - however, I still think Savage is so over the top, I wonder why he can be allowed to say the things he does with no repercussions?
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"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, you idiot.'" what context was this statement uttered in? -
Great report Nikki. How did the Conservatives let this guy on the radio. They should either fire him or make him work with autistic kids. It is an insult to all the parents out there, who are doing their best to take care of their kids and I know you are one of them. There is a saying in India, "Only a crazy person will call others crazy".
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@ Pamela Jean (GotTheScoop)
Savage is a crazy person - seriously. Everytime I am driving in my car in the evening (that is when he airs here in MN) I am just amazed at the crap this guy gets away with.....he has ranted over many topics.
I didn't hear this one, and see what Gar contributed and would have to agree that if that was the point of Savage's rant it has some warrant - however, I still think Savage is so over the top, I wonder why he can be allowed to say the things he does with no repercussions?
Pam, He sure has he "anger" issues from my understanding. My husband listens to him but doesn't partake in the beliefs. My husband simply enjoys what I call hate radio and some of the stuff.
I too would agree with you that there is SOME validity in his "rant" in that autism, just like other disorders might be used as a bandwagon. But with an Autistic son? This isn't something a N.S.R.H. wants to do name calling on....
like get a parent? or even say idiot and autistic in the same sentence? that is wrong.
I disagree with him in that 99% of these children cannot help it and 100% of these kids need not be called names even in an example. It equates to blaming a chromosomal disorder child for their parents not providing discipline because with Autism, you cannot SEE.
I have lived it every single day for now 14 years. I have lived it with my uncle and with his son. One has to live it every single day to understand it and over a period of time - not just for a few years and then become experts.
It takes several physicians who are behavioral specialists and focus on ASD to provide a comprehensive diagnosis and sadly, IF a GP lays this dx on a child, it creates problems. We went through two handfuls of "2nd opinions" before the majority ruled - and they were all specialists.
NO psychologists, though because they were self proclaimed agenda driven in their own right. MD behavior specialists with an Autism focus. :o) 10 of them.
We still to this day have him tested annually and miraculously he comes us Asperger's! Odd how that works. He isn't a moron or an idiot. He isn't the way he is due to bad parenting or to get public assistance. He is who he is because ....he is.
I shared, not my article, but this guys comments with my son. He doesn't get sad. He doesn't see emotions like you and I. Everyday is groundhog day.
What he said to me....."I'm not an idiot mom. My brain just gets overloaded with stuff". And then he went off to find bugs.
I -
@ Chris V. (cgull)
Great report Nikki. How did the Conservatives let this guy on the radio. They should either fire him or make him work with autistic kids. It is an insult to all the parents out there, who are doing their best to take care of their kids and I know you are one of them. There is a saying in India, "Only a crazy person will call others crazy". Yes, I agree - projecting, isn't it? -
@ Bob Ewing
what context was this statement uttered in?
I'm sure it was a rant, Bob. Some of these guys rant by example to make an example. -
@ Gar Swaffar
I happened to be listening to Savage that day, a lot of what is being reported is being taken at least mostly out of context.
The brunt of his rant was in regard to the over diagnosis of children as either autistic or in the autistic spectrum, as was my grandson, by doctors with an agenda for medication.
My grandson was treated early with nonmedicative therapy for three years and eventually mainstreamed into regular education classes last year.
Ptui!!!!! on all the quacks who can only feed the kids meds for behavior they can often grow out of if treated early enough.
My 14yo autistic son has been mainstreamed since he started school BECAUSE I SAID SO. It is the law and my right. :o)
Auties don't require meds unless they are at certain extremes or secondary dx. But suggesting the 99% are brats who need to stop acting out? That is trash. Statistician, he is not.
Gar, i don't disagree with overdiagnosis but still...putz, idiot, moron, brat.....all very wrong and context or not, to even say those words in relation to an Autistic is very wrong and lacks class.
My son, I demanded a one on one teacher in mainstream to help with his social outbursts. Even still, he has aides in his classes but they help with EVERYONE so its a benefit to all in the class and no one knows the difference. He is odd and different but that is his uniqueness. No drugs, no weird therapies.
