My response to Michael Savage's remarks on autism

Dear Jim Watkins

I just saw you on tv, and I'm sorry to hear about Michael Savage's comments about autistic kids.

I hope your son is progressing well,

take care,

John

Jim Watkins,

You are a father, you are a hero.

Savage is an ignorant man. I think what you said is absolutely true and beautiful. Your son is beautiful. God Bless you and your family, disregard what that terrible man said...he's miserable, lonely, no one would want to be around him with a 10ft pole.

Hey Jim,

Michael Savage is obviously an ignorant joke. Don't let his comments get to you or your family. You guys are better than that. Good luck with everything

-Nick

Dear Mr. Watkins,

Im so sorry about what this jerk had to say, i wish the vry best for your son and i believe that the Lord will heal him!
Keep the Faith all is well,

James in the Bahamas

AS A GRANDMOTHER OF A 12 YEAR OLD, NON-VERBAL GRANDSON I AM NOT ONLY OUTRAGED BUT HEARTBROKEN. THE COMMENTS AND IDEAS OF THIS "MAN" ARE OUTRAGEOUS! IT IS OBVIOUS THAT HE HAS NEVER SPENT 24 HOURS IN A HOUSEHOLD OF AN AUTISTIC CHILD. TO HAVE TO BATH A 12 YR OLD, TO HAVE TO WIPE A 12 YR OLD AFTER HE GOES TO THE BATHROOM, TO SEE A 12 YR OLD PLAYING WITH TOYS THAT ARE FOR 18 MONTH OLD BABIES, TO SEE YOUR CHILD HAVING TO TAKE CARE OF HIS AUTISTIC CHILD AND THE HEARTBREAK OF KNOWING THIS CHILD, THAT IS LOVED SO MUCH, WILL NEVER FUNCTION ON HIS OWN, IS AT MOST TIMES OVERWHELMING. HOW DARE THIS IGNORANT "MAN" ATTACK AND MAKE LIGHT OF SUCH A TERRIBLE BURDEN FOR ONE OUT OF EVERY 150 FAMILIES. SOME FAMILIES HAVE MORE THAN ONE AUTISTIC CHILD AND HE THINKS THEY JUST AREN'T DISCIPLINED. WHAT AN HEARTLESS "MAN"!

Hi Jim, I totally agree with you and you didn't need to dignify what that man said with a comment. It may hurt someone who isn't as strong and I see you as a strong man and trust me ignorance comes in all shapes and sizes, and he just a walking cock roach. I am a nanny and I have been taking care of so many children since I have come to this country and one had down syndrome and he was my favorite and what that guy said hurt even though he was not talking about down syndrom. Good luck to your family and Liam, and I wish you all the best.

Hi Jim, I totally agree with you and you didn't need to dignify what that man said with a comment. It may hurt someone who isn't as strong and I see you as a strong man and trust me ignorance comes in all shapes and sizes, and he just a walking cock roach. I am a nanny and I have been taking care of so many children since I have come to this country and one had down syndrome and he was my favorite and what that guy said hurt even though he was not talking about down syndrom. Good luck to your family and Liam, and I wish you all the best.

Jim,

You are a gentleman. Savage is a loser, making money riling up the uneducated and hateful among us...Screw him!!!!

God Bless you and your family.

Michael Savage's comments made me think of a famous quote from Woodrow Wilson, who observed, "I have always been among those who believe that the greatest freedom of speech was the greatest safety, because if a man is a fool the best thing to do is to encourage him to advertise the fact by speaking."

Bravo! And thank you from all of us who know autism is a real and heart-breaking disorder.

Mr. Watkins. I too just seen the clip of Mr. Savage yapping away his ignorance, and I too feel sorry for how sad his life is, and I don't know how much autism effects a family, but I do know that you held your composure VERY well. God bless you and your family.

An avaid listener,

Tracy

Thanks for airing your segment today. I too am a parent of an autistic boy (9 1/2 yrs old) as well as the Secretary of the NY Metro Chapter of the NAA, of which Sabeeha Rehman, who was part of tonight's segment, is the President. How unfortunate that Savage and people like him exist in our world. Why anyone would watch such a crude bully defies reason. One of the good things that has happened in my life because of my son is meeting fellow parents and grandparents of ASD kids. Every one of them is a hero.

Jim,
I work for The Home Depot and I watch you EVERYNIGHT to get caught up on my business and whats going on in the world.

I applaud your professionalism during the show as well as in your response to this uncaring- heartless "moron" (as he says).

I dont know whats its like to have a child with autism, but It bothers me that such a condition affects so many children in this world.

Your an inspiration to watch and again--GREAT JOB.

"Every dog has their day"...right (my mother always taught me that....

Mark

I was very please with the way you adressed Mr.Savage, and his offensive comments. I cannot believe someone would say such angry and hateful comments about children with a disease that is no cause of their own. It is obvious to me that he is the one with a problem and the one who needs to "straighten up" his act maybe even grow a heart and feel sympathy for others.

Dear Mr. Watkins- I had no idea that your son had autism. That was a wonderful response to an ignorant rant. You're very classy & we cannot possibly say the same for Savage. Your son is lucky to have you & your wife as his parents. Sincerely, Dana Mania

Jim..
Liam is very lucky to have you and your wife as his parents...Unfortunatly the world is full of idiots whose opinions aren't worth our time or considerations...all the best to you and your entire family

Mr. Watkins,
Well said. I enjoy talk radio when its focus is comedy, laughter & parody; shows that make you think. I fail to understand how hosts with opinions like Mr. Savages gain an audience.
Best wishes for your son.
David

To you, your family and all who care.... Every CHILD is equal in the eyes of god, NO matter how ignorant an ADULT may be!

Mr. Watkins, I commend you for your professionalism and class in that you chose not to air your personal views on the air the way many often do in the news industry today.

I know what your family is going thru I have a very close friend and one of her childrens have autisim. I saw how this child used to reconised then after a few month he didn't know who I was he is doing good and with a good school and the love of his parents every day he is learning a little bit.

I just saw u on TV amd that wierdo guy too and im pissed that he said stupidity like that...

It appears he has a few screws loose and needs to be pwnd(owned, destroyed, taught a lesson etc)

I just finished watching your report and reading thee article about your son. I didn't know who that moron was, since I refuse to listen to so-called "shock jocks", or any station stupid enough to hire them. I hope that whatever station manager was foolish enough to employ him will reconsider his employment future.

I am certain you will receive a lot of supportive messages about your son's condition. I can not believe anyone would be so insensitive to have spewed that garbage about anyone's child. I hope that the FCC was notified about this disgusting tirade.

I congratulate you on your professionalism and tact. Both, sadly, are rare any more.

this mike weiner needs to have his balls kicked between his shoulder blades and have his head shoved up his ass. im a mother of a 3 year old autistic and he stuggels with it everyday.

I just saw you on the news, and having 2 children I thank god everyday they are perfectly healthy. And I have nothing but respect for you being able to ,one raise your son as well as you are and two handling Mr.Weiner the way you have. My up-bringing doesn't allow me to say what I think of him and what he said.

Dear Jim,

That savage guy is an idiot huh? I feel bad for you and all other people concerning autistism. Good luck with you're son!

Seeya next time on CW11,

Brendan

Jim,

Very well written, and classy response to an ignorant jerk. I hope to soon hear you reporting the firing of this man.
Good luck and god bless.

Dear Mr. Watkins

Thank you for speaking out against this moron who obviously has no respect for other peoples feelings or hardships. I have no experience with anyone who has autism but I know that it must be a very difficult thing to handle. I give you & your family praise for having the strength to handle such a thing. Your son looks very happy & well-cared for. Keep up the great work & ignore idiots like Michael Savage. The people that support him & his feelings are just as ignorant & immature as he is. Keep God first & everything will continue to be prosperous for you & your family. And just a little note to Michael Savage: I hope you don't raise your kids to be as heartless & ignorant like yourself. GROW UP!!

God Bless,

Jaime

Dear Mr. Watkins,

Thank you for educating the public about the disease of autism. Maybe it takes ignorance and hatred by a few to inform the rest of the world about issues we need to learn more about. I certainly learned tonight about the emotional, physical, and financial hardships that impact families afflicted with autism. Thanks to you, Mr. Watkins. I am a better person today because of your courage and grace sharing your personal experiences.

Sincerely,

Mark Surval

Hi , Jim glad to hear your response to that putz, if he even knew the disorder he wouldn't talk so much trash. Me knowing personaly a young child with the disorder makes me wonder what the hell does this man really think. Obviously his father's advice didn't take. This man and all others who practice this type of shock jock media should be pulled from the air. We have enough hate in this world we really don't need another idiot on the air. Thank you Jim, your great will continue watching. May you and your family be well and God bless.
P.S. I wonder what mental disorder he has, turettes of the brain perhaps lol

thank you for such a nicely worded response to the ignorance this man lives with. You did speak for me I also have a eight year old son with austism. Thank you again

People need to turn off idiots like Mr. Savage. The news would be better off if the DID NOT report words spoken by morons. Until today, I had never heard of Mr. Savage. You can guarantee that more people will turn on his station now that his stupid comment was broadcast on the news.

Good for you, Jim Watkins, for posting a note. It is a pity that you were not able to read your statement on the news.

Dear Jim,

As an educator, I felt disgusted when I saw what he said during your report. Putting my professionalism aside for a second, I think Savage should jump off a cliff.

Dear Mr. Watkins

I just finished watching the segment regarding Mr. Savage and I was very disgusted. Some people in this world are very ignorant and he is the BIGGEST one. Some people ae just disgusting.

I am very sorry to hear about your son. I am sure that he is a beautiful, wondeful, young man with many speacial talents. We are all special in our own ways which makes us unique.

Regards,
Michelle

It is a shame that you had to waste your valuable time to respond to a useless radio show host. You were very elloquent in your response and Mr. Savage does not deserve such a response. I too have mental illness in my family, although not autism. Mental illness is no joke and robs so much from the person and their families. Your son is very lucky to have such a carring and responsible father. Your son has matured and will continue to do so with your help. I do not think the same is true for Mr. Savage.

Sincerely,
Peter

That's the thing about Michael Savage. He mixes about 70% truth with 30% complete nonsense. Unfortunately that 30% us completely crazy unfounded stupidity. I agree with a lot of the things Savage says, however this is just unbelievable. My 2nd cousin is autistic as well as my friends brother. Mike Savage is an ignorant fool, to say the least, for the autism statement, but I have to agree with virtually everything else he said. That's why Michael Savage is so dangerous. He really makes the true conservatives look nutty with these kind of statements. I don't feel it was right to bring up other issues in Mr. Savages past on the show, such as his sodomite statements, for this is not the issue. I just wish Savage would stop spouting some of the ridiculousness he does.

I just saw you on TV and my heart goes out to you and your family. I am the parent of a disabled child, although, not autism, the struggle of raising a child with a disablilty makes any parent heroic. Mr. savage is not an idiot, he is a sad and wastful case of a supposely educated but ignorant human being.

I am a father of two girls ages 6 and 10 months and thank god everyday that they are in good health. Many children are born with many genetic disorders
that will impair their social skills and cognitive abilities. Mr. Savages' comments will mark the end
of his career. I wish the best for your family and may god bless your son Liam.

Jim,

I hope Mr. Savage, whoever he may be, reads your response it is true and from your heart, you do what you can for your family and remember, those are the ones who mean the most. As for a response to Mr. Savage he sounds to ingnorant to be able to read your response let alone understand you and your family's struggles.

God Bless

I couldn't have put it any better than Jim Watkins has. I, too, am a parent of a 5 yr old son who has Autism and he works very hard to communicate with his father,my 9 yr old daughter as well as myself, and still has a long way to go like any other child with this learning disorder.. How DARE you say something like that about children? These kids didn't ask to be born with this uncurable condition, so they aren't "brats" and come from two parent homes. It's obvious that you need to do more research instead of being the hypocrite you are.. You, amongst other doltish people in broadcast journalism, should be banned either from television or radio..

I'm a fan of Michael Savage's but there are a few times where I do not agree with him. This is definitely one of those times. Aside from his books on politics, he wrote a book on nutrition and I think he has it in his head that most conditions are not as serious as they are. I did not hear the show originally. I know that I have had long term problems with depression and he makes light of that as well. Maybe some people can be fixed by a change in diet or tough love but that doesn't always work. My moods are sensitive to sugar and starch, but even with that excluded, I'm prone to feeling horrible at times. I admire what you have said here. I think anyone around enough autistic children can see that this is a serious condition.
And it's good to see fathers that care about their children.

GOD BLESS YOU for speaking for so many.

Dear Mr. Watkins,
That was a very powerful response to Mr. Savage. I definitely applaud you. I am an aunt, who is also raising my teenage nephew who has autism. Like your son, he is such a sweet boy, and I am so lucky to have him in my life. Mr. Savage should be ashamed of himself as a human being. I am so happy you spoke up on this story on t.v.
Best wishes,
Penelope

Jim & Lauren-

Our hearts go out to you and your family. Even before Savage's hate-filled and sad rant, you have handled yourselves with grace and dignity; something a person like Savage is incapable of being.

We intend on learning more about Autism Speaks and join your crusade. Take care, be well and god bless Liam.

TG and JG and family

Your an amazing man and Liam is very lucky to have you for a father. Our son Kris also has an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. I'm so glad you took the time to write something so beautiful and heart wrenching at the same time. It breaks my heart everytime there is a negative story in the news about autistic children (IE: one who was kicked out of a Catholic church, another voted out of class by his own teacher, etc). So BRAVO!!! And thank you for having the courage to say what I was thinking!!!
God Bless!

Mr. Watkins,

Liam is blessed to have you as his father. God has a plan for everything, and you, in your capacity as a new anchor, can bring enlightment to the general public about autism and hope to those other families affected by it. Fight the good fight!

Annette

I am a father of two girls ages 6 and 10 months and thank god everyday that they are in good health. Many children are born with many genetic disorders
that will impair their social skills and cognitive abilities. Mr. Savages' comments will mark the end
of his career. I wish the best for your family and may god bless your son Liam.

