What Savage Has Done for Autism - A New and Different Point of View
"Turquoise Dragonfly" by Kevin, Age 7/HeARTS for Autism
There's no doubt that Michael Savage has raised the ire of many, many families coping with autism. At the same time, though, he's also raised national awareness of autism spectrum disorders. From journalists to congressmen, people are talking about autism and its impact.
Robin V Schwoyer is the founder and director of HeARTS for Autism, a Philadelphia-area organization dedicated to arts therapy and public outreach for the autism community. From time to time, Robin sends out emails with her thoughts regarding a particular relevant issue; this time, I thought readers might enjoy her perspective on Mr. Savage's comments on autism.
Hello Spectrum Families and Friends!Well, this week the fire was turned up on the already boiling pot of Autism Spectrum misunderstandings by radio personality and conservative talk show host Michael Savage. His "savage" attack on Autism as well as other minorities set blogs ablaze and is attracting much attention in the media, throwing cinders everywhere. I remember similar insensitive comments 10 years ago about ADD and ADHD by other so called "popular personalities." So, what has been stirred here? For those living with Autism, there is the insult in the suggestion that they can just work it out, but just choose not to, since they are out of control brats. For the caregivers, there is insult in suggestion that we do not know how to handle these bratty kids and are just bad parents. Dad just needs to get stronger and tell the "moron" to behave.
If I were to use my non-qualified psychobabble to analyze Michael Savage I would say he is sadly projecting - venting his own fears of being an idiot and out of control; his fears of being incompetent; his need for love and acceptance misdirected by rants, screaming with "look at me" attention.
Setting this aside and excusing him for his misinformed behavior, it appears what has been stirred is even greater than what is written above - a realization so big that it is almost a revelation dawning across the entire nation. Just a few years ago his comments might have gone unnoticed by most, since Autism was barely on the back burner of popular discussion. Today, due to the diligence of parents, grandparents, case workers, teachers, and self advocating Autistic persons, so much more is known about Autism. Since 2005, there have been thousands of new programs, outreaches, supports, education and research created to assist this mysterious condition. Public service advertisements and news specials exploded this past April - and yes, it is amazing how many people today know at least the word Autism and maybe some small fact. Given the rate of diagnosis, it is amazing how many people know a family dealing with Autism.
Many times, what one intends for bad, with spirit, it can be redeemed. The redeeming factor given the savage attack is that people across the nation are seeing it as just that, savage. Here is the trick though. How does it makes us feel? How do we respond? And the answer can vary if Autism personally affects you or not. Yet, a good sign has emerged - there is a surge for more awareness, more understanding, more support in society, more common decency as we live to together in community. Is it a savage society we desire? Or is it a peaceful, creative, resourceful, loving, accepting society we desire? What paradigms must shift to attain the latter?
An intriguing response by an adult Autistic, William Stillman, is available online. He is an eloquent writer and amazing advocate. Please read and ponder.
Ultimately, we must strive for the heart felt solutions to change the hearts and minds of those lost in their world of fear and misconceptions.
Take care,
Robin V SchwoyerHeARTs for Autism, Director
Comments
Michael Weiner (yes he hides behind a fake name) is a hate monger. He made fun of Elizabeth Smart for being kidnapped and raped (look it up), he’s a racist and a bigot and now he attacks children.
His advertisers are leaving in droves. Good riddance.
I agree with most of what Robin V Schwoyer is saying, but I would not call what Michael Savage is saying misunderstanding or being misinformed. What I would call it is being intellectually lazy and being a reactionary. He is still harping on overmedication, which isn’t prevalant with autism, as far as my experience with my own daughter and with the people I’ve met locally and online. He’s making himself out to be a persecuted hero, which is making my blood boil all the more. He even had an “expert” on by the name of Petter Beggin who ressurected the “refrigerator mother” stereotype!
It’s good that people are looking at the positive side, but we can make it even more positive by removing Savage’s influence altogether. Let him say what he wants as Michael Alan Weiner, private citizen, or let him find sponsors willing to damage their images enough to support his program.
In any case, I will always advocate for my daughter, which is what I believe getting Michael Savage off the air is about. I can’t count how many times my wife has expressed dismay regarding the looks she gets in public when my daughter displays the behaviors associated with her autism. I’ve heard other parents call my child a brat when we’ve tried to get her accustomed to dining with us in a restaurant. Savage isn’t doing anyone any favors here.
Nothing Savage has said really is going to have a great impact on the public towards our kids, not any more than already is there. I have no doubt Savage’s remarks were intentional and directly with intent to upset as many as he could, and in fact he suceded, for the most part.
It almost seems the things he said was the first time anyone has ever heard such comments?
I think there is a good side to this Savage thing. Over the years I have read many comments over shows aired on TV, media articles and so forth. Not everyone agree’s on the contents, rarely do any of us agree on many things other than this; what Savage said was wrong, but he did get the word autism out there again. Maybe is opinion of autism (as well as the other things he mentioned) will in the end give the public somethign to consider next time they see my child, or yours.
I’m not sure why this guy doesn’t upset me as it has so many others. Whatever people are stating, true or not, is not going to directly effect my child, that’s how I deal with comments I hear. It would also take alot more to hurt my feelings
A very good editorial on Savage, debating the “take action” versus “ignore the idiot” stances, is here:
http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=1293
I would like Mr. Savage to work with a group like ours, just once, and see what his comments would be when group time is over. He obviously hasn’t seen the heartache endured by so many parents who are struggling just to get their child’s special needs recognized, nor has he seen the joy on a child’s face (and on a parent’s face) when their work is shown lovingly in the galleries, museums and shops hoping to spread awareness. I watched as much as I could of the show the other night when the host had two doctors on to counter the stupid remarks made by Savage. The man is dealing with his own demons and lashing out at others to compensate for his lack of understanding. We should pray for him.
Thank you for your information and the response by William Stillman to the “savage attack”. I truly hope the day will come when people make statements with compassion, understanding and respect. It is especially important for someone in the media to encourage these traits and not tear them down.
nice editorial however I do not believe name calling in a situation like this is at all handling it like an adult, or a good example for the public as representing the autism community, or for our kids.
this isn’t the first one to make such comments in the public. he wont be the last. demanding he’s fired will only create more anger than the man actually being held responsible for his actions by his employer. he’ll just go and get another job. over the years, I read many letters from certain autism orgs. demanding a person being fired, as if they have the right to demand such a thing. when that other Media man, Don Imus made a racial remark, the autism community was angry he was fired and wanted him rehired, since he spoke alot about autism and vaccines with the Wrights. I’m not sure if anyone else notices these things, let’s hope the public doesn’t.
media doesn’t much bother me, nothing he said will effect my child’s IEP or therapies or the already preset idea of what autism is. the general public, with or with out people like Savage still need to be educated and this Savage-effort is not going to help that.
Have we not learned from the very behavioral approach that we utilize with our children. “Never punctuate negative behavior”
I blogged on Mr. Savages foolishness in response to comments from friends, family and readers. http://www.revolutionhealth.com/blogs/resilientmom/the-ravages-of-savage-14973
The gist of my response is simple: “Years ago, if other kids made bad choices and used scathing repartee, my Mother advised me not to “dignify them with a retort”.” So there, Mr. Savage.
Just think if he shot someone live on TV it would be great for all the gun control advocates! Let’s see. Congressmen would see it, the media would definately have it on all the stations, the NRA would see it. Please!