He is a good kid. 14 years - every day, every night. two file cabinets worth of documents and testing to ensure. I hold him accountable and he learns the rules. I also hold others accountable for learning HIS rules and social space.
It works. -
@ Nikki W (karateblossom)
My 14yo autistic son has been mainstreamed since he started school BECAUSE I SAID SO. It is the law and my right. :o)
Auties don't require meds unless they are at certain extremes or secondary dx. But suggesting the 99% are brats who need to stop acting out? That is trash. Statistician, he is not.
Gar, i don't disagree with overdiagnosis but still...putz, idiot, moron, brat.....all very wrong and context or not, to even say those words in relation to an Autistic is very wrong and lacks class.
My son, I demanded a one on one teacher in mainstream to help with his social outbursts. Even still, he has aides in his classes but they help with EVERYONE so its a benefit to all in the class and no one knows the difference. He is odd and different but that is his uniqueness. No drugs, no weird therapies.
He is a good kid. 14 years - every day, every night. two file cabinets worth of documents and testing to ensure. I hold him accountable and he learns the rules. I also hold others accountable for learning HIS rules and social space.
It works. You should write a book, it will be a good one for other autistic parents. -
Excellent report, Nikki. I don't know if, or how, Savage's remarks were taken out of context, but your article enlightens those of us who don't have much knowledge of what autism is.
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@ Chris V. (cgull)
You should write a book, it will be a good one for other autistic parents.
Thanks for your kind words Chris. I still have to get him through high school! LOL.
I will say, although despite being a challenge for some teachers only because he causes THEM to change their way of thinking, he does show fantastic results when it comes to things like reading/comp testing way above average.
I do keep notes along the way in the event the writing notion presents itself. -
@ Nikki W (karateblossom)
I'm sure it was a rant, Bob. Some of these guys rant by example to make an example.
a poor approach to educating the public. -
@ Nikki W (karateblossom)
Thanks for your kind words Chris. I still have to get him through high school! LOL.
I will say, although despite being a challenge for some teachers only because he causes THEM to change their way of thinking, he does show fantastic results when it comes to things like reading/comp testing way above average.
I do keep notes along the way in the event the writing notion presents itself. Thats great, such a book will help. -
@ Christine Mattice
Excellent report, Nikki. I don't know if, or how, Savage's remarks were taken out of context, but your article enlightens those of us who don't have much knowledge of what autism is.
Christine, I cannot say that I disagree with you....:o) Boiled down, I firmly believe that EVEN as an example, using these words to minimize an autistic child's experiences is just bad practice.
I understand his motivation in the overdiagnosis in our country but in this manner? I do not understand what he said at all - whether taken out of context or not.
To equate Autism to bad parenting on any level is to equate any disability to bad parenting unless it is a physical handicap and that is prejudice. If you cannot see it, it doesn't exist?
I know it would be taken out of context as well, but isn't that the same mindset that says emotional abuse isn't abuse when it comes to victims of domestic violence and interpersonal violence? Can one not say that you can't SEE it, so it doesn't happen? BS - emotion abuse exists and is more prevalent than the physical evidence.
Just because one cannot see a disability or doesn't have a blood test doesn't mean that it is a fake, nor does it mean that it is being over used.
Maybe people are coming forward now and getting treament, where before they weren't lending to the increase in numbers...makes one wonder. -
@ Bob Ewing
I agree this guy does not belong on the airwaves.
He's crazy as a loon, but he has an audience.
Nikki: I disagree with him in that 99% of these children cannot help it
Neither could my grandson, but it struck me while I was listening, that Savage wasn't talking about the kids who do have Autism, but the ones who are misdiagnosed. just an opinion.
Nikki:
I understand his motivation in the overdiagnosis in our country but in this manner? I do not understand what he said at all - whether taken out of context or not.
Savage is crazy and phobic in many areas.