I think this savage is not even worth calling a human being. There aren't even words that I can describe this jerk. He has no idea how hard it is to live with a loved one that suffers from autism. I personally think this ANIMAL should not be allowed to be on the radio. I never use the word hate before, but I can honestly say that I hate him. He is a horrible human being and a waste of oxygen!!! Jim, I have a brother that is just like your son and I wish you, your son and your entire family all the luck and best. There's always hope, never give up faith. No matter what ignorate people like Savage say will never matter or stop us from loving our family members regardless of their illness. Stay strong!!

I agree with you. I hope the best for your son and your family

Jim,
I was honestly speechles and heartbroken when I heard this story on the news. I can't imagine what its like to have someone with autism in my life, and apparently, neither does Savage. Its no excuse for him to act so judgemental and cruel. Its sad that he thinks he's the perfect mold that every human being should fit, when he's truly troubled and angry.
He is incapable of realizing that everyone is different and its a wonderful thing. Your son is truly lucky to have a father like you.

Dear Jim,

I work with autistic kids and am disgusted by these comments. They just are not accurate and one must truly know about autism before they can comment on it. Your son truly needs you and knows that you are his daddy and his best example. I am sure Liam's "somewhere" is an incredible place for him to be when he can make those accomplishments that may seem simple to others. I wish you the best with your son and this entry proves that the love you have for him will endure the struggles.

Kimberly

Jim,

I don't have a relative with Autism but I can relate to you as a parent. The public should reject all kind of comments by these heartless and insentitive jerks.

Hi Mr. Watkins, I will keep your son and the rest of your family in my prayers. God has the power to reverse his condition, pray and keep on believing in your son. That is a beautiful name for such a sweet handsome young man. Liam is much stronger than that nutjob radio host. God bless you. your wife, and your son. Gnite, good job giving him a piece of your mind. -Patricia Velez

Jim,
I was honestly speechles and heartbroken when I heard this story on the news. I can't imagine what its like to have someone with autism in my life, and apparently, neither does Savage. Its no excuse for him to act so judgemental and cruel. Its sad that he thinks he's the perfect mold that every human being should fit, when he's truly troubled and angry.
He is incapable of realizing that everyone is different and its a wonderful thing. Your son is truly lucky to have a father like you.

Mr. Watkins,
I really don't think you need to worry....
Mr. Savage is ,as they say in academic circles,...an asshole!

Keep on keepin it real! on the CW or is it the WB, or whatever your station will be called this time next year.

PS I am optimistic about your son and his future, God Bless and dont stress...

Dear Jim,

Your intelligent and well-written, heartfelt reply is not worthy of a scum as Savage, but worth for the cause of autism. But I think that society has to sanction those who abuse the freedom of speech.

While I was student, in my native Romania, I used to have a neighbour with a deaf-autistic child, Nicoleta; she attended a special school, was was able to transfer to a "normal" one, and, with my help, she even passed the exam to junior high, while some "normal" student failed the test. She is now 27, works and has her own family. There are many others that beat the odds.

I pray for you, for your son Liam, for everyone's autistic and sick children, and I'm sure that science will find a treatment soon.

Julia Nicolae
Astoria, NY

Dear Jim,

I work with autistic kids and am disgusted by these comments. They just are not accurate and one must truly know about autism before they can comment on it. Your son truly needs you and knows that you are his daddy and his best example. I am sure Liam's "somewhere" is an incredible place for him to be when he can make those accomplishments that may seem simple to others. I wish you the best with your son and this entry proves that the love you have for him will endure the struggles.

Kimberly

Thank you for your powerful and touching response. Michael Savage obviously knows nothing about autism and how dare he make such idiotic statements regarding children with this disability. My nephew has severe autism and it brought tears to my eyes reading your experiences with your son because I can relate 100% to everything that you have experienced. Hopefully what will come out of this is that people will educate themselves on what autism really is, and bring more attention to the autism epidemic.

Mr Watkins,I agree with you 1000%.
The man is an ignorant person,full of hate.
I can't speak from experience,I was fortunate to be blessed with 2 girls that,have no problems.
I hope your son gets better,and I admire your courage in dealing with his condition.

God Bless.

I think it is rediculius that he could say something like that about kids that cant control themselves. I'm only 12 but even i would not be able to say something like that or tease someone with a disability that they cant control. I think you are really a jerk to have said that about kids that are hopeless to suceed in life. I hope you are very sad for what you have sad about atistic kids. You should be ashamed of your self!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Troy 12

Jim,

My son was diagnosed 4 years ago with PDD-NOS. You have been my role model as to how a father should cope with his son's condition (I catch you and Kaity nearly every night). No embarassment, no shame, no pity, no attention drawing measures. Simply speak the truth, speak your mind when needed, and share with others that can benefit from the knowledge you have. And above all, appreciate everything that your son gives back to you and never question how or why you and your son are where you are.

You are the man.

In all sincerity, THANK YOU,

-Rob

The comments made by Michael Savage are disgraceful. I have a 2 year old son and a 1 year old daughter. I can only imagine what its like for you and yours. I wish Liam the best.

take care,

Henry

Mr watkins you've alerted me of news for as long as I could remember and I feel as if I've known you for years.but I found out tonight that there's so much more than meets the eye. Your comments and the look on your face on tonights telecast made me log on and read ur response to mr savage's moronic rant. I must say that you've shown even more class than mr savage has shown ignorance. And I wish liam, yourself and your family health and blessings because I'm sure you're all an inspiration to all who come in contact with you.

I am deeply sorry for your and your family's misfortune with autism, I too have a family member with autism and it's not easy. What really is sad is when jerks like Jackass Savage makes cruel remarks about sensitive issues like autism and AIDS. All I have to say is his time of sufferage will come...or has it already?

I happened to be watching the CW11 evening news and I saw the report you gave on Mr. Savage's ridiculous comments about children with autism. Mr Savage did nothing but display his own ignorance and stupidity by his comments and in my opinion made a total fool of himself by his asinine remarks.

i think Michael Savage's comments where not nice, he is not a profesional he is an ingnorant. Many familys suffer with having autism childern. You are and example of greats parents that love thier children. I thank you for standing up to that jerk.

Mr Savage is a sad litte man that is trying to get noticed for something he not. And that is someone important, if the man had half a clue of what hewas talking about he would then recant the remarks he made. And he thinks it's the people with autism that are handicaped he might try looking in the mirror.

Jim, (if i may call you that?)

I really appreciate you standing up for your family and 'being a man' here and on national television. i also have had the privilege of loving an autistic child, and their love is never ending! i feel sorry for Mr. Savage.... i am sorry he has never felt the love that one child can bring, and i feel sorry that he was never loved and accepted as a child. Thank you for all that you and your family do to educate the public!!!!!!!

-kw

I sympathize with Jim's situation but Michael Savage is a talk show host. He says things like this all of the time, some true and some not. Why give him such a long segment on the news when this is not really a story. I hope you will also go after Thomas Sowell as well, he recently wrote a similar article. Even though Sowell reaches far more people, he doesn't compete with Tribune like Savage does so I bet you don't.

http://www.townhall.com/columnists/ThomasSowell/2007/11/14/crusades_versus_caution_part_ii?page=full&comments=true

Jim,

Thank you for your report. Savage's words weren't worth the time it took to hear them. You're a thousand times the man that ignoramus could ever hope to be.

God bless.

René Rivera
NYC

Dear Jim,

I work with autistic kids and am disgusted by these comments. They just are not accurate and one must truly know about autism before they can comment on it. Your son truly needs you and knows that you are his daddy and his best example. I am sure Liam's "somewhere" is an incredible place for him to be when he can make those accomplishments that may seem simple to others. I wish you the best with your son and this entry proves that the love you have for him will endure the struggles.

Kimberly

Dear Mr.Watkins I am only 12 years old. I may not know what it is like to have autism bu I wish your son the best of luck. And hopefully on your may cured. God Bless you family.

Jim, after seeing you on tv and watching what that ignorant man said, I immediately came to my computer to read your story. I teach children with autism and this hit home for me too. How could there be such people in this world that are so ignorant???? He sounds un-educated and I am so disappointed that a grown man could produce such harsh words and comments. Unfortunately, there are such horrible people in this world and I have learned to have to ignore them. If you get upset each time someone makes such a comment, it becomes exhausting. Just know that there are thousands of people in this world including myself that can really understand the truth about autism. I wish you and your family endless happy days to come!

Dear Jim,
My family and I always enjoy your reports, especially your wit, humor, and sincerity. As for today, I'm disgusted to hear Michael Savage's comments, which as you mention, are ignorant and cruel. We have a close friend whose son is autistic and we understand the emotional anguish and day to day stress that this condition can cause. I would hope that most people realize how ignorant and sick Savage's comments are, but for those who don't, I hope they'll at least read your response and view your wife's film. I wish you and your family all the best and want you to know that I greatly admire your work and your family values. Good people like yourself will prevail and let's hope that people like Mr. Savage will be driven off the air. Thanks for being a continued inspiration to good people, who are willing to fight for worthy causes and stand up for those who need help. Sue H.

Jim,

Thank you for standing up for children with autism. Michael Savage just wants to grab headlines and he doesn't care who he hurts along the way. As a father with a son with autism, I have always appreciated how you have been a public face for a number of families just like yours.

Michael

Dear Mr.Watkins I am only 12 years old. I may not know what it is like to have autism bu I wish your son the best of luck. And hopefully son your may cured. God Bless you family.

your son is very lucky to have you as a father.god bless him.

Jim, Thank you for posting your view about the insane rantings of Mr. Savage who is apparently a person who grew up in a verbally abusive home. From his statements you can tell that he did not receive love from his parents. As a parent of an 11 year old autistic boy I am glad that my son receives the love and care that he needs and deserves. Mr. Savage will never feel the joy in the everyday achievements of our children and how much we appreciate every little milestone they achieve. Also thank you for sharing the difficulties and joys we go through on a daily basis. I think the saddest fact of this entire article is that this lunatic Savage actually has a following but believe me there are ten times as many people who truly care about their families, neighborhoods and communities. Best wishes to you and your family.

Best regards,
Jo Ann

I myself have a younger sister who has autism. She managed to learn to speak, take care of herself, among other things, at P.S. 37 on Staten Island. That school was a godsend to her, and my parents. So, I say this: Bravo, Mr. Watkins. Your blog basically covered everything that needs to be said. Although, I have one more comment:

These autistic 'brats', as Mr. Savage so insensitively calls them, are far better people than Mr. Savage will ever be. Too bad that he doesn't have the talent to get ratings without resulting in such hateful rhetoric.

You know what, Mr. Savage? You keep right on spewing whatever crap it is that you spew. Karma is going to come and bite you in the you know what.

Dear Mr. Watkins,
Good for you! Savage is a moron and a jerk who should be thrown off the air. People like him give radio a bad name. How he could say such things about such a beautiful boy like Liam only shows how ignorant he really is. I know we have freedom of speech, but his comments are totally without merit and the listeners should boycott him. He's an idiot.

Jim, after seeing you on tv and watching what that ignorant man said, I immediately came to my computer to read your story. I teach children with autism and this hit home for me too. How could there be such people in this world that are so ignorant???? He sounds un-educated and I am so disappointed that a grown man could produce such harsh words and comments. Unfortunately, there are such horrible people in this world and I have learned to have to ignore them. If you get upset each time someone makes such a comment, it becomes exhausting. Just know that there are thousands of people in this world including myself that can really understand the truth about autism. I wish you and your family endless happy days to come!

I AGREE WITH WHAT JIM WATKINS SAID. I HAVE TWO BOYS WITH AUTISM MY OLDEST DOESN'T TALK BUT HE UNDERSTANDS WHAT PEOPLE SAY. SOME PEOPLE SHOULD LOOK INTO WHAT AUTISM IS ALL ABOUT BEFORE THEY START TALKING BAD ABOUT AUTISM.

I just saw your report and read your blog. My nephew is a moderate to high function autistic. And when I heard of what that J.O. said it was all I could do not to call his dad and rally the troops. He is verrrrrrrrrrry lucky that I am the one who watches the news, not my brother. Also I applaud your decorum in this matter, I know it weighs heavy on your heart that any one could feel that way. It's just sad that there is inocent lives lost everyday. but this MAN, used loosely, is fine and breathing our air.

I applaud you

Jim, Thank you for posting your view about the insane rantings of Mr. Savage who is apparently a person who grew up in a verbally abusive home. From his statements you can tell that he did not receive love from his parents. As a parent of an 11 year old autistic boy I am glad that my son receives the love and care that he needs and deserves. Mr. Savage will never feel the joy in the everyday achievements of our children and how much we appreciate every little milestone they achieve. Also thank you for sharing the difficulties and joys we go through on a daily basis. I think the saddest fact of this entire article is that this lunatic Savage actually has a following but believe me there are ten times as many people who truly care about their families, neighborhoods and communities. Best wishes to you and your family.

Best regards,
Jo Ann

Dear Jim, People will always say stupid things. It is how we respond to them that shows our own self. You have shown yourself to be a true and loving father. Your son (and the rest of your family) is lucky to have you

Mr. Watkins, you are an inspiration to those who have autism and to those who take care of people with autism. I am happy that people like you stand up to people like Mr. Savage. God bless you and your family. People like Mr. Savage need to be corrected on what autism is and what great love and support can do to cope with it.

I saw your report. Michael Savage is an American hero. He speaks truth 3 hours a day 5 days a week, which is about 99% more than your network. I'm sick of your politically correct garbage and don't show me useful idiots who don't know who Michael Savage is. These idiots are nobody. If you want to attack Michael Savage - invite him to your studio and have a discussion. Your bosses will never let you do it - you, liberal cowards.
You find some questionable comments about autistic children and make him to be a hate manger. As Michael Savage says: "I spit in your faces - you're enemies within"

Dear Jim,

We have been big fans of you for years and knew of your son's condition. Michael Savage is the moron and obviously ignorant. Anyone who has to belittle others for their own satisfaction has no purpose in life. We admire your courage and love for your family and wish you all the best!! Liam is blessed to be part of your family! Keep up the good work...

