I’ve asked Nancy Price, co-founder of SheKnows — and mother to an autistic son — to blog in response to Mr  Savage’s comments. I’ll add mine too: Mr Savage shouldn’t make such blatant and careless statements without having evidence to support the position.

Whenever I hear such completely asinine comments like Savage’s (perfectly apt name, by the way), my first reaction is sort of a smack-forehead, roll-eyes combo.

Here’s a little of the verbal diarrhea Michael Savage recently shared about autistic kids:

In 99 percent of the cases, it’s a brat who hasn’t been told to cut the act out… 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.’

Blather like that makes me wonder who here should really be riding the “short bus.”

After three “typical” kids, our family welcomed fabulous little boy named Quinn (see him with his big sister below). From the start, he had his own unique little quirks, and they grew more pronounced over time.

Eventually we came to realize that he had many of the hallmarks of autism, and therefore we needed to seek assistance for him right away in order to help him learn to function in the world and grow into a truly contributing member of our society. Even if he had been our only child, we didn’t have the skills or experience needed to give him all that he needed.

And so began the long and arduous process of getting him “services” — in our case, that meant primarily speech therapy (because his verbal skills were just about nil) and occupational therapy (learning how to do day-to-day stuff, from washing hands to using a fork to realizing it’s not safe to run into the street).

Realize that we don’t get cash in pocket — not even a penny — because of his autism diagnosis. We get these services to help him learn and grow as a person. If he didn’t need this assistance, such intervention would actually be a negative benefit: they would slow him down and keep him from the lessons that are, in fact, appropriate for his age.

Savage clearly has not known anyone who has actually obtained an autism diagnosis. I have — in two states, no less. Put simply: It’s a total pain in the a*s. There are seemingly endless evaluations and meetings and daily discussions and mountains of paperwork. (Seriously, I have accumulated a stack of papers at least two feet high over the years.)

Quinn’s dad, stepmom and I are all very involved parents, and regularly attend meetings with various specialists, during which we discuss his skills (and lack thereof) to the nth degree, and figure out what intensive therapies our guy still needs.

But like other autistic kids in his school, Quinn doesn’t qualify for every sort of therapy — for example, physical therapy — and that’s not just okay, that’s great! Not only is he not wasting time needlessly working on problems he doesn’t have, I’m happy to know that he registers as “typical” in that department. Over time, the goal is to get his skill set completely on par with other kids of his age.

To be honest, the word we use to describe this set of needs is irrelevant. If these children need serious assistance in any area, their needs should be met. It’s preventative medicine.

And in the past 5 years in the system — which includes services via public schools, in-home and at a facility for kids like Quinn — I have yet to meet even one child who I doubt is pretty deeply into the autistic spectrum.

Of course there are people who abuse the system — and that goes for any system. But I’d say that the balance of fraudsters is much closer to the first percentile than the 99th.

Giving voice to the ignorant minority of people who somehow contend that autism is a crock is annoying at best, downright harmful at worst.

As for my fellow parents of kids with autism: vent, complain, tell everyone you know that Savage is a putz. But please don’t take his comments too much to heart. He’s not worth it. Our hearts have enough going on that we really don’t need some random, clueless, angry idiot zapping what’s left of our energy.

And on that note… I’m done talking about him. I have a million things in my life that are more important/interesting/useful than Savage. Like watching paint dry — or, perhaps, trying to find a tree fairy  in my backyard. Or, more seriously, hanging out with my boy and being the best mama that I can.

I’ve featured much of what Quinn has taught me in our “Autism in the family” article series on SheKnows. To find out more about the everyday experience of autism, I hope you’ll check it out. Start here: SheKnows.com/autism.

Links mentioned in today’s Dish…
http://www.sheknows.com/articles/804742.htm

http://www.sheknows.com/articles/6203.htm

http://www.SheKnows.com/autism

http://www.sheknows.com/articles/804869.htm

http://www.deliriusdesign.com/

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You can tell my feelings about the fish pedicure. Right up there with leeching for me.

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Jewelry courtesy of Silpada.

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Finally a bright side to rising gas prices! There is always a silver lining!

Is fruit juice good or bad for your health? The answer may surprise you.

Do you find that throwing your child a birthday party can be stressful? Do you find yourself spending a small fortune and then realizing that the ridiculous party favors are just going to be thrown away anyway? Well if you want it to be stress free, fun and budget friendly, we’ve got the how to for you!And another fabulous top courtesy of Shoshanna. I had to send the clothes back to the showroom yesterday…I will miss them.

Have a great day! I’ll see you Friday!
Shay

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Links mentioned in the show:
How to talk to your kids about death
Your life with autismClothing provided by Shoshanna - I really love this stuff. I hate to give it back.