As poorly stated as he may have done it, the totality of his rant appeared to be against the misdiagnosis of children with a label which affects them for the rest of their lives. -
@ Gar Swaffar
He's crazy as a loon, but he has an audience.
Nikki: Neither could my grandson, but it struck me while I was listening, that Savage wasn't talking about the kids who do have Autism, but the ones who are misdiagnosed. just an opinion.
Nikki:
Savage is crazy and phobic in many areas.
As poorly stated as he may have done it, the totality of his rant appeared to be against the misdiagnosis of children with a label which affects them for the rest of their lives.
The man is a lunatic and his audience is just as crazy as he is. If this were the only time he had put his foot in his mouth it would be one thing but the guy can't open his trap without saying something insane, vulgar or hateful.
I feel sorry for the sort of losers who actually listen to the guy because they like him. -
@ Gar Swaffar
Nikki:
Savage is crazy and phobic in many areas.
As poorly stated as he may have done it, the totality of his rant appeared to be against the misdiagnosis of children with a label which affects them for the rest of their lives.
An audience, he does have! :o)
I agree in the misdiagnosis and the labeling that can go on. Absolutely. But I opine that this guy stepped well outside of acceptible, even in his attempt to gain understanding of an ongoing happening consuming our children that can affect their future.
I'm floored, still. With trying to gather an understanding of both sides - the comprehension of why he would even go there is lacking on my part. All I can think is (in the wise words of BOB) WTF?
Lower than low, even to make a point.
You know, on the flipside, how about when parents don't want to label their children, refusing to see that something is indeed wrong with their children? Forcing other children in the class to suffer and tying up the hands of the teachers? For instance, a bi-polar 1st grader who can launch a free-standing desk after a melt-down over a band-aid?
Parent's ignore. School's cannot force or even recommend or suggest medical problems/testing. Classes get shut down for 30/40 minutes on a regular basis while this child is restrained and taken to a "safe place". What then?
Is that child an idiot? NO! A moron? NO! Bad parenting? NO - just misinformed, scared of labels, I'm sure, due to some language associated with "labeling".
I say label my child if it gets them the assistance they need. Does being Autistic stop him from getting a job? Stop him from going to college? Stop him from being served at a coffee house? department store?
If so, he wouldn't care anyway because he knows nothing more than ok, walk away, they said no. He has no social recollection of holding grudges. :o) The blessings of autism.
I watched him in line at the airport in June when he flew alone. He asked a JERK (I wouldn't have approached the guy based upon non-verbals but auties don't notice non-verbals) if he were in the correct line and the guy yelled at my son. I couldn't do a thing behind a glass soundproof wall...sigh. My son got in line and got on the plane.
My point is they do the same things we do - go to school, college, get a job. Being autistic doesn't go on an application. My cousin is now in his mid twenties, has a fantastic job in computers and obsesses over his bank account, saving every penny. Wish we could all do that. LOL
Read Oliver Sacs Anthropologist From Mars and understand the autistic people in the story.....
Or the curious incident of the dog in the night...written by an autie himself. They are both fantastic yet different persepectives then understand how crazed and out of control this guy's rant truly is in relation to Autism. -
@ Gar Swaffar
He's crazy as a loon, but he has an audience.
Nikki: Neither could my grandson, but it struck me while I was listening, that Savage wasn't talking about the kids who do have Autism, but the ones who are misdiagnosed. just an opinion.
Nikki:
Savage is crazy and phobic in many areas.
As poorly stated as he may have done it, the totality of his rant appeared to be against the misdiagnosis of children with a label which affects them for the rest of their lives.
I don't listen to Savage, I tend not to listen to evangelica cultists. I understand what he is trying to say but it was very poorly presented. Autism has become more common, and yes it may be because of over diagnosis, but it could be because of our environment. Now if he said this about kids with ADHD I may have been more inclined to agree( not that they are idiots, but that they are brats without discipline). Alot of kids diagnosed with ADHD seriously do need more discipline. -
@ Bob Ewing
a poor approach to educating the public.