Love,
Kim and Nicole :)

Dear Mr. Watkins,

I am a special educator who works with children classified with autism and it is absolutely appalling to me to hear that someone could be so ignorant about a disorder that has made such a strong impact on my life.

Thanks to many children with autism, I am a better teacher because I have learned the necessary patience, understanding and appreciation for life. It is insane to think that a person could speak so cruelly about a population of people that they obviously know nothing about. Unfortunately those who cannot relate to or understand someone and their needs can do nothing else but ridicule and demean them, like this fool of a person Michael Savage.

A person like this does not deserve the honor of our attention to his insensitive and cruel comments. Education is power though and hopefully the response this has recieved will put this stupid man in his place and force him to apologize not to us, but to the many children and adults with autism that he has so unjustly insulted.

Please know that no matter what anyone says about this population of people, your son will always be special to you and your family and I am sure touch the lives of many for years to come. Although he may not make the same gains as others, cherish the little things that he accomplishes and accept him for who he is as I am sure that you already have. The more he feels your energy of acceptance, the happier he will be.

Best Wishes,
Ms. Sarah E. Fardella :)

Mr. Watkins, you are an inspiration to those who have autism and to those who take care of people with autism. I am happy that people like you stand up to people like Mr. Savage. God bless you and your family. People like Mr. Savage need to be corrected on what autism is and what great love and support can do to cope with it.

Mr. Watkins,

Great reporting on the ignorant and insensitive comments by Mr. Savage, but there's just one problem: this piece was preceded on the 10 o'clock news by another story about the heat wave, in which your WPIX news team incorporated cute footage of dogs splashing in water dishes along with the story of a 16-year-old girl drowning in the Rockaways. I'm sure her family is relieved that somebody had the big picture and wasn't distracted by their tragedy. You people are absolutely disgusting.

Bob Cohen
Queens

My brother and sister have autism I read about what that idiot radio guy said. You know what, I agree with what you said. That guy should shut up, you know some people were born with Autism and we can't help it. If we could stop them from having Autism we would. I think they should work harder on finding a cure and finally shut that radio guy up. I have a cousin that has autism and is like your son also. She can barely talk when she does it does not always sound like something. I hope your son gets better and that Savage guy gets what he deserves!

Dear Jim,

How dear that Savage person remark about children
with autism when he probably doesn't know anything
about that disease.

I only hope that if some of his listeners have
children with autism that they get right back at
him the way he approached the whole subject.

Bless you and Liam and your family.

It's too bad that you couldn't say your remarks to
him on the air and let everyone hear .

Again God Bless you and yours.

Dear Jim,

We have been big fans of you for years and knew of your son's condition. Michael Savage is the moron and obviously ignorant. Anyone who has to belittle others for their own satisfaction has no purpose in life. We admire your courage and love for your family and wish you all the best!! Liam is blessed to be part of your family! Keep up the good work...

Love,
Kim and Nicole :)

Mr. Watkins, I admire you for making your point so eloquently and without losing your composure. I'm sure Mr. Savage's ignorant comments were offensive to your family as well as many families who have to deal with autism in their everyday lives. You chose to use your forum to voice the opinions that I'm sure so many others share after hearing the idiotic rants of Mr. Savage who used his forum to spew hurtful and insensitive remarks. I applaud you for deciding to stand up to Mr. Savage's comments and giving those who might not be able to speak for themselves a voice. Thank You

Dear Jim,
As a parent, those comments made by that jerk has really upset and disgusted me. Eventhough my daughter is not autistic, the thought of any adult attacking children is sickening. Your son is a lucky boy to have a family who will always stand up for him. Disregard disgraceful animals like that and continue to raise and love your son for who he is.
God bless your family.

-Jessica

I KIND OF AGREE WITH MR. SAVAGE ON THIS SUBJECT. I AM A PARENT OF TWO ADOPTED CHILDREN. MY ELDEST HAD SERIOUS BEHAVIOR ISSUES. THE DOCTORS TRIED TO DIAGNOSE HIM WITH AUTISIM. I FELT THAT THIS DIAGNOSIS WAS WRONG.THE ONLY THING NEEDED WAS LOVE & PATIENCE! THERE ARE CHILDREN WITH AUTISM, I HAVE BEEN WITNESS TO SOME OF THE HEARTACHE THAT PARENTS GO THROUGH, BUT AT THE SAME TIME WHEN DOCTORS AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS CAN'T COME UP WITH A REASON FOR A CHILD'S NEGATIVE BEHAVIOR, THEY ARE VERY QUICK TO PERSCRIBE "MEDICATION" AND CALL THE PROBLEM AUTISM! SO WHILE HE IS (MICHAEL SAVAGE) IS AN IDIOT HE DOES HAVE A POINT. I THINK HE COULD HAVE BEEN A LITTLE MORE SENSITIVE FOR PARENTS WHO'S CHILDREN REALLY DOES HAVE AUTISM. I AM SORRY THAT YOUR SON HAS AUTISM AND I HOPE HE PROGRESSES WELL. IM SURE THINGS WILL GET BETTER BECAUSE FROM THE PICTURE OF THE TWO OF YOU, I CAN TELL YOU ARE A GOOD PARENT. THAT'S ALL HE NEEDS.

Dear Jim,

We have been big fans of you for years and knew of your son's condition. Michael Savage is the moron and obviously ignorant. Anyone who has to belittle others for their own satisfaction has no purpose in life. We admire your courage and love for your family and wish you all the best!! Liam is blessed to be part of your family! Keep up the good work...

Love,
Kim and Nicole :)

I saw your report. Michael Savage is an American hero. He speaks truth 3 hours a day 5 days a week, which is about 99% more than your network. I'm sick of your politically correct garbage and don't show me useful idiots who don't know who Michael Savage is. These idiots are nobody. If you want to attack Michael Savage - invite him to your studio and have a discussion. Your bosses will never let you do it - you, liberal cowards.
You find some questionable comments about autistic children and make him to be a hate manger. As Michael Savage says: "I spit in your faces - you're enemies within"

Dear Jim,

You are a true professional. When I heard the story on the TV this evening, I had to let you know that you have handled the disgusting situation with the grace of a true professional.

Mr. Savage is a hateful, horrible man. It is a shame that people like him can be on the radio and preach their hate to the people who listen to him. His day will come - you reap what you sow.

My prayers and good wishes to you and your family.

Hey Jim,

My wife and I are pregnant and while we may not understand what you are going through, we pray that our child comes out healthy. We could not imagine the hardships you must go through and we only hope we do not have to go through it ourselves. I am sure through it all your son is a wonderful human being. We share your pain and disgust with what this jerk said. This guy Savage could possibly be autistic himself because it doesent seem like he has the brain capacity of an adult his age. I do commend you for your professionalism and restraint with this piece of (fill in the blank).

ABOUT A YEAR A GO I WAS LISTENING TO THE AM RADIO AND FOUND THIS SAVAGE TALKING AND STAR LISTENING TO WHAT HE WAS SAYING HE WAS TALKING ABOUT THE INMIGRANTS SAYING THAT THE INMIGRANTS WERE THE ONE WHO BRING BAD HABITS TO THIS COUNTRY LIKE WORKING IN A RESTAURANT WITHOUT WEARING GLOVES AND NOT WASHING THEIR HANDS AFTER GOING TO THE BATHROOM AND WHEN I HEARD THAT I REALIZE THAT LISTENING TO THIS GUY WAS ABSOLUTELY WASTING MY TIME .i LIVE IN CT ND THIS STATE DOES NOT FORCE TO WEAR GLOVES WHEN WORKING WITH FOOD WHEN I FIRST MOVED TO CT FROM NY I WENT TO WORK IN A DELI LIKE I DID FOR 15 YEARS IN NY AND WHEN THEY TOLD ME THAT I DID NOT NEED TO WEAR GLOVES I DID NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH IT AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT I ONLY WORKED FOR ONE DAY AND NEVER WENT BACK. HOW IGNORANT IS MR SAVAGE DONT NEED TO GET OUT OF THIS COUNTRY TO SEE SOMETHING LIKE THAT THAT DAY I FELT DISGUSTED ABOU MR SAVAGE BUT NOW WITH HIS COMMENTS ABOUT THE AUTISM CHILDRENS I THINK HE REALLY WENT TO FAR AND I HOPE SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING AND DONT LISTEN TO HIS RADIO PROGRAM THAT WILL BE THE BEST WAY TO LET HIM KNOW WHT WE REALLY THINK ABOUT HIM AND HIS OUT OF CONTROL IGNORANCE,

I KIND OF AGREE WITH MR. SAVAGE ON THIS SUBJECT. I AM A PARENT OF TWO ADOPTED CHILDREN. MY ELDEST HAD SERIOUS BEHAVIOR ISSUES. THE DOCTORS TRIED TO DIAGNOSE HIM WITH AUTISIM. I FELT THAT THIS DIAGNOSIS WAS WRONG.THE ONLY THING NEEDED WAS LOVE & PATIENCE! THERE ARE CHILDREN WITH AUTISM, I HAVE BEEN WITNESS TO SOME OF THE HEARTACHE THAT PARENTS GO THROUGH, BUT AT THE SAME TIME WHEN DOCTORS AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS CAN'T COME UP WITH A REASON FOR A CHILD'S NEGATIVE BEHAVIOR, THEY ARE VERY QUICK TO PERSCRIBE "MEDICATION" AND CALL THE PROBLEM AUTISM! SO WHILE HE IS (MICHAEL SAVAGE) IS AN IDIOT HE DOES HAVE A POINT. I THINK HE COULD HAVE BEEN A LITTLE MORE SENSITIVE FOR PARENTS WHO'S CHILDREN REALLY DOES HAVE AUTISM. I AM SORRY THAT YOUR SON HAS AUTISM AND I HOPE HE PROGRESSES WELL. IM SURE THINGS WILL GET BETTER BECAUSE FROM THE PICTURE OF THE TWO OF YOU, I CAN TELL YOU ARE A GOOD PARENT. THAT'S ALL HE NEEDS.

We should never identify a child by his or her disability. Although, i support and agree with Mr. Watkins comments, I would like to point something out. On the news, in articles, newspapers and any other form of media, people are constantly addressing children by their disabilities, hence "the autistic child". Before that child has autism, the are a human. The child who has autism should not be looked upon as a person with a disability before they are viewed upon as a person. I feel that the media constantly addresses children who have autism by their disability. I hope that the media beings to correct the language used. Dr. Levin, a professor at St. Joseph's College pointed this out to me and asked our class and all of the other classes she had, to begin to help change the way we as people label children with any disability, more so autism now, since it is so widely talked about. I hope that CWB11 goes back and changes the wording in this article or at least changes it for the future. I support all people who work to help children who have autism. I want to help show people how negative "autistic person" sounds. My family has been affected by this disorder, just like Mr. Watkins and so many other families. I have a cousin who has autism, not an "autistic cousin". My family views my cousin as a human, before a person who has autism.

Dear Mr.Watkins I am only 12 years old. I may not know what it is like to have autism but I think Savage shoud just get a life and shut up. I wish you and your son the best of luck to find a cure. God Bless your son.

Dear Jim,
As a parent, those comments made by that jerk has really upset and disgusted me. Eventhough my daughter is not autistic, the thought of any adult attacking children is sickening. Your son is a lucky boy to have a family who will always stand up for him. Disregard disgraceful animals like that and continue to raise and love your son for who he is.
God bless your family.

-Jessica

You are indeed a hero. Please ignore that other jerk's comments.

I know how difficult it is to raise a supposedly "normal" kid.

Your efforts in coaching along your autistic child are nothing short of heroic.

Bravo!

Please ignore the idiots.

Your efforts to help your child achieve his potential have already earned you a special place in heaven.

BTW: I am not a religious person. Far from it. But I still believe that heaven reserves you a special place for your efforts.

God love you.

Regards,
Dan

We should never identify a child by his or her disability. Although, i support and agree with Mr. Watkins comments, I would like to point something out. On the news, in articles, newspapers and any other form of media, people are constantly addressing children by their disabilities, hence "the autistic child". Before that child has autism, the are a human. The child who has autism should not be looked upon as a person with a disability before they are viewed upon as a person. I feel that the media constantly addresses children who have autism by their disability. I hope that the media beings to correct the language used. Dr. Levin, a professor at St. Joseph's College pointed this out to me and asked our class and all of the other classes she had, to begin to help change the way we as people label children with any disability, more so autism now, since it is so widely talked about. I hope that CWB11 goes back and changes the wording in this article or at least changes it for the future. I support all people who work to help children who have autism. I want to help show people how negative "autistic person" sounds. My family has been affected by this disorder, just like Mr. Watkins and so many other families. I have a cousin who has autism, not an "autistic cousin". My family views my cousin as a human, before a person who has autism.

Dear Mr. Watkins,

I am a special educator who works with children classified with autism and it is absolutely appalling to me to hear that someone could be so ignorant about a disorder that has made such a strong impact on my life.

Thanks to many children with autism, I am a better teacher because I have learned the necessary patience, understanding and appreciation for life. It is insane to think that a person could speak so cruelly about a population of people that they obviously know nothing about. Unfortunately those who cannot relate to or understand someone and their needs can do nothing else but ridicule and demean them, like this fool of a person Michael Savage.

A person like this does not deserve the honor of our attention to his insensitive and cruel comments. Education is power though and hopefully the response this has recieved will put this stupid man in his place and force him to apologize not to us, but to the many children and adults with autism that he has so unjustly insulted.

Please know that no matter what anyone says about this population of people, your son will always be special to you and your family and I am sure touch the lives of many for years to come. Although he may not make the same gains as others, cherish the little things that he accomplishes and accept him for who he is as I am sure that you already have. The more he feels your energy of acceptance, the happier he will be.

