Congressional Autism Caucus Blasts Savage Attack on Children with Autism

 

Washington, D.C. – July 18, 2008 – U.S.   Representatives Mike Doyle (PA-14), Chris Smith (NJ-4),   today criticized syndicated talk show host Michael Savage for his recent   comments disparaging families with autistic children and questioning cases of   autism spectrum disorders as frauds. 

“The medical evidence that autism is a real neurological   condition is overwhelming and unequivocal,” Congressman   Doyle said this morning. “That’s why it’s so disturbing   that Michael Savage would make such an uninformed statement about autism as   he did.”

“This gives us an opportunity to educate and inform   the public that autism is the nation’s fastest growing developmental   disability and is reaching epidemic proportions in the U.S. Now is a time for   steadfast commitment to advance treatments and services for this growing   disability,” said Rep. Chris Smith.

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.

“After years of inadequate funding, the advocacy   of the congressional autism caucus and many non-profits has helped to realize   more than a 5 fold jump in autism funding over the past 10 years. We need to   continue with this momentum, and these unfortunate comments do nothing to   help the lives of those suffering with this often debilitating   disorder,” Rep. Chris Smith said.
 
  “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 him boost his market share at the expense of families   who are dealing with a heartbreaking and financially draining health   issue,” Congressman Doyle said.

 

“Those of us who know more about autism than   Michael Savage have a responsibility to call him out on this issue,”   Congressman Doyle added. “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.”