I don't disagree - but I don't think this individual is known for his fantastic approach to educating people..LOL. Even my total right wing husband (who I must apologize to publically here in this forum because I THOUGHT he knew who the guy was) thinks this guy is the south end of a northbound______(fill in the blank).
Putz? Where did he get off calling an autistic a putz? Is that even a word? What does it even mean?
Nutrition degrees. How about some holistic herbal healing on lunatic outburst disorder? Or ass hanging out of mouth disorder?
My brain is still wrapping around it all. -
My point is they do the same things we do - go to school, college, get a job
As does, and will my grandson. I suppose my being able to grant the benefit of the doubt to Savage is based on my abhorence for what may have happened to my grandson if he had simply been medicated for the 'wrong' behavior. As it is, he manages very well and is capable at the age of six to take apart and put back together parts of an old carberator from my sons Porsche. -
He is an idiot. Just because he labels himself as hate radio or whatever you want to call it doesn't give him the right to spread outright lies and misinformation. Words that harm are illegal. They are not protected by free speech. He is completely misinformed. A number of stations who were talking about Savage's comments had a doctor on who actually said that Autism is under diagnosed. He should be fired and charged with a crime.
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gar.~they are amazing little minds, yets so complex. medicated is one thing and not a recommendation that I PERSONALLY would make.
I look back over the years and when my son was 6, one very ignorant physician put him on zoloft. my child began having erratic behaviours that freaked me out. I called the doc a fruitcake, sought better advice, and removed my child from that physicians care.
prudent parenting, bad medical advice. Not bad parenting and misdiagnosis! My son is still autistic!
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And the right wingers come to his rescue just like they did when Don Imus AKA the ghost of Rocky Dennis came out and made a series of bigoted statements. Notice not a one is condemning his statements! To answer your question Niki: What gives a radio personality the right to bully disabled children, calling them names and verbally beating them down? The people who support him like the ones who embrace such lunatics on DJ. -
@ Gar Swaffar
As does, and will my grandson. I suppose my being able to grant the benefit of the doubt to Savage is based on my abhorence for what may have happened to my grandson if he had simply been medicated for the 'wrong' behavior. As it is, he manages very well and is capable at the age of six to take apart and put back together parts of an old carberator from my sons Porsche.
What kind of special program was your grandson introduced to? I have heard of some but a name would be good. I am still trying to work up the bravery to take my son in for testing. I am deathly afraid if he is labeled it will harm him. Yet there are just so many things he does that need looked at. -
Bo: What gives a radio personality the right to bully disabled children, calling them names and verbally beating them down?
The people who support him like the ones who embrace such lunatics on DJ.
Nope, the First Amendment in this country gives him the RIGHT to be as stupid, arrogant, hateful, misinformed, uninformed, and generally disagreeable as any of the fruitcake Liberoids on the Left, who also have the RIGHT to say what they want and who have been defended time and again by all who see the constitution as something more than just a starting point for social engineering, including the moron Code Pinko flatulence mongers. -
@ Gar Swaffar
Bo: Nope, the First Amendment in this country gives him the RIGHT to be as stupid, arrogant, hateful, misinformed, uninformed, and generally disagreeable as any of the fruitcake Liberoids on the Left, who also have the RIGHT to say what they want and who have been defended time and again by all who see the constitution as something more than just a starting point for social engineering, including the moron Code Pinko flatulence mongers.
That's not true. The first amendment does not protect speech that causes harm. I can't tell someone to go hurt someone else. Likewise I can't tell someone to take an action that would lead them to harm themselves. I can't give someone a glass of bleach and tell them it's water. And I can't tell someone not to take his medication because it will cause him harm if in fact that medication will make him healthy. -
@ Samantha A. Torrence
What kind of special program was your grandson introduced to? I have heard of some but a name would be good. I am still trying to work up the bravery to take my son in for testing. I am deathly afraid if he is labeled it will harm him. Yet there are just so many things he does that need looked at.
My grandson got a diagnosis of high functioning Aspergers's Syndrome at the age of one and a half.