Best Wishes,
Ms. Sarah E. Fardella :)

Dear Mr. Watkins

I was shocked and sadden by the comments made by Mr. Savage today. It is difficult enough to have to live with autism in your home every day and having to deal with people who don't understand about your son's condition. I too have a son on the autistic spectrum. My son John Anthony is six years old and I find him to be a lovable and brilliant little boy. He is verbal and is doing very well in school. People like Mr. Savage only poison the minds of ignorant people and create intollerance for others who are different.

God Bless you and your son Liam

Marisol Arroyo, Bronx, NY

Mr watkins, I'm so glad you confronted this moron savage on television, and in this article. You've been in my home for years and I've taken this all very personally, yet with great satisfaction in the way you've handled it all. I wish liam and your family all the best, as I'm sure many families whom you have inspired wish as well.

We should never identify a child by his or her disability. Although, i support and agree with Mr. Watkins comments, I would like to point something out. On the news, in articles, newspapers and any other form of media, people are constantly addressing children by their disabilities, hence "the autistic child". Before that child has autism, the are a human. The child who has autism should not be looked upon as a person with a disability before they are viewed upon as a person. I feel that the media constantly addresses children who have autism by their disability. I hope that the media beings to correct the language used. Dr. Levin, a professor at St. Joseph's College pointed this out to me and asked our class and all of the other classes she had, to begin to help change the way we as people label children with any disability, more so autism now, since it is so widely talked about. I hope that CWB11 goes back and changes the wording in this article or at least changes it for the future. I support all people who work to help children who have autism. I want to help show people how negative "autistic person" sounds. My family has been affected by this disorder, just like Mr. Watkins and so many other families. I have a cousin who has autism, not an "autistic cousin". My family views my cousin as a human, before a person who has autism.

I KIND OF AGREE WITH MR. SAVAGE ON THIS SUBJECT. I AM A PARENT OF TWO ADOPTED CHILDREN. MY ELDEST HAD SERIOUS BEHAVIOR ISSUES. THE DOCTORS TRIED TO DIAGNOSE HIM WITH AUTISIM. I FELT THAT THIS DIAGNOSIS WAS WRONG.THE ONLY THING NEEDED WAS LOVE & PATIENCE! THERE ARE CHILDREN WITH AUTISM, I HAVE BEEN WITNESS TO SOME OF THE HEARTACHE THAT PARENTS GO THROUGH, BUT AT THE SAME TIME WHEN DOCTORS AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS CAN'T COME UP WITH A REASON FOR A CHILD'S NEGATIVE BEHAVIOR, THEY ARE VERY QUICK TO PERSCRIBE "MEDICATION" AND CALL THE PROBLEM AUTISM! SO WHILE HE IS (MICHAEL SAVAGE) IS AN IDIOT HE DOES HAVE A POINT. I THINK HE COULD HAVE BEEN A LITTLE MORE SENSITIVE FOR PARENTS WHO'S CHILDREN REALLY DOES HAVE AUTISM. I AM SORRY THAT YOUR SON HAS AUTISM AND I HOPE HE PROGRESSES WELL. IM SURE THINGS WILL GET BETTER BECAUSE FROM THE PICTURE OF THE TWO OF YOU, I CAN TELL YOU ARE A GOOD PARENT. THAT'S ALL HE NEEDS.

Dear Jim,
As one who has worked with children with disabilities including those with autism, I am always shocked and appalled by the comments of people like Savage. Such ignorance in someone who considers themselves intelligent is ironic. I have millions of wonderful and loving memories of the children I have had the privelege to work with. What the Savages of the world will never understand is the amazing love these children have to give and the fact that I have learned more from the kids I've worked with than I have ever been able to teach!! My life has been enriched by the children and families I've known and not a single one of those children was a "brat".

All my best to you and your family, keep spreading the truth and know that anyone with any sense knows that Savage is 100% wrong! Considering what you could have said in response to Savage's comments, I admire your class and restraint.

Sincerely,
Donna C.

Dear Mr. Watkins,

I am a special educator who works with children classified with autism and it is absolutely appalling to me to hear that someone could be so ignorant about a disorder that has made such a strong impact on my life.

Thanks to many children with autism, I am a better teacher because I have learned the necessary patience, understanding and appreciation for life. It is insane to think that a person could speak so cruelly about a population of people that they obviously know nothing about. Unfortunately those who cannot relate to or understand someone and their needs can do nothing else but ridicule and demean them, like this fool of a person Michael Savage.

A person like this does not deserve the honor of our attention to his insensitive and cruel comments. Education is power though and hopefully the response this has recieved will put this stupid man in his place and force him to apologize not to us, but to the many children and adults with autism that he has so unjustly insulted.

Please know that no matter what anyone says about this population of people, your son will always be special to you and your family and I am sure touch the lives of many for years to come. Although he may not make the same gains as others, cherish the little things that he accomplishes and accept him for who he is as I am sure that you already have. The more he feels your energy of acceptance, the happier he will be.

Best Wishes,
Ms. Sarah E. Fardella :)

Hello
I came to USA 3 years ago and what surprises me is that the best way to make money and become popular here is to be an idiot and have some nonsense pouring out of your mouth(being blond helps too!). The more stupid and redicolous you are (watch the celebrities) the more chances of becoming successful you have. So it is not a surprise to me that Mr. Savage who clearly fits the description of an IDIOT says what he says. I just think there should be some legal consequences for his comments as it's just offending and painful for those who have children with such conditions (and for everyone who has a heart). There are some limits of free speech. Telling a contestant from American Idol that he/she is a horrible singer is one thing but calling sick kids "morons" is just not acceptable. Something should be done to this man, here on earth...later on he will burn in hell anyway (at least I hope so).

Dear Mr.Watkins I am only 12 years old. I may not know what it is like to have autism but I think Savage shoud just get a life and shut up. I wish you and your son the best of luck to find a cure. God Bless your son.

Jim, I absolutely applaud you and your display of professionalism! I will remember you and your family in my prayers. It only proves once again,some people will do anything for 15 lousy minutes of fame.

Mr. Watkins..i myself do not have a child with autism, but a very good friend of mine does.
I see what a struggle it is day in and day out for the entire family,dealing with a special needs child.
However, at the same time, the child is very loving, caring and such a genuinely amazing human being. That child..is the best thing in their lives...they tell me that all the time.
The fact that anyone allows the kind of person that Mr. Savage is, to not only have a radio show, but actually lets him get paid for his disgusting hateful and most importantly, unsensable views, is frightening to me.
In my opinion, he should be fired.
Keep up the good work sir.

May god bless u and ur family.., n I'm sure the lord will continue to give u strength n faith .. I will pray for u n ur family .. N also for savage because he needs god more than anyone

Hi Mr. Watkins,

I just read your response to Mr. Savage's comments and I must commend you for handling this situation in a very professional way. I wish only the best for you and your family.I have been fortunate that my 3 children are healthy.

God Bless Liam and you and the rest of your family.

Dear Jim,
First and foremost I give you and your wife praises; Liam is lucky to have loving and care parents. Many parents will not or can not handle the responsibility. Keep on fighting for your son and others with autism. Ignorant Savage will get what is coming to him from God above. Remember what Forest said "stupid is as stupid does" and that will be Savage.
You are a REAL father...
Zina

Dearest Jim,
Ignorance comes in every degree of life and its so sad that this discriminating, racist and ignorant man has the tools to pass his ideas and ignorance around to millions.
I used to be an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapist and I loved my job. I had mild to very severe Autistic children that I serviced and 95% of these children had their "Fathers" around assisting the rest of their family adjust, learn and deal with the spectrum. I am currently enrolled in Sept to become a certified ABA specialist because I love the milestones that my E.I ABA cases had. Its NOT these children' fault, they do NOT want to be outcasted or have this spectrum, they do not "act like fools," they are children with disabilities who need assistance to "blend" in the rest of the population or to survive with the rest. Some children will be fortunate enough to clap at a (Sorry Jim, Im a Yankees Fan) YANKEES GAME and some will be have to clap by having their hands held and done for them.
Im so offended that I cried because although I do NOT have a child who has been diagnosed with the spectrum BUT all my cases, all the children I serviced were my children,. They are very loving children and their families are trying to pull it together for their child who did NOT ask to have this condition.
People such as this man do NOT deserve to have tools such as "Media" to air this nonsense, uneducated, undeserving, rude, ignorant, discriminative remarks yet he was fortunate enough to let the world know how UNinformed, discriminative, racist and insensitive he is even to children.
Im so upset. God Bless your son, I'm proud of your involvement, I support children with the Autism Spectrum and I hope this maks people MORE aware now and want to get informed about this spectrum!!
Thank you for letting me air this out, Annette from the Bronx.. Kisses to Adam.... He was one of my more severe Autistic children and I love him!

My heart broke listening to that idiot Mr Savage. My son is 11 and has autism just like Liam. I cry all the time and wish I had a miracle cure for my beautiful son. You spoke from your heart Mr Watkins and straight out of mine. Thanks

My heart broke listening to that idiot Mr Savage. My son is 11 and has autism just like Liam. I cry all the time and wish I had a miracle cure for my beautiful son. You spoke from your heart Mr Watkins and straight out of mine. Thanks

Dearest Jim,
Ignorance comes in every degree of life and its so sad that this discriminating, racist and ignorant man has the tools to pass his ideas and ignorance around to millions.
I used to be an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapist and I loved my job. I had mild to very severe Autistic children that I serviced and 95% of these children had their "Fathers" around assisting the rest of their family adjust, learn and deal with the spectrum. I am currently enrolled in Sept to become a certified ABA specialist because I love the milestones that my E.I ABA cases had. Its NOT these children' fault, they do NOT want to be outcasted or have this spectrum, they do not "act like fools," they are children with disabilities who need assistance to "blend" in the rest of the population or to survive with the rest. Some children will be fortunate enough to clap at a (Sorry Jim, Im a Yankees Fan) YANKEES GAME and some will be have to clap by having their hands held and done for them.
Im so offended that I cried because although I do NOT have a child who has been diagnosed with the spectrum BUT all my cases, all the children I serviced were my children,. They are very loving children and their families are trying to pull it together for their child who did NOT ask to have this condition.
People such as this man do NOT deserve to have tools such as "Media" to air this nonsense, uneducated, undeserving, rude, ignorant, discriminative remarks yet he was fortunate enough to let the world know how UNinformed, discriminative, racist and insensitive he is even to children.
Im so upset. God Bless your son, I'm proud of your involvement, I support children with the Autism Spectrum and I hope this maks people MORE aware now and want to get informed about this spectrum!!
Thank you for letting me air this out, Annette from the Bronx.. Kisses to Adam.... He was one of my more severe Autistic children and I love him!

Dear Mr. Watkins - As one parent of a child with autism to another, I take my hat off to you for showing such remarkable honesty and restraint in your comments. No one knows the life of another person until they have "walked in their shoes." Many families have taken this walk and come out stronger in the end. Isn't that the true essence of a being part of a family ..... strength through adversity? Evidently Mr. Savage's upbringing did not provide him with an understanding of family or morality. I pity a man who would take a tragedy like autism, associate it with "bratty" children and take advantage of the situation. What comes around goes around and he will eventually know what it means to be unfairly judged. Until then, it is up to us, the parents, to keep advocating for our kids. Only with awareness will come understanding.

As parents of a 16-year old autistic child, we find Michael Savage's comments to be heartless. Our son brings us much joy as he is full of life. Michael Savage should be put on probation for his cruel and insensitive comments and work in schools for autism. Jim, keep up the good work and get the word out as 1 in 150 children today have autism. No one will ever stop us from loving our son and giving him the good life he deserves.

Dear Jim Watkins,

I'm sorry to hear about your son Liam's condition. What I would like to put out there is that some say that autistic kids are even a blessing because they show people things they'd never see,Mr W knows.

But on the Savageness of Mr.Savage,it only tells you how some get disgusting lifts by trying to solve something he seems to know nothing about.

Wishing well to you & your family Mr.Jim Watkins,

Miguel

Dear Mr. Watkins - As one parent of a child with autism to another, I take my hat off to you for showing such remarkable honesty and restraint in your comments. No one knows the life of another person until they have "walked in their shoes." Many families have taken this walk and come out stronger in the end. Isn't that the true essence of a being part of a family ..... strength through adversity? Evidently Mr. Savage's upbringing did not provide him with an understanding of family or morality. I pity a man who would take a tragedy like autism, associate it with "bratty" children and take advantage of the situation. What comes around goes around and he will eventually know what it means to be unfairly judged. Until then, it is up to us, the parents, to keep advocating for our kids. Only with awareness will come understanding.

As parents of a 16-year old autistic child, we find Michael Savage's comments to be heartless. Our son brings us much joy as he is full of life. Michael Savage should be put on probation for his cruel and insensitive comments and work in schools for autism. Jim, keep up the good work and get the word out as 1 in 150 children today have autism. No one will ever stop us from loving our son and giving him the good life he deserves.

You're right, Mr. Watkins, this man is just sad and angry. Probably because of the way he was raised. I have to command you on the professional way you handled this matter. I'm sure you held back some comments that I never could have done, kudos. It's a shame that people follow this sick human being at all. Good luck with your son. He is truly blessed to have a father like you. Phil

Jim Watkins,

I too was very offended on a personal level by Mr.Savage's comments about autistic children. I grew up with my autistic cousin, so I know what it's like to deal with a child with autism. Eventhough my cousin is always going to be at a slower pace than the rest of us, to me he is a genius. Good luck to you and your family. Savage will someday learn tolerance and patience...even if its the hard way...

Jim,

I have a child with autism and I am very proud and thankful to you for speaking up for us and our children. I believe that unless you are a parent of a child with autism you TRULY don't understand and should not speak negatively about autism or make ignorant,unintelligent comments.

Mr. Savage says autistic kids should "grow up and act like a man' he sure doesn't act like one himself. Obviously he shows no intelligence to make such comments. What a waste of a 'man' he is.
Mr. Savage, 'MAN UP' and contribute to society in a positive way.

Thanks again Jim for speaking out for OUR kids!

Jim,

You're an inspiration to all of us fathers. there is no greater love than the unconditional love you show towards your son. It's a shame ignorant rats like the idiot who made the comments are allowed to make those kinds of statements on public air waves. what is more disturbing is the amount of Fan Base or listeners this jerk has.