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Welcome to new clothing sponsor Shoshanna. I love this top! It is perfect for summer evenings and paired with a black cardigan it still perfect for the office. Her designs feel up beat but what I love most is that nothing seems trendy. They look timeless. I’m wearing another one tomorrow. Be sure to check it out.

Until tomorrow!

Shay

Links mentioned in the show:
Summer beauty with Epsom Salts

Geoparents.com - Here is more on childhood obesity.

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These are my personal favorite 10 minutes sessions. They are easy to do just about anywhere if you own a set of hand weights. You can find hand weights at Target, Big 5 or any sporting good store.

10 minute workout - 1

2 sets of squats (12 reps each)

1 minute cardio burst - Burpies Start off with feet together in a wide bent over hands on the ground position, kick your legs back behind you,(so it looks like you are going to do a push up), being them back forward to your starting position, then stand up, jump and reach for the sky. Repeat. This one is a killer

2 sets of lunges (12 reps on each leg)

1 minute cardio burst -Mountain Climbers Begin in a push-up position (arms lined up with the chest, legs extended out)
Keep the head in line with the body and the stomach muscles contracted throughout the range of motion.
Bringing the right knee to the chest and back quickly alternate to the left leg and continue this movement.

2 sets side leg lifts (12 reps)

Stand with feet together and hold onto a chair or wall for balance, if needed. Shift your weight to the right leg and, without tilting the torso, lift the left leg straight out the side. The foot should be flexed, and your hip, knee and ankle should be in alignment and pointing in the same direction (to the front of the room). Lower the leg without resting it on the floor.

10 minute workout - 2

2 sets bicep curls (12 reps each) 5-10lbs

1 minutes cardio burst -Hopscotch Drill Begin with the feet shoulder width apart With every move, you are going to be hopping forward
Start by hopping forward onto the right leg, then hop forward landing on both feet. Continue by hopping forward to the left leg, and then hop forward landing on both feet again. Continue alternating for 1 minute.

2 sets of Tricep Extensions (12 reps) 5-10lbs Standing tall, core held tight, hold a medium weight at one end with both hands overlapping one another. Take the weight straight up overhead with the arms next to the ears. Lower the weight behind the head until elbows are at about 90 degree angles. Squeeze the triceps to straighten the arms without locking the joints.

1 minute traditional jumping jacks

2 sets of shoulder presses - Standing hold weights in each hand (5-10 lbs) with elbows bent and weights next to the ears. Press the weights up over the head. Lower the weights, bringing the hands next to the ears. Make sure to keep your abs engaged and don’t arch your back.

Do 2-3 10 minute sessions daily! If you’ve haven’t been working out make sure to have the ok from your doctor before trying these or any other exercises.

Have a great weekend and be sure to respond with your correct answers for the Daily Dish Giveaway contest to: dailydish@sheknows.com

Here are th links mentioned in the show:

Truffle & Herb Popcorn & Wine - What a fancy picnic! And 2 other pairings too.

Having a Happy Baby A-Z - this is the one that includes the surprise usage for cold cabbage!

Jewelry courtesy of Silpada - I really love their stuff.

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Are you a dog lover? Do you have a heroic pet story? Please share. My pets have never done anything so heroic that it is newsworthy but they sure make my daughter smile. Be sure to tune in to the new CBS show Greatest American Dog.And what do you think of the new American Academy of Pediatrics new age for cholesterol checks? It is hard to believe that so many of are kids are fighting obesity…but considering how many of us struggle to find time for exercise and to eat right it is no wonder a lot of our kids struggle too. What do you think is the biggest cause of childhood obesity and high cholesterol? Too little activity? Junk food? Poor sleep? Culture?We want to hear from you!

Thanks again to Net-a-porter for the fabulous outfit by Diane Von Furstenburg.

Back tomorrow with the weekly Daily Dish giveaway!

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In this episode I’m wearing a tunic by T-Bags

In Today’s Dish…mom’s looking for a natural high, good news on obesity levels, and a little shout out to the cheating, soon to be ex-husband of Christie Brinkley.

Today we feature the article Bringing up Beckham with the question, “How can we cultivate our child’s innate abilities without being unrealistic or pushing too hard?” This can be a tough one for many parents. Some kids are naturally gifted while others seem to have a difficult time seeing a ball much less making contact with it. Some kids love being competitive. Other children want to sit on the sidelines or do anything but practice. How do you manage your child’s sports activities? What do you hope will be the biggest gain from their involvement?

Links mentioned in the show:
Bringing up Beckham
Top picks for healthy food choices that tastes good!

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