He was placed in a class environment three days a week four hours a day and home schooling two days a week by a specially trained speech and physical therapist.
It focused around getting him able to calm down by tactile demonstrations of where he was (using a round bristle hair brush on his arms and legs) to define his 'space' - That completely stopped the physically destructive behavior in less than a week.
The speech therapy continued until he was five, at which point it all gelled for him. Now he won't be quiet, except in school, or when he's told to be quiet. (not often- we all enjoy having him communicate)
I don't remember the school of thought for what he went through but I'll find out from my daughter-in-heart and get back to you.
That was the long answer, the short answer is - don't wait - find out. But be certain the diagnosis is not one of conveience for the School district and/or Dr. DO get more thanone opinion even if you like the first opinion. Three separate test sets by different Dr's is best.
The bottom line is this, when it came time for kindergarten, he went into mainstream classes already reading and ahead of most of the rest of the students in the class.
Kids who show signs of autism or Aspergers are sometimes just different, not wrong. But that is always on a case by case basis.
Looking back on it, my youngest son, now 39 was probably the same diagnosis. Now he works in the Silicon Valley and is the head of Adobe Software hardware architecture N.A. Not wrong, just different. -
atrox, thanx for that input on the other doc's perspective re underdiagnosis. I guess I would lean towards that belief and I again feel that the surge has a lot to do with more people understang Autism and getting their children properly diagnosed.
Thanks again.
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Sam~i recommend more than three and more than military! I had my son tested 1st in the military hospitals at 18 months, where they told me it was ADD/ADHD. Another more comprehensive civilian (and free test because public schools have to pay for it) showed possible Aspergers but dx him with PDD nos.
Then it was another tester, military specialist @ different base. Aspergers. By then he was almost 3.
Then an army test~Aspergers.
Then a civilian psychologist who specialized in dyslexia...military recommended him. This guy was a quack! Said he was untestable.
Another school paid test showed Aspergers. And a few other dr visits to different docs w/ varying perspectives.
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@ Gar Swaffar
Bo: Nope, the First Amendment in this country gives him the RIGHT to be as stupid, arrogant, hateful, misinformed, uninformed, and generally disagreeable as any of the fruitcake Liberoids on the Left, who also have the RIGHT to say what they want and who have been defended time and again by all who see the constitution as something more than just a starting point for social engineering, including the moron Code Pinko flatulence mongers.
As atrox explained, freedom of speech isn't the freedom to do or say anything you want. Justifying this type of behavior by hiding behind 'freedom of speech' is a regrettable way to behave as it waters down the meaning of the term and it encourages all kinds of idiocy. The man needs to be condemned for this and, in reality, for his whole abomination of a radio career.
There are people out there committing their lives to help children and adults dealing w/ such illnesses, at one point my gf was doing it, and people like Savage are harming the cause my spreading intolerant ignorance. -
Thanks Gar and Nikki. He is 3 almost 4 and I like I said, I am just scared that the label will hurt him because I really think he is doing well and the more we work with him the better he gets. Tom wants me to get him seen, so it is all my fault for him not getting in sooner.
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@ Samantha A. Torrence
Thanks Gar and Nikki. He is 3 almost 4 and I like I said, I am just scared that the label will hurt him because I really think he is doing well and the more we work with him the better he gets. Tom wants me to get him seen, so it is all my fault for him not getting in sooner.
I know it is none of my business Sam, so please if you don't want to share I understand - but I am curious what behavior your son is demonstrating that causes you alarm? My grandson is 3.5 years old. He has days where he just can't seem to control his emotions and talks back to his parents and cries and throws fits for no really good reason. But on other days he is just fine and relaxed and charming......if he gets off schedule (staying up too late or skipping atleast a 1/2 hour down time rest in his room in the afternoon - he will seldom actually nap anymore) he can be "off" for a couple of days.
I worry that so many young parents think their child has some medical issue when they are really just little kids growing up and learning how to handle emotions and life in general.......