KEEP THE FAITH and KEEP PRESSING ON.

Luis, Harlem NY

Jim Watkins pawns and owns Michael Savage!

Walkins > Savage

Savage life is EPIC FAIL!

GOOOO WATKINS #1

Jim,
When I saw the news tonight and you said that you had a response on the ridiculous bastard that said that Autism was a fraud,I immediately logged in my computer.You definitely spoke for me and it has driven me to tears.My younger brother has autism and as you know it is an everyday struggle.He cannot talk and does not have any skills,except that he has learned how to brush his teeth after many years of trying.He is 20 years old now,an adult and he is currently living at Devereux,a school for disabled children.He is living there due to the daily struggle that my parents and myself went through with him.It doesn't mean that we don't love him,but it became a very violent situation.But he is doing better.During his childhood autism was not as talked about as it is now and my parents did not know what to do.Everyone in my community thought he was "retarted".I used to think that he would talk one day,but I had to grow up fast and face the reality that he would never speak and be a normal child.If I could sacrifice myself,my voice and give it to him just to hear him say Momma or I love you,I would do it because he is my life.It is an outrage what this man has said and not just about children with autism,but minority children as well.Someone should shut his ignorant mouth.I have worse words for him but it's not worth typing them.I thank you for being a voice for families of autistic children in this city.We will find a cure for Autism.We will fight until the end for your son,my brother,and every autistic child.Before I finish I would like to ask if you or anyone at the CW11 can make a story on siblings of disabled children.They also suffer due to the lack of attention that parents give them.I went through that and have seen other siblings of autistic children wind up doing bad things.Your response spoke for many and especially for me....God Bless You,Liam and your family

Thank you for your personal comment on-air about your son. As the mother of a 5 year old boy on the Autism Spectrum I truly believe an educated society is a more accepting society. Obviously, college degree or not, Mr. Weiner (very appropriate) is a highly uneducated man. It must be nice living in his ignorant world. I applaud you and thank you for opening yourself up like that to help educate. Keep up the great work!

Dear Sir -

As I watched the news tonight, my heart started sinking with anger and pain thinking of my dear beloved 60 year old sister, who's been retard since birth - someone I learned to love no matter what since I was born. Mr. Savage's comments are par to the Nazi way. As my heart kept sinking, you said you had an autistic son and to visit your blog for your answer to Mr. Savage's remarks. Well, here I thankfully am having my heart lift up and full of light again. A light I know comes from Liam's smiles, my sister Dayse's hugs, loving parents' hearts like yours. I wish the same light shining through Mr. Savage's. Much love to you and Liam, sir. On behalf of my sister, I thank you!

Jim, I couldnt have said it better myself. I have a 21 monthold daughter whom i love to death however, she is showing great signs of autism. I have prepared my self for her condition however it is very overwheming when there are people like Micheal who just dont understand what it takes to be a parent of an autistic child. If i were given a chance to turn back time i wouldn't change a bit. I love my daughter regardless of who she is. She maynot live the simple life but she will live a loved life. Because as long as i am alive i will love my daughter until my last breath. This Micheal guy is just sick of his life and has nothing else for him except those ignorant listener who thinks he a good radio host. They just as big of a loser like him.

Dear John,

I think what you did was pride. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and as you can see that guy hasnt been thourgh any hard steps in life. His father should had teach him well what is a father and not a baster and someone you can see has no heart. You John are what a father should be and you do know what is begging a father. You'er son and family should be very proude of you for standing up for what is true.

Madeline Collado

Hi Jim:
I cannot believe the ignorance that Savage displays. I hope and pray his diatribe does not in any way weaken the faith and resolve of those who are entrusted by God to care for those with autism.
Howard

I thank you for such a classy reply to a man who has no heart, or perhaps sold his heart for the sake of making money from those who support his radio show. Shame on those who listen and shame on those who pay his salary. Shame on those sponsors who will continue to advertise on his show.

I am a special education teacher who has been taught much over the years by children across the spectrum of autism. Bless them all and bless their families who know the reality of this terrible disability.

Maybe they could teach Mr. Savage what love is all about.

I listened, in disbelief, to your report of what Mr.Savage had to say . My sister has triplets- 18 year old young men- and two of them are autistic. One is non-verbal. If Mr. Savage is so sure it just takes some disciplining to snap him out of this "fake illness" - give it your best shot. These boys are the joys in all of our lives and I think Savage has proven to the world who the true moron is! Thank you,Jim,for your response to this and God bless you and your family.

Dear Mrs.Watkins

You are an inspiration. My 5 year old sister has autism and she has trouble communicating and socializing with me,my mom and dad, so its my hope that they will find a cure for autism so my sister can live normally and Michael Savage comments were a strong blow to that hope but you have Strengthen it by standing up to him with your response. Thank you

Mr. Watkins,
Thank you for your response to Mr. Savage.
I could not have said it any better. People like Mr. Savage, need to be educated from there moronic way of thinking.

Mr Watkins, there is a saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." That quote is partially true, however when you hear evil remarks such as the ones Mr. Savage made you realize that words really do hurt. I think people in this world should accept others of how they are (race, religion, sexual orientation, MEDICAL CONDITION, etc.). Maybe if Mr. Savage feels the pain that others are facing he will understand.

***Best Wishes to Liam***

PS. Mr. Savage should take his own advice, "Get AIDS and die."

Dear Mrs.Watkins

You are an inspiration. My 5 year old sister has autism and she has trouble communicating and socializing with me,my mom and dad, so its my hope that they will find a cure for autism so my sister can live normally and Michael Savage comments were a strong blow to that hope but you have Strengthen it by standing up to him with your response. Thank you

We must look in our hearts to forgive those who encourage hatred and bitterness because of their lack of awareness on a particular topic. What Mr. Savage said was in my opinion devious, as it promotes hostility against children with a true disabilty. As a person in the public eye, Mr. Savage has a responsibilty to endorse positive communication. It is now up to us, as a society; to quench such appalling messages, promoted by someone with such widespread power in the words he communicates.

"I'll tell you what Michael Savage is. In 100% percent of his comments on autism, he's just a brat who hasn't been told to properly educate himself on the matter. That's what Mr. Savage is. What does he mean, going on like that? He didn't have a friend around to tell him 'Don't act like a moron. You're really coming off as a completely uninformed jerk right now. Stop acting like a putz. Straighten up. Act like a man. Don't sit there spewing crap that you clearly know nothing about."

Great job on this blog. I'd have used a few too many f-bombs in my version. Take care, and be well.

Dearest Jim,
Ignorance comes in every degree of life and its so sad that this discriminating, racist and ignorant man has the tools to pass his ideas and ignorance around to millions.
I used to be an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapist and I loved my job. I had mild to very severe Autistic children that I serviced and 95% of these children had their "Fathers" around assisting the rest of their family adjust, learn and deal with the spectrum. I am currently enrolled in Sept to become a certified ABA specialist because I love the milestones that my E.I ABA cases had. Its NOT these children' fault, they do NOT want to be outcasted or have this spectrum, they do not "act like fools," they are children with disabilities who need assistance to "blend" in the rest of the population or to survive with the rest. Some children will be fortunate enough to clap at a (Sorry Jim, Im a Yankees Fan) YANKEES GAME and some will be have to clap by having their hands held and done for them.
Im so offended that I cried because although I do NOT have a child who has been diagnosed with the spectrum BUT all my cases, all the children I serviced were my children,. They are very loving children and their families are trying to pull it together for their child who did NOT ask to have this condition.
People such as this man do NOT deserve to have tools such as "Media" to air this nonsense, uneducated, undeserving, rude, ignorant, discriminative remarks yet he was fortunate enough to let the world know how UNinformed, discriminative, racist and insensitive he is even to children.
Im so upset. God Bless your son, I'm proud of your involvement, I support children with the Autism Spectrum and I hope this maks people MORE aware now and want to get informed about this spectrum!!
Thank you for letting me air this out, Annette from the Bronx.. Kisses to Adam.... He was one of my more severe Autistic children and I love him!

Jim,

God Bless you and your family. Liam is a very lucky little boy to have such wonderful parents. Mr. Savage needs to look in a mirror and come to terms with his inner self. We need to feel sorry for him for being so miserable and ignorant. Just remember, every dog has his day. What goes around, comes around. Hold on to your hope and cherish all the smiles Liam shares with you.

Mr Watkins,

I thought your response to Savage was excellent and said pretty much everything that my wife and I felt. I called and tried to send a note of disapproval to the Talk Radio Network but received little satisfaction. I would like TRN to remove Savage's rant program from the air. I hope you and WB11 can help make the world a better place by pulling the plug on this loser, the real idiot!

Tony Vizioli

Jim,

God Bless you and your family, Liam is in my prayers. What an ignorant guy, doesnt know what he's talking about.

Mr.Watkins,there are many people in this world who
will comment on situations they know nothing about,NOR HAVE THE HEART to understand how their
IGNORANT COMMENTS can affect others,God bless you,
your wife, and your wonderful chidren,enjoy them,
as only very special people are chosen to care for
special children.Liam is truly blessed to have a wonderful mom and dad!

Dear Mr. Watkins,

I think that your response was great. This is an animal who calls himself a man, he is a ignorant, disgusting, bitter and miserable soul. He is an animal..

Danielle

AMERICAN HERO? WHAT A SHAME!

Jim, I want to thank you for your well-written, personal, and may I say disciplined response to this incredibly insensitive, offensive, and selfish "radio host." As a neuropsychologist, I spent some time in my training working with autistic children, and your description of your beautiful son brought tears to my eyes. Like you said, the hate that passes as "free speech" simply doesn't even deserve a response, but I believe your speaking out and sharing your private experience has educated others. I have followed Channel 11 News at 10 for about 20 years now (and I'm only 39), and have always enjoyed - and appreciated - your (and Kaity's) broadcast. Again, thank you, and God bless your family. PS - I'm also a mother of twins, and have grinned when you mentioned them, as well!

Great job, Jim, both showing Savage for the bully he is and for articulating the issues faced by kids (and adults) with autism. You're a great newscaster and a remarkable person!

Dear Jim,

I saw the broadcast tonight as I do every night!!People like Mr. Savage should learn how to behave in a "Normal" manner especially in the field that he is in. I feel your response is classy (as always) and informative. God Bless you and your family!!

DEAR JIM; WE HAVE A GRANDSON WHO IS LIKE YOUR LIEM
A BEAUTIFUL RED-HEAD WITH SUCH BLUE EYES AND WE JUST LOVE HIM,WHEN WE VISIT HE IS JST LOVEABLE.
WE BELIEVE YOU DID AN OUTSTANDING JOB IN YOUR REPLY TO SAVADGE,HIS NAME SURELY FITS HE SOUNDS LIKE ONE
KINDEST REGARDS
DAVE

Dear Mr. Watkins
very glad to hear your response to Mr Savage.
Personaly I do not know him or ever listen to his
radio show but from what he did he should be pulled from the air.If this is a comedy show it is not very funny.
God bless you and your family.
Liam looks like a very happy boy he is lucky to have you.
Sincerely,
Marianna D.

Hi Jim,
I am an eighteen year old girl and I have a nineteen year old cousin with autism. His autism does not effect him as harsh as some cases but this jerks words hurt me just as much. To say something so cruel about another human being is just immoral. Mr. Savage obviously needs to grow up and "stop acting like a moron." You are a great anchorman and I'm sure an excellent father!

Best wishes for you and your family, as well as all the families dealing with autism.
~Ashley

MR. Watkins,

Although i have no children, I have taken many college courses on children, their behavior and there actions, it is a known fact that Autism is in fact a disease that many children suffer from it.

Although some professionals do believe it is over diagnosed. It doesn't negate the truth about this horrible disease; that these children have very difficult times meeting, playing, speaking, and understanding others. Just because not all children have a severe case doesn't mean they are not handicapped to this disease.

It is apparent that Mr.Savage needs to re-enroll into college and invest some time learning about topics he plans on discussing on his talk show. Its appalling for someone (who I assume is some sort of a Public Figure) who has never been in your shoes or anyone else's who has a child with autism to act as unprofessional and inhumane on a sensitive topic to many of Americans. I'm glad I don't listen to his show
-John-

Mr. Watkins....

Your response to Michael Savage was heartfelt and dignified, much more dignified than his reprehensible comments deserved. All autistic families are blessed to have you as their voice.

Also, the way in which you personalized your comments was touching; Liam's personality --his PERSON-- shone vividly through your comments. It is a shame that Mr. Savage's ignorance will never allow him to feel and to learn from the Liams of the world.

Ridgewood, New Jersey

Mr. Watkins....

Your response to Michael Savage was heartfelt and dignified, much more dignified than his reprehensible comments deserved. All autistic families are blessed to have you as their voice.

Also, the way in which you personalized your comments was touching; Liam's personality --his PERSON-- shone vividly through your comments. It is a shame that Mr. Savage's ignorance will never allow him to feel and to learn from the Liams of the world.

Ridgewood, New Jersey

Hi Jim,
I am an eighteen year old girl and I have a nineteen year old cousin with autism. His autism does not effect him as harsh as some cases but this jerks words hurt me just as much. To say something so cruel about another human being is just immoral. Mr. Savage obviously needs to grow up and "stop acting like a moron." You are a great anchorman and I'm sure an excellent father!

Best wishes for you and your family, as well as all the families dealing with autism.
~Ashley

Savage has some nerve to say that and mean it about autistic children. Obviously when his father told him to stop acting like a moron, he didn't listen very well. Mr. Watkins I applaud you on your response to this fool and his absurd remarks. You stayed calm when I think you had every right to be outraged. Your son is lucky to have a supportive father like you. Hopefully sometime soon I will hear you report that Savage has been fired.

