ATPF Founder Dayna Hoff's Statement on Michael Savage's Remarks About Autism As the founder of the Autism Tree Project, I am shocked and appalled at the irresponsible comments of radio commentator Michael Savage, who recently called autism "a fraud, a racket," and claimed that 99% of children who are diagnosed as autistic are just "brats" who don't have a father figure to discipline them. Media professionals have a responsibility to use their influence wisely. It is an absolute disgrace for a person in Michael Savage's position to comment so outrageously on a medical subject about which he has no real knowledge. Autism is a real neurological disorder that affects 1 in every 150 children today. Autistic children do not have a choice about their behavior. The presence of a father "to tell them, 'Don't act like a moron. ... Act like a man'" will not magically give a nonverbal child the ability to speak. Millions of families are impacted by autism daily as they fight for the right for their autistic children to live in dignity, and comments like those of Michael Savage make a mockery of the work so many of us are doing in the community to raise awareness so that autistic children can receive the diagnoses, therapies and understanding that are fundamental to their improved quality of life. The kind of comments Michael Savage has made in a public forum, which stem from his own ignorance and are amplified by his access to a national radio show, should not be tolerated or accepted. These nasty words pave the way back to misunderstanding of children with autism, undoing decades of hard work by concerned parents and professionals. Savage owes an apology to the autism community. His comments have already done real damage in terms of how children and families living with autism are respected and treated. If Savage cares at all about the truth behind the remarks he so thoughtlessly makes on his show, he should follow up with a show in which he interviews parents, therapists, and neurologists, so that his public can see a true picture of autism and the suffering it causes parents and families. If Savage handles this situation the right way, he can use his professional voice and broadcasting experience to turn this from a destructive and damaging scandal into a chance to build autism awareness, understanding and respect for this very real neurological disorder I hope you will all sign the petition to fire Michael Savage, and pass it along to your friends: http://tinyurl.com/68qbe9