:-) -
He has a hard time deviating from a pattern. I try not to have my kids on fixed schedules because I have seen so many children melt down if they have to be spontaneous at all and that just isn't a good lesson to teach in my opinion. His patterns are just basically a set of things he does in the day that can be added to or subtracted from. That being said he has even made the pattern into something set, like he wakes up he has to have chocolate milk or melts down. He has to have a certain TV station on, or he throws a fit. While that in and of itself seems like nothing it kinda fits in with other things he does.
The thing that alarms me the most is that he covers his ears. Not at noises like blenders or at vaccums, but at noises Tom and I cannot hear. He will just cover his ears and start screaming at times. For example when certain things come on TV, or when he gets into a small room alone. The other day he was in the bathroom screaming for help. I thought he locked himself in, I go in there and he is saying he can't open the door, but it is not locked. He has his hands over his ears and won't take them off.
Also his meltdowns last hours, and it has gotten to the point that we have to send him to his room to get calm. He has to be taken out of the stimulation or problem and be isolated to gather himself. This has been done since he was in the crib.
He speaks well, but does not respond to questions beyond simplistic answers.
He will play in a group of kids, but it still looks like he is alone. He really only gets in depth play with his brother and sister.
It is really hard to describe, you kinda have to live with him. The encouraging part though is that our working with him has shown improvements. I can be kinda hard on him, but the discipline seems to really help him. Like if I have to spank him because he has hit someone ( hardly have to do that any more), or send him to his room, after I am done he actually thanks me. I ask him questions alot and encourage more and more answers from him each time. He smiles alot more now, and he seems to have better social interaction.
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Michael Savage has labeled children with autism "brats" as well as "idiots" and "morons." Michael Savage went on to suggest the autism was a racket designed to get public assistance.
That's a very low blow. Apparently he's never been around children with this. -
Actually, for brattish behavior, his own could take some modification.
This is just another self-important clown with airtime on his hands, trying to get attention.Give 'em a microphone, and suddenly they're God and Hitler combined.
First Amendment or no First Amendment, bull is bull. This guy has no idea what he's talking about. Nor does he seem to have attempted to find out what he's talking about.
He's selling a position, the same old "Nobody deserves health care" approach which has made America such fun for sick people.
Here's a list of rather well known people who are believed to have had autism:
http://www.aspiesforfreedom.org/wiki/index.php?title=Speculation_of_autism_in_famous_people
Now, how many Savages would it take to make one Einstein? -
Hey Sam - thanks for that. I read it to my daughter - hope that was OK.......she and I both first a foremost agreed that we really are no experts so anything we think or say is just, well worth not a heck of alot! LOL! With that said however, her first statement was "sounds more like a personality issue than anything else". Everyone is different, and her son Max for instance will claim to be unable to put on his shoes or open a door or ask stupid questions when she knows full well he has every ability and understanding about what his is asking or saying.......he is the oldest of now 3. He has screamed for help in the bathroom and she comes running and there is nothing wrong. He likes to count things and line up his treats in order. He often times counts the landscaping blocks in the daycare ladies driveway before he will walk into the house - wierd stuff like that. She said he walks on tiptoes alot, which apparently is supposed to be a sign of autism.....
I am pretty sure you have 3 now and having 4th, or maybe 2 and having 3rd. She thought that maybe it is a way for him to get attention - her middle child, her only daughter, will have screaming meltdown insane fits if she can't do something "by herself"....she is 2.5 years old. She is quite the pistol. She can be loving and adorable one minute, and sullen, snotty and "Get Away From Me" the next.......kids are kids. They all have their own idiosyncrasies.
If this little boy of yours is the middle child, maybe he is just craving more attention? And not everyone is social, that is just, like Sheri said, a personality trait. I know my oldest (Sheri) was far less outgoing and social when she was young, then it switched when my two got older and then the youngest was darn near socially crippled she was so shy. She would have anxiety attacks when she hit puberty if we went to a mall or a restaurant - very bizarre. But she grew up and out of it.
I really hope that your little man is just fine, and will pray that if you decide to have him "looked at" that the people doing the "looking" are good, decent folks and not just labelers and drug pushers!