Sincerely,
Amanda

Dearest Jim,
Ignorance comes in every degree of life and its so sad that this discriminating, racist and ignorant man has the tools to pass his ideas and ignorance around to millions.
I used to be an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapist and I loved my job. I had mild to very severe Autistic children that I serviced and 95% of these children had their "Fathers" around assisting the rest of their family adjust, learn and deal with the spectrum. I am currently enrolled in Sept to become a certified ABA specialist because I love the milestones that my E.I ABA cases had. Its NOT these children's fault, they do NOT want to be outcasted, singled out or have this spectrum, they do not "act like fools," they are children with disabilities who need assistance to "blend" in the rest of the population or to survive with the rest. As an example, some children will be fortunate enough to clap at a (Sorry Jim, Im a Yankees Fan) YANKEES GAME and some will have to clap by having their hands held and done for them.
Im so offended that I cried because although I do NOT have a child who has been diagnosed with the spectrum BUT all my cases, all the children I serviced were my children,I have a couple of friends that have children who are Autistic, (P.R) and have been doing THEIR BEST........ They are very loving children and their families are trying to pull it together for their child who did NOT ask to have this condition.
People such as this man do NOT deserve to have tools such as "Media" to air this nonsense, uneducated, undeserving, rude, ignorant, discriminative remarks yet he was fortunate enough to let the world know how UNinformed, discriminative, racist and insensitive he is even to AND WITH children.
Im so upset. God Bless your son, I'm proud of your involvement, I support children with the Autism Spectrum and I hope this makes people MORE aware now and want to get informed about this spectrum!!
Thank you for letting me air this out, Annette from the Bronx.. Kisses to Adam.... He was one of my more severe Autistic children and I love him!

dear,Jim Watkins

my cousin has autism and he is a smart kid,he know his numbers and alphabet.but he has a bad time with his speech.i hope your son feels better

He needs is head shoved up his ass and his ball crushed. He is a waste of air and human life. I feel sorry for the women that gave him life and the wife who married him.

He needs is head shoved up his ass and his balls crushed. He is a waste of air and human life. I feel sorry for the women that gave him life and the wife who married him.

Mr. Watkins, As a mother of a 33 year old autistic
adult, I applaud for your comments to Mr. Savage.
Apparently this moron has no conception as to the difficulty parents have to face when raising a child with this condition. Years ago, very few programs were available for those who were autistic - thanks to research and knowledge so much more is available today. His comments are completely unwarranted and I think are dispicable.
He should not be permitted to air these bigoted remarks on radio. He is truly and idiot!
Dolores Waring

Dear Jim: As a regular viewer of the CW11 news (and as a life long fan of the NY Mets!), I was aware that your son Liam had autism. For all these years, I have been inspired by the love and devotion you and your wife Lauren have for your son. My own son Logan was diagnosed with the condition last year and unfortunately, I have come across too many people to mention who are only too eager to share in Mr. Savage's view of children with autism.

Needless to say, Mr. Savage's comments today have hurt my heart but, like all the dirty looks and snide comments Logan and I have endured, they have hardened my resolve and determination to continue being an advocate for my son and children like him. I am sure that Mr. Savage's words were fueled by ignorance and the mighter-than-thou attitude that seems to permeate those in his demographic. That is why I am truly grateful for your very eloquent response to his hate-mongering speech. May God bless you and your beautiful family and thank you for not only advocating for Liam, but for my son as well.

Jim, you have friends here in Nebraska. Mr. Wiener gives the human race a bad name. He used to hang out at Dirt track sprint car races, spewing hatred over a hand-held P.A. until we the fans confronted him with the hipocracy of his long poems about the pleasures to be had with "the dusky-skinnned young South Sea Island boys." Read a bit at http://dir.salon.com/story/news/feature/2003/03/05/savage/index.html.

Jim keep on being the classiest news guy on earth, and hope for a Change in America that will leave Mr. Wiener in bankrupt obscurity forever

Thank you Mr. Watkins for your professional and classy response to this idiot. What saddens me the most is that he has such a huge audience. My best to you and your family - you're a father and a hero.

Dear Mr. Watkins,

My only comment to truly ignorant people like Mr. Savage is, if you do not believe autism is real please spend part of your day observing the work that is done every day to help students with autism. I have worked as a summer teacher with children who have autism. Thank god Liam has such a loving father. All the best in the future.

Jim,
I am a frequent listener of the CW11 news both the morning and night. I have actually been aware of the fact that your oldest son Liam is autistic. Listening to the news tonight and hearing about the comments that Michael Savage spoke of left me in awe. I can not understand how a human being can exercise such ignorance to that extreme. On that note I have read your entire response to Mr. Savage and in my opinion you could not have stated it in a more proper manner.
Please do understand that as many listeners as Mr. Savage has is as many more people that understand the condition of autism and sympathise with the struggling parents who support and stand by their children 100%.
I am someone who understands and send my regards to you and your family and I think in my eyes you and your wife are heros making it possible for a beautiful life like Liam's to be even brighter.

Love,
Andrea Palacio

Mr. Watkins -- Savage did not deserve the dignity with which you responded to his demeaning comments. He not only verbally attacked children with autism and their families, he attacked all children with disabilities. The sensitivity that Savage condemns is what real parents show when dealing with the difficulties of having a child with a disability. Savage's comments should put him in the same category as Don Imus with his racial comments, and he should suffer the same consequence by being taken off the air. He should be fined and made to donate that money to the Austism Foundation. Let him eat a little humble pie!!

God bless you and your family for the love and perseverence you show for your son. That is what a real man does, and is something that Savage will never know about.

Mr. Watkins: I am so sorry for the insensative and crude comments by the radio host. I cannot even bring myself to mention his name. Apparently he has never fathered any child. Every child is precious in the eyes of God and in my eyes also. A child with a disability has certain other senses that children without disabilities have. Every child is a gift and returns unconditional love and is so very innocent. Perhaps we should all take a clue from a child. Perhaps it is comments like these that make us realize just how much we love our children. I wish the best for you and your family and especially for your son. Thank you for reading this message

Dear Mr. Watkins:
As a parent with a teenage daughter that was diagnosed with a Speech and Language dissability at the age of 4, I was completely appalled to listen to the ignorance that came out of Savage's mouth. His comments hit my home too.My child may not be autistic but her disability is one she struggles with on a constant basis. I applaud the love you have for your child Mr. Watkins. I watch you every night and have admired you for always being a part of your child's life. Your comment's tonight are to be commended and the discrimination done to your child, my daughter and every child that struggles with any type of disability especially to those who are autistic should be punished. Savage's punish shall not be brought upon man's hand but through the grace of God he will meet his well deserved lesson.
May God Bless you, Lauren and especially Liam. Our children were brought to this world to bring us love and joy. Mine has and I know yours did too.

Jim, congratulations on exposing Michael Savage's mind-boggling ignorance, for conducting yourself with dignity on the air, and for always speaking out for children with autism and their families. Savage, on the other hand, has merely lived up to his remarkably apt name.

Dear Jim Watkins,

As many others that have responded to this, I had no idea about your son. Remember God only gives you what you can handle so you and your wife must have unbelievable inner strength. The saying a picture is worth a thousand words has never rang as true as when I saw the picture of you and your son. There is nothing but love in that picture and that's all that matters. From what I can see in that picture, your son knows exactly how much you love him which is what it's all about.I hadn't heard about this jackass before this and I'm sure I'll never listen to his show now.

Dear Mr.Watkins Obviously savage is a F****ING IDIOT!!!!!!!!!Their are no other words. You and your are very strong people.LIAM seems to be a very sweet and gentile boy.May God Bless you and your family

please don't take this the wrong way, but wow! i can't believe how many stupid sheep people you got to respond to this garbage - as deserving as savage might be of an asskicking or even a stern literary whipping like you gave him, jim, you should have gone with your 1st intuition & just ignored this ignoramus. now that you've wasted my time i feel compelled to let you know that my only response is, "really? REALLY? we got us rangel & inflation & corruption & shootings & gangs & global warming & war & elections & you're gonna waste my time with THIS? autism is one thing & my heart goes out to all of those effected, but why give a dick more time in the spotlight?"

it's simple. jim & WPIX news, please save the personal grudge stuff for maury & judge mathis and use your valuable airtime & even this silly little "blog" to vet & discuss some real issues affecting your viewers. you got our attention, now use it wisely or we'll all go back to watching channel 5.

Hey Mr. Watkins
I just saw you on the news and went on the page you announced....let me tell you that I don't have anyone in my family that suffers from autism. But I do work with kids that do suffer from this challege of which we are yet very naive to. But i feel for you and your son Liam. Im sure your doing anything on your hands to make it better. So dont pay any mind to that poor man on radio...probably his comments come from his childhood. His father might have said those mean and unloving things to him and he has the need to take it out. I'm sure Liam has a great father to look out for him. I'm very proud of your response to those meaningless comments. So keep it up Mr. Watkins because I'm sure that even if Liam can't speak, I'm sure that in his dreams when his in trouble, you are his superhero. See you tommorow at ten.

Dear Mr. Watkins:
I have watched you on TV since I came to live in the US (in 2000) and tonight I admire you and your family even more. I would like to say that Mr. Savage is exactly what his "name" describes A SAVAGE! He gives good, compassionate Jewish people like me a bad reputation and I am appalled at his ignorance. And this guy went to college? I wonder if it was the College of Stupidism and I'll bet his degree was in Ignoranus! What a jerk. I wish that there was a magic wand in the world that would wipe away not only Autism but all the horrible maladies that are in the world. You are truly remarkable, and your son is indeed a beautiful boy, and I am sure that he is as beautiful inside as he is outside!! On behalf of my boys and my husband, you are a true journalist and your response is greatly admired at our home. All the best to you and your family. :)

Dear Mr. Watkins:
As a mother with a teenage daughter who was diagnosed with a Speech and Language Disability at the age of 4 was completely appalled by the comments an ANIMAL like this Michael Savage said. His comments also hit my home. My daughter may not be autistic but her struggles with her dissability are ones that she deals with on a constant basis. I cannot imagine why this man is even aloud to make such comments on live radio. I commend you for you wise choice of words. The love you have for your son is one to be admired. Our children were brought to this world to be loved not critized by the hurtful comments an IGNORANT idiot had to say. Savage's punishment will be met not by the hands of man but the the judgment God will impair upon him.
May God Bless you, Lauren, Liam and the rest of your family. The strength you, other families with children suffering any type of disabilty and I have are the pilars our children rely upon. Let us all stand united and fight the Ignorance and shame that exists in our society.

Dear Jim,
You are a class act. I do not believe I could have held my tongue like you did, but that is what seperates a professional like yourself from someone like Mr. Savage. Unfortunately, many in today's society feel the same way he does.

My wife has the privilege of working with developmentally disabled adults. She has been in this field for almost 10 years. I have volunteered with her agency from almost day 1 of her time there. And although I do not volunteer with them any longer, I am still somewhat involved with these special people. I have had the misfortune of seeing and hearing the predjudices leveled at this population. I believe that if individuals took the time to get to know someone with autism, down syndrome, or any of the other disabilities they would get to see how, unconditionally loving, they could be.

You are 1,000 percent correct when you said Liam would not be angry if he could understand the comments. I am 99.999% sure that if Mr. Savage walked into the same room with Liam, your son would show him nothing but love.

I have told many people this next comment and a large majority of them agreed; I would rather spend my time with the population of people that our current society considers rejects, than with the people that are considered "NORMAL". As the saying goes, 'Normal is just a setting on the dryer'.

I can make this next statement with certainty because I have experienced it firsthand. Liam is going to make more of a positive impact on people than any of the Mr. Savage's of the world.

Thank you for bringing us the news. I look forward to my 10:00pm news on the CW. Keep up the good work with autism education. Too many people fear the developmentally disabled because they do not fully understand what that term means. I know that you and your wife will continue to make a difference in how the world perceives Liam and his peers.

May God richly bless you and your family more than you are already blessed.

Mike

Hi Jim,
My heart goes out to your family and prayers for strengh on those days when you need them the most. I hope one day they do find the reason and a cure for autism. I am outraged by Michael Weiner's comments. I would be embarrassed to say I even listen to such garbage. Never heard of this savage before today. I have more important things to do with my time and XM radio and any of the other media meltdowns are not part of it. Thanks for offering this post and God bless Liam.

best regards,

Nicole

Dear Mr. Watkins,

As the mother of a 9 year old boy with Autism, I admire you and every other mother, father, sister, brother who deal with Autism every day. Unfortunately, "people" like Mr Savage do exist in our world. When we do encounter these ignorant individuals, we need to hold our heads up high and know that the love, patience, and understanding we have for our children, was never received by Mr. Savage and others from their parents.

Jim well said, "Michael Savage is a professional jerk, who puts his extreme ignorance on display for fun and profit; substantial profits, apparently, since he’s purported to be the third most popular radio host in America."

Mr. Savage was boasting about his Radio Ratings this week and mouthing that he was better than some other talk shows in NYC.

The best response would be to stop listening to his show and the Radio Station, tell others not to listen and start a campaign.

Remember it is all about Radio Ratings, which translate in to Advertising Dollars - money making all the way.

Stop listening; tell others not to listen to that Radio Station and he will disappear.

Dear Jim Watkins,
Thank you for standing up and speaking for those who can't! I am a teacher of children with Autism and it is ashame what this man has said! I was touched by your words that were not condemning but hopefully eye opening to the igronance that Michael Savage spoke today! I am praying for you and Mr Savage! God Bless!

Mr. Watkins,
BRAVO to you! I was appalled when I saw what Mr. Savage said about children with Autism. I also have a son with Autism. I was so angry when I was watching it I wanted to do something about it right away. Then you stated you wrote to him so I read what you wrote and God Bless you for your words. Words that these children can not say for themselves. I am also going to write to Mr. savage about his rude remarks and comments. My heart was broken tonight but you helped to heal it with your words to this guy who is so uncompassionate. Tell your wife that I saw the film Austim Every Day . It was wonderful. Liam looks like a happy child keep up the good work. I know how hard it can be. But we do what we have to do to make their lives as happy as can it can be. God Bless You And Your Family
Joanne

i am serb man who has large moustache & sideburn & i have say for this is the real of sadness. i feel for the jim and its family. this is the most terrible when the retarded of the children is coming to you at home like this. tragically. these are when the friends have to be nice & make house nice and clean with you feet in the sadness times.

i have the speaking for my wife who has the sad for the mentally boys too with the mentally sickneses. my wife whe likes to make house and make clean the feet for this jim here on the tv.
please, thank you!!!

