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Jul 23, 2008 10:52 pm US/Central

Reality Check: Autism Myths And Reality

Reporting
Pat Kessler
(WCCO) A radio talk show host with a history of controversial comments is finding it hard to distance himself from his latest remarks about autism.

 Conservative radio talk show Michael Savage said he was trying to "boldly awaken" parents to the possibility that their children might have been misdiagnosed. But Savage may have perpetuated more myths about the disorder.

 Minnesota once labeled mentally retarded children as "idiots" establishing schools for the "feeble minded."

So it's nothing new when modern day talk radio demonstrates ignorance of a medical condition called "autism."

"I'll tell you what autism is. In 99 percent of the cases, it's a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out," said Savage.

The talk radio comments reflect one of the biggest myths in America about autism -- that it's bratty behavior, and not a learning disability.

The FACT is: Autism is a neurological disorder that affects normal functioning of communication and social interaction. There are more children with autism than ever before, and some fear it's an epidemic.

But is that really just a MYTH?

The government in 1992 expanded the definition of autism. More children now fall into that category, and more schools receive special education money for autism services.

The FACT is: The true number of children with autism is unknown.

Meanwhile, the search goes on to find a cause and even that's creating controversy.

Is it a MYTH that childhood vaccines cause autism?

There's still a lot of research underway. But the FACT is the available data so far do not show a link.

That's Reality Check.

For more information visit the Minnesota Autism Center Web site and to check the resources for this Reality Check click on the links below.

Faribault State School and Hospital
What Are Autism Spectrum Disorders?
Time: Is the Autism Epidemic a Myth?
Data Provides Misleading Picture of Autism
Minnesota Administrative Rules: Autism Spectrum Disorders
CDC Studies on Vaccines and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Federal Autism Activities

 

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