((hugs)) to you dear Sammy!
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thanks for listing that paul! awesom stuff! :o)
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sam,
pattern or schedule deviations are one sign. i know it was one of the first signs i noticed.....difficulty w transitions compared to the majority of others his age.
Mine didnt play with others....that never changed.NOW AT 14, his best friends are 8year olds because they are socially equal.
He would say odd rehearsed things that i recognized as movies. He spoke in movies because he had no real ability to form speach on his own yet he would carry on, at 3yo, a conversation about the uvula and digestive sysstem!
He lined up everything, from cars to pasta.
He was highly sensitive to flourescent lighting and had hyper behaviour in any area lit by these lights.
He couldnt stand people to touch his hair.
However, he looked happy and healthy. He was normal but spirited, some would say. I trusted my instinct because he acted different than others and the older he got, the more i realized how much.
Trust YOUR insstincts sam. It is never ever bad practice to have it checked by specialized docs....ever. But naysayers can cause more harm than good. A label doesnt hurt him, it helps!
I as you, why sam do you believe that being Autistic will be bad? Why does the label scare you?
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sammy, makes sense! ;o)
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Posted Jul 25, 2008 by FYI |
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#41
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Putz? Where did he get off calling an autistic a putz? Is that even a word? What does it even mean?
Yiddish word, literally penis, means an idiot or a fool. Similar to "schmuck", but more derogatory.
I agree with folks who say the label isn't something to be afraid of. Autism that is, not putz. You ultimately make all choices on whether or not you put your kids on any medication. Any doc who tries to convince you otherwise you can fire. I know some parents who do, some who don't.
There's no medication specific for autism. There are for some other things like childhood bipolar disorder, where drugs are more conventionally suggested. Recently a few nationally prominent MDs who promoted bipolar disorder were accused of receiving large research grants from drug companies, so it's not that I don't think some docs would do it, it's just that there's not money to be made with diagnosing autism.
Same with the schools. Whatever the diagnosis is, schools these days will often try getting the kid into a regular classroom cause it's cheaper. So even if he/she has a diagnosis of autism, if they can mainstream them they will.
The problem with labeling may have been a problem in the past, but I don't think it's as much now. Your mileage may vary. -
Wow, Karate, you did it good again. Reading the entries above shows me Savage did it good, too. He's probably reading these things, saying to his wife (if he's married, to his girlfriend if he's not): "Hey, look at this. See the responses I get? Think they'll let me get away with this style of mine much longer?"
That said, I don't agree with the language he uses, the way he presents issues. For that reason, I seldom listen to what he has to say. The end doesn't justify the means, in my opinion, in this case.
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Our public school districts retain private law firms to battle the needs and rights of children with disabilities ... and unlike Michael Savage, school district administrators and the private attorneys are funded with our school tax dollars.
Read more here:
http://www.keepeanesinformed.com/chicken_little.htm
Dianna
www.keepeanesinformed.com-
@ Dianna Pharr
Our public school districts retain private law firms to battle the needs and rights of children with disabilities ... and unlike Michael Savage, school district administrators and the private attorneys are funded with our school tax dollars.
Read more here:
http://www.keepeanesinformed.com/chicken_little.htm
Dianna
www.keepeanesinformed.com Diannea
yes, school districts do retain private law firms to battle all district needs involving children but I will tell you this, case after losing case of private law firm going to battle against a parent with a special needs child has cost numerous districts (and those of us who pay for them) lots of money because school districts like to do things the wrong way at first.
They seem to learn better once they have to lose a case. Best distict I've been in for my son was one that got the pants sued off of them by a mom with a special education child who wasn't being treated by IDEA.
The worst district was one that had never been sued for special ed so the area was a bit pompous in that regards. Luckily, they met me. Their district changed (kicking and screaming) and they had to pay for a one on one for my son. :o) Add a Comment
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Nationally Syndicated Radio Talkshow Host Calls Autistic Children Idiots and Morons