Vilankus Nostravionovo Sktoolgautza

Mr. Watkins,

I am an avid listener of Michael Savage and consider him to be a VERY well educated, intelligent man. I agree with most of what he has to say. but I was "shocked" when I heard his views on Autism. I totally disagree with him and I'm quite surprised at his insensitivity on the subject since he has a brother who has been institutionalized for his entire life!
I wish you and your family well.

Best Regards,
Ellenita/Long Island

Dear jim-
Who the is this "Vilankus" fellow? Does he think his comments are funny? This is an extremely serious issue, and I for one, do not think it's a joking matter.

I'd like to flag that post, where can I do that on this website? I assure you, sirs, I will write a letter or email to the management of this station requesting "Valinkus'" comment removed.

Be well & God bless your family-

Elisabeth

Hello Jim!
First, please allow me to say that your son, Liam, is truly very lucky to have you and your wife as his parents. He is a very good looking boy who, I pray, will receive a miracle from the good Lord above that will give him the ability to speak and care for himself when he gets older.

Secondly, if ANYONE has any doubts about the abilities of children with Autism, they should only remember the 17 year old boy who was an assistant manager with his high school basketball team. He was allowed to suit up for his teams final game in his senior year and, in the last few minutes of the game, was put into the game and wound up scoring 6 three point baskets in the last moments of the game!!! AND HE IS AUTISTIC!!!!! (I only wish I could remember his name right now.)

Jim, you are truly a very classy person and I truly enjoy watching you and Kaity every night! Please keep up the great work and May God Bless You, Liam, and the rest of your family!!! I send you my love!!!!!

Mitch Wolper

P.S. Don't worry about Michael Savage. People like him are a perfect example of constipation of the brain and diarrea of the mouth!!!!!!!!!

Hi Mr. Watkins,

I know what you are going through I have an autistic son and he has his father livng at home too. I agree with everything you said to Michael Savage. Just keep doing everything you are doing with your son. He is beautiful. God bless you and your whole family. I know they are a lot of work but they are also a blessing. Take care.

Susana

Mr. Watkins first off i have autistic features myself and i want to tell you god bless you for standing up for all the children and adults who suffer from autism and the families that will always love them no matter what happens!

and as for satan's spawn michael savage or should i say his real name that perfectly fits him weiner i have a few words to say him YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE PIG!!!! THERE ARE SOME AUTISTIC FEATURES THAT I CAN'T HELP BUT IT SURE AS HELL DOES NOT MAKE ME A "MORON" OR A "BRAT" YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A MODERN DAY NAZI FOR SUCH DAMN COMMENTS THAT YOU SPEWED! AND I WANT TO REMIND YOU OF A PHRASE THAT I LIKE TO THINK OF EVERY TIME I'M REMINDED OF THE INCONSIDERATE JERKS THAT I SEE COME IN AND OUT OF MY LIFE "IGNORANCE AND ARROGANCE ARE 2 FORMS OF BLINDNESS" AND AFTER WHAT I HEARD FROM YOU DEFINITELY HAVE NO SOUL OR REAL EYES TO ACTUALLY SEE THAT FOR YOURSELF!! SO HERE'S WHAT SUGGEST YOU DO TAKE YOUR OWN WORDS "GROW UP" "STOP ACTING LIKE A MORON" AND "MAN UP!!" OH AND ANOTHER THING I TOO AM A SENSITIVE SOUL I VERY NICE AND VERY CARING GUY BUT THAT DOES NOT MAKE ME GIRL OR LESS OF A MAN A**WIPE!! AND WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT MEN ACTING GIRLS IS FAR OFF FROM TRUE AND YOU KNOW IT AND IF YOU TRULY BELIEVE HERE'S ANOTHER THING I SUGGEST GET OUT THIS COUNTRY YOU COMMUNIST PIG!! AND BTW AGGRESTO I SAW YOUR LITTLE COMMENT, AT LEAST JIM HAS THE HEART AND COURAGE TO SPEAK OUT WHAT HE FEELS INSTEAD OF BOTTLING UP LIKE YOU SUGGEST! MATTERS LIKE THESE NEED TAKEN UP AGAINST NIMROD!! AND BOTTOM LINE MICHAEL SAVAGE...... BURN IN HELL PIG!!!!!

Jim,
Please take heart that most people are not like Mr. Savage and are as angry and in disbelief as you are at this jerk's revolting remarks. It probably won't be the last disgusting thing he says, but take heart that more people despise hate profiters like Savage than actually listen to him. You and your family-and people like you-are the real heroes in this world. And we are lucky and a better world for all of you being here to share it with us. Many blessings to your son and all your family.

Mr. Watkins,
You are a man of great compassion and great class. As someone who has volunteered with autistic children (as well as mentally and developmentally disabled children), I can say that they give far more than they take. I only wish Mr. Savage could put aside his ignorance and narrow-mindedness to see that.

Jim - Thank you for exposing Savage's ignorance, doing it with such class and courage. I think you're awesome for speaking out against trash like that. Next target: Ann Coutler, someone really needs to shut her up. Jim, I think you are that person. Love CW11!
I will include your son and your family in my prayers.
God Bless.

I saw your show tonight and thought you handled the situation quite well. I would have not been as gentlemanly. Mr Savage is quite skilled at agitating the great unwashed (as H L Mencken was wont to say) and for that he is paid handsomely. But regardless of the money the man is a total waste of skin. Where is Gil Hamilton when you REALLY need him?
Keep up the good fight. My best to you and your family.
Charlie in Watsonville California

Dear Jim,

I've always liked you as one of my favorite news reporters and now I know why. You took such a high
road concernig any reaction re: Mr, Savage's insensitive remarks about autism, that it made him look like the total idiot he is.
I pray that your son, Liam, contnues to bless your family with his Grace making all who cares for him that much closer to God.

Thanks Jim for being you and sharing your story with us.
Cheryl

Good for you Jim! I have seen you openly support Autism Causes at Autism Awareness Day at Shea and was SO TOUCHED that a parent stood proudly with his child before THOUSANDS.

My daughter has Autism. She is now 7. It has BROKEN my heart every day to see how she suffers to achieve only 1/2 of what "regular" kids do.But she has a heart of gold and is trying so hard to simply express herself. Savage's comments were truly those of a savage. a Brutal savage. He's not even worthy of knowing these children. My daughter isn't a fatherless brat. She's a loved and cared for child who has a neurological disorder and is often trapped. Its REAL and it's a nightmare. I'd give anything if she could "snap out of it" as Savage suggests. I want my daughter back. I want her childhood back.

God Bless you and your sweet miracle, Liam.

Em

Michael Savage is true to his name - a savage. and if we could go further, I believe his full name is Michael Loser Savage. No wait, Michael Loser Jerk Off Savage. Thank you for being such a classy gentleman.

Dear Mr. Watkins,
Micheal Savage is just that-A SAVAGE! If he thinks he knows it all about autism, why doesn't he become a specialist on the issue instead of B.S-ing on a little boring radio show that no one really listens to. And if he is so big on the idea that a father can "cure" this disorder within their own children, where was his father? And if his father taught him not to act like fool, obviously it didn't work because he's still acting like a freakin' fool! And like Mr. T. would say "I pity the fool!" Someone really should teach that punk some manners. You're a good man, Mr Watkins and you are doing God's work with your son as are all families living with this very tough problem. I love watching the best news team in NY every night. Say Hi to Kaity, Mr.G., and Sal will ya? All the best.

Dear Mr. Wakins:

I applaude that you are sharing your story regarding your son with Autism, I do have a nephew who has autism as well, he is a very nice and well behaved child, when I sit on one knee, he would reach out and hug you.

For Mr. Savage to make a comment regarding children with Autism and other children with color was WAY out of character and comment. For the advertisers and network that support him should hang their head in SHAME and he should be terminated. Mr. Savage needs to learn a lesson in sensitivity or leave the human race.

Dear Mr. Jim Watkins,

I saw the segment on the news yesterday evening concerning autism and the ignorant conservative piece of ---- Michael Savage. I commend you for being dignified with your response. If it were me, I would have said every swear ever written. I can relate to you for I have an autistic nephew and my wife has an autistic brother. I hate this man and after his comments, I hope to God I never encounter that man in any way. God Bless you and your family. Liam, as all autistic children, are beautifil because of their innocence to a--holes like Savage and have no mean bone in them as you stated. Savage needs to stick to what he knows like dirty conservative politics and his religious fanatics. Once again, God Bless you and your family, especially Liam.

see, you gave savage more exposure? i didn't even know who he was, now i do & want to go find out where i can hear him because everyone falls for this same thing... it's how howard stern or opie & anthony or bill o'reilly can rile everyone up with their nonsense. & we all fall for it, remember what they said about stern? if you love him you listen 30 mins a day, but if you hate him you listen for 2 hours - human nature i guess and not a good side, but , Jim, as sincerely as I believe everyone on this board about autism, my only comment is...

HE PLAYED YOU, YOU LET MICHAEL SAVAGE WIN - YOU GAVE HIM AIR ON YOUR NEWS SHOW AND THIS BOARD & EXPOSED HIM TO MORE PEOPLE THAN KNEW HIM BEFORE. NOW I AND MANY OTHER WHO NEVER WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS JERKWEED DO... NICE WORK, JIM, MAYBE MICHAEL SAVAGE SHOULD PAY YOU FOR PR MORE OFTEN. THERE ARE STILL SOME FOLKS WHO DON'T KNOW WHO HE IS.

Dear Jim,
My 4 year old granddaughter, Melissa, has autism and is just starting to speak. She is a beautiful little girl who is trapped in her own little world. It has taken quite some time for her to say the few words that she does but she is getting there. There is hope. I will add your
son to my prayers so that one day Melissa and Liam can have a conversation with Mr. Savage one day and tell him their side of the story.

God bless you and your family and keep up the
good work.

Hi Jim, I have a 9 years old autistic son who is non-verbal and hyper-active. For this idiot to make this comment and profit on it, I wish I could have been there while he make that comment. Not only I would have curse him out but also blame his dead mother (Hopefully she's dead)for having a child like him. He shouldn't have make that comment. Remember life is an up and down cycle. I hope when he catch some illness, like cancer of parkinson disease, I would god dam make fun of his fat-ass every day in his hospital bed. Remember what you said Mike, I hope alot of bad things will follow you. Go get a life, you low life scum.

Jim, Thank you for speaking out for all of us who have been touched by an autistic child. My grandson Aidan who is 3 years old has been diagnosed as being on the spectrum. My daughter and her husband are struggling to do everything to help Aidan have the best life he can and are having a very hard time accepting his condition. It is indeed a big strain on all of the family. Aidan is a beautiful, loving child and I only hope my daughter and all of the parents of newly diagnosed children do not become more depressed with this SAVAGE and his comments. Wasn't Imus put off the air for comments against a minority group. I know you are a good and forgiving man and I know you said Liam (if he could talk) would forgive this SAVAGE, but unfortunately I am not yet as forgiving (I am working on it) but I would love to see this SAVAGE silenced. The only good that came out of this is that your beautiful story will help other parents cope. Thank you for being there for us. Aidan's Grandma

Dear Jim:
I watch your news show every night and I want to thank you for your statement. My daughter is 21 and she is not autistic but she has some traits to accompany her mental retardation.
For Mr. Savage to make the comment he did shows his ignorance. All of us as parents would give anything to have children who will grow up to be successful adults in society but unfortunately some of our children won't like your son and my daughter. It is a heartbreaking and stressful reality and true to word it does break bank accounts and marriages as well as the entire family composition.
Luckily for me my children (now grown) are very understanding about their sister but it is hard for us to have a "normal lifestyle" when she is in crisis. But as a family we struggle on. God bless you and your family for standing strong for your son. And as for Mr. Savage he is just a miserable little man who has no insight.
You did the right thing and I am proud of your statement you made on TV last night. It shows what a gentleman you truely are.

Dear Mr. Watkins,

My name is Tommy, and I am 11. My brother is 9 and Autistic. What this man said is just plain mean and rude. My brother means the world to me. I love him, and he loves me even though he can not tell me with words. I think that this man, Mr. Savage, should be fired and not allowed on the radio again.

Tommy

Dear Jim,
If we had a dime for every dirty look, comment and sarcastic remark that has been said to us regarding our 4 year old autistic son, Garrett, we would be millionaires! Michael Savage is a truly ignorant non-human being with no compassion who is simply not worth our energy. Parents who have children with autism know that our energy and love needs to be directed to our children. So sorry Jim that you had to waste your time but I thank you for your genuine and eloquent remarks to Savage.

The Savage Weiner's remarks, though irresponsible, reprehensible, and just generally bull, have actually served to awaken a sleeping giant. Through the efforts of fine people such as yourself, there is now that much more awareness that this is for real.

Perhaps a Michael Savage episode of Help Me Howard is in order.

With Deepest Appreciation,

Christina, John, and Garrett‹‹‹‹‹‹‹

@Stumpy Higgins

We can't keep ignoring stupidity and callousness when it rears its ugly head. You may argue that Savage is getting more attention by Jim's response but at the same time, it's telling thousands of people in the context of what a turd Michael Savage really is. I'd rather have people know about him and be aware that he's what's wrong with American society today instead of turning a blind eye and living in some sanitized fantasy land that you wish for. These morons live in our society. Good on Jim for calling him out.

Mr. Watkins,

I watched your show last night, and heard the that report on Michael Savage and his "moronic" comments on autistic children. I'd just like to say that you showed such class in the way you handled his ignorant words, so I applaud you for it. Savage, in my opinion, is just anoth Don Imus, so I hope that any future reports you make about him tells us all of his firing.

It's a true shame that there are so many people in the world like him.

