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.”