My prayers go out to you and your family,

Lana

DEAR MR. WATKINS,

I WAS AMAZED TO WAKE UP THIS MORNING BY THE RINGING OF MY PHONE AND HAVING TO HEAR MY SISTER CRYING. I HAVE AN 8 YEAR OLD NEPHEW WITH AUTISM. TO HEAR SUCH DISGUSTING AND IGNORANT COMMENTS MAKES MY STOMACH TURN. I CAN SYMPATHIZE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. "THE HOTDOG MAN" NEEDS TO WATCH HIS TONGUE BECAUSE PEOPLE DO NOT WISH TO BE THIS WAY. I'M TIRED OF THE LOOKS AND COMMENTS. IF SOMEONE DOESN'T UNDERSTAND OR PERHAPS BELIEVE IN THE DISORDER THEN MAYBE THEY SHOULD EDUCATE THEMSELVES BEFORE PASSING JUDGEMENT. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHICH RADIO SHOW HE IS ON SO THAT I AND OTHERS DO NOT SUPPORT HIM. I WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THE BEST THAT LIFE HAS TO OFFER!
MONICA MORRONE

Nice response Jim. You responded in a sensible calssy way rather than stoop top his level. I am a photographer who has done many photo shoots in schools for autistic kids. The comments that this guy made had me stunned.

The thing that scares me is not what this fool said, but that so many people tune in to listen to him. Any sensible human being should find another radio show after this episode.

And on a much lighter note, I love when your obvious interest in classic rock music shows on the newscast.

Best to your son and family.

@ Mookery

Well said, and in current reality, you're probably right - it's so easy to eff with our heads because we love the thrill of jumping on these sacks when they rear up and spray turd. And certainly from the outpouring on this board, we can see how large an audience has been touched - pretty poignant.

I do wish that everyone would know a 'Michael Savage' whenever one would hear such stupidity, much the same as many did when they first heard Rush or Bill or even Keith. Douchy windbags won't stop appearing, Mookster. I just wish we could spend our news hour on more relevant topics... like turning America into that sanitized fantasy land I wish for.

I'm glad that you chose not to ignore Michael Savage's cruel and ignorant comments. I am getting so tired of people like him getting away with treating other people's pain like it is an act or some sort of joke. I've seen the difficulties that many parents of autistic children go through in their everyday lives, and I'm sure that, like you, they would tell Michael Savage that autism is not a scam or a joke. Thanks for standing up for those parents and their kids, and for your own family.

I SAW YOUR REPORT ON THE MORON WHO TALK ABOUT AUTISM.MY SON HAS AUTISM AND HE HAD A HARD TIM FUNCTIONING IN SOCIETY-HE WOULD GET MAD VERY EASILY AND THEN PHYSICALLY ASSAULT SOMEBODY.HE IS NOW 17 YEARS OLD AND THANKS TO DOCTORS AND MEDICINE HE'S MORE ABLE TO COPE WITOUT THE VIOLENCE.I KNOW WAHT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH WITH YOUR SON BECAUSE MY SON HAD A VOCABULARY PROBLEM AND STILL DOES BUT THANKS TO SPEECH SPECIALIST ITS GETTING BETTER.I THINK MR. SAVAGE DOESN'T HAVE A CLUE A TO WHAT HE'S SAYING.HE'S DOING IT JUST FOR THE RATINGS..YOU ARE RIGHT WHEN YOU SAY HIS IGNORANCE DOESN'T DESERVE A RESPONSE BUT WHEN YOU ARE A PARENT WHO LIVES EACH DAY WITH THESE VERY GIFTED AND SPECIAL CHILDREN WHO HAVE TO LIVE WITH THIS DISEASE IT MAKES YOU MAD TO HEAR A JERK LIKE HIM.I'VE BEEN BLESSED TO HAVE A WONDERFUL CHILD THAT I DO AND I'M SURE YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY ABOUT YOUR CHILD.GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU FOR STANDING UP FOR ALL THE PARENTS OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN WHO ARE AFRAID TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST A JERK LIKE MR. SAVAGE.

Only a certifiable nut would make such untrue remarks

DEAR MR WATKINS

HI MY NAME IS PETER I HAVE A BROTHER WITH AUTISM .THANKYOU FOR STANDING UP TO THIS NASTY
MAN .I LOVE MY BROYHER LUCA SO MUCH .I DONT
CARE HE HAS AUTISM HE IS PREFECT THE WAY HE IS.

FROM PETER WEIGAND 9 YEARS OLD

DEAR MR WATKINS

HI MY NAME IS PETER I HAVE A BROTHER WITH AUTISM .THANKYOU FOR STANDING UP TO THIS NASTY
MAN .I LOVE MY BROYHER LUCA SO MUCH .I DONT
CARE HE HAS AUTISM HE IS PREFECT THE WAY HE IS.

FROM PETER WEIGAND 9 YEARS OLD

Jim,
I am a long time viewer and I'm so proud of you for how you handled yourself last night. I'm very sorry that you had to endure Savage's comments. He really is savage! Your family is very fortunate to have you, and so are we! Your words speak volumes not only for people with autism, but for everyone with disabilities. Stay strong for us, and keep up the good work with Autism Speaks!

Jim,
I am a long time viewer and I'm so proud of you for how you handled yourself last night. I'm very sorry that you had to endure Savage's comments. He really is savage! Your family is very fortunate to have you, and so are we! Your words speak volumes not only for people with autism, but for everyone with disabilities. Stay strong for us, and keep up the good work with Autism Speaks!

Jim,
I was honestly speedchless and heartbroken when I heard this story on the news. I can't imagine what it feels like to have someone with autism in my life, and apparently, neither does Savage. Its no excuse for him to act so judgemental and cruel. It's sad that he thinks of himself as the perfect mold that every human being should fit, when hes just a troubled and angry man. He is incapable of realizing that everyone is different, and its a wonderful thing. Your son is truly lucky to have a father like you.

What can we do as a society to help?

Mr. Watkins, you are an inspiration to those who have autism and to those who take care of people with autism. I am happy that people like you stand up to people like Mr. Savage. God bless you and your family. People like Mr. Savage need to be corrected on what autism is and what great love and support can do to cope with it.

Jim,

People that do not have a child with a disability, have no clue.
This Radio Host makes these ridulous claims and thousands of people listen to him.
You have a lot of class and took the high road with your response.
I feel sorry for our country. when a jerk like this, makes a lot of money, being an ass.

I can't believe this guy has a PhD from my alma matter. The irony of all this is that he COULD be using his expertise in nutritional ethnomedicine to help research potential cures. Talk about selling out your mind and soul! This guy is the perfect embodiment of the term sell-out.

EVERY child acts like a brat from time to time, some more than others, but for those of us actually educated about autism, it's not difficult to recognize the difference between a kid just being a brat (aka Michael Savage), and a kid struggling with autism. Behaviors in children with autism CAN be improved, sometimes dramatically with the right intervention, which is clearly not the approach Savage would use. Savage is far more in need of behavioral therapy than any child with autism I've ever met.

I teach children with autism and other special needs, and I have written about some of my experiences on my blog, http://madtedious.blogspot.com

I am deeply sadden by such ignorance. As a parent with two autistic children (one who is severely autistic), I can't believe that such non-sense is being sad to the public. The people who fund this man to be on the radio should wise up and educate him on topics he obviously knows nothing about.

My heart goes out to every parent with an autistic child - your child may have autism, but autism does not have your child.

Sincerely,

Amy

Thank you Mr Watkins. Savage has the perfect radio name as noone who has 1/2 a brain can respect or want to give him the dignity of a response to that sort of ignorance.

BUT having a forum and # of listeners as he has ( 8 million?, we have to duty to respons so that those 8 million listeners people have the chance to hear back from those who know better.

I am a FATHER of an 8 year old beautiful daughter who also has autism.

I posted my own response to SAVAGE ( SEE LINK BELOW) with help from my dad that echoed your comments.

I was very excited to see your response as well as I tried to reach others as a parent but you as a parent AND someone will a forum with millions of listeners. ( you will add even more with your wonderful response to savage)

THANK YOU for me and my daughters!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-young/

Dear Mr. Watkins,

What a wonderful story about Liam (I am not saying that the illness is wonderful) But my heart goes out to you and your family with all my best wishes.

I was a listener of Michael Savage as I would drive home from work, and many times I would turn the radio off because of his nonsense that he would be spewing.....It seems everyone else is stupid or a moron or putz except him....Well he should take a good look in the mirror and see who the real "Putz" is....It is him. He claims to be "so brillant" and if he is then how come he did not bother to explore this illness, instead of being the "moron" that he really is.

As of now I will not listen to him any longer and I thank you for opening my eyes as well as I hope a lot of others...

May god bless you and your family.

Hi Jim,

Bravo! to you. I listened to that "thing" speak about autism. I too have a 7 year old grandson with autism. Savage's father was RIGHT, he is a PUTZ....he also is one of the most ignorant idiots to walk this earth. If he thinks autism is a fake and children can just snap out of it then he just may be satan himself. My grandson is NOT a brat but the most beautiful, loving person in the world. Doesn't he think parents of autistic children wish they could just snap them out of it. Autism is REAL. Obviously he doesn't have children or grandchildren . God help us if he does. Your comment was wonderful. I wish you and your family the best. We listen to you and Kaity every night and you really kept your cool. Good job.

God Bless you!

Hi Jim,

Bravo! to you. I listened to that "thing" speak about autism. I too have a 7 year old grandson with autism. Savage's father was RIGHT, he is a PUTZ....he also is one of the most ignorant idiots to walk this earth. If he thinks autism is a fake and children can just snap out of it then he just may be satan himself. My grandson is NOT a brat but the most beautiful, loving person in the world. Doesn't he think parents of autistic children wish they could just snap them out of it. Autism is REAL. Obviously he doesn't have children or grandchildren . God help us if he does. Your comment was wonderful. I wish you and your family the best. We listen to you and Kaity every night and you really kept your cool. Good job.

God Bless you!

Well said Jim, I have heard of Savage but never listened to him and sure I never will. I watch you almost every night and always liked you, and yes heard you talk often about your loving son. Savages comments were cruel and hateful and quite simply un-informed. I don't even know anyone with this horrible disease but know it must be very painful on the family. And I don't even live in NY, I watch you here in Toronto, Canada. I'm glad you had your say.

Daniel............ Toronto, Canada

To Jim & Lauren:
I did watch the news and saw/heard Michael Savage's comments about autistic children. First of all, Jim, you are three times the man that this pathetic animal will ever be. I feel that from Michael's ugly, filthy comments, his father probably didn't want him and never really loved him. Michael is just a sad, angry man who profits from the misfortune of others. I have an older nephew who happens to have special needs. Liam is blessed and lucky to have parents who love him and care about him. Jim, I applaud your dignity and class in the face of this hateful fool. May God bless and keep you and your family.

Who cares? Those kinda kids are annoying as hell anyways!! Have any of you had one as a neighbor? I don't want to go out side when that retard is outside. By they way they are retarded. Just a different name to make it sound like the kids aren't retarded.

Jim - I have a nephew that is autistic. I too can NOT believe the comments made by Michael Savage. My sister suffers everyday with her challenges as a mother of an autistic child. Most children are diagnosed before they even know how to fake things. You should look at this as an ignorant soul that has no experience in what life with an autistic child is like.

savage is a slod...

savage is a slod...

Michael Savage is an ASSH**E

Mr. Watkins,

It's interesting that this comes up today, after I just spent the day with my aunt, who has a 12 year old autistic son (my cousin). I was HORRIFIED to read the things Savage said, and I think your response was wonderful and touching. I wish you, your son, and your family the best of luck.

I am the parent of a 21 year old with autism. How lucky your son is to have two parents with him all the time who love him and nurture him. My ex said that when he was looking for an excuse to leave that our son only needed "one full time parent" and he wasn't it. That being said, he does take our son every other weekend for visits and when I need him to. Eric is in his last year at school and will be making the transition from the school world to the work world. I think that this Michael Savage is what his name says. A savage. For him to come up with these comments about autistic children who have such sweet personalities is just unconscionable. He should spend a day in the company of children with autism and then perhaps rethink his comments. There are those with autism who go on to make a difference in this world just by who they are. I for one am glad I don't listen to this idiot. Bless you and your wife for being such wonderful, caring parents. While he can't verbally express it, Liam tells you everyday in so many ways how much he loves you.
You are a class act for responding to this person in such a succinct, well informed and pointed manner.

I am the parent of a 21 year old with autism. How lucky your son is to have two parents with him all the time who love him and nurture him. My ex said that when he was looking for an excuse to leave that our son only needed "one full time parent" and he wasn't it. That being said, he does take our son every other weekend for visits and when I need him to. Eric is in his last year at school and will be making the transition from the school world to the work world. I think that this Michael Savage is what his name says. A savage. For him to come up with these comments about autistic children who have such sweet personalities is just unconscionable. He should spend a day in the company of children with autism and then perhaps rethink his comments. There are those with autism who go on to make a difference in this world just by who they are. I for one am glad I don't listen to this idiot. Bless you and your wife for being such wonderful, caring parents. While he can't verbally express it, Liam tells you everyday in so many ways how much he loves you.
You are a class act for responding to this person in such a succinct, well informed and pointed manner.

I'm the proud father of a 15 boy with both autism and tourette syndrome. Much like autism and tourette syndrome, Mr. Savages' disability (ignorance) has no cure. Nuff said!

Hey Jim
You know what ~ I know what you look like ~ I watch you most evenings on the news ~ I also know exactly what Liam looks like ~ this is because you are so proud of him, and seem to take him everywhere with you ... please do not be offended by what ill informed idiots say, it simply isn't worth it .. autism is a diagnosed metal illness, and your son will do you proud, largely because his father (and mother, of course!) are 10 million times the man (and woman) and fool that makes silly comments on the radio are.

I feel sick to my stomach after listening to Michael Savage's remarks about children with autism. I wish he ciould live one day in the life of my son, Matthew. Matthew is a twelve year old nonverbal autistic boy who will require 24/7 supervision for his entire life. He is the sweetest most wonderful boy I know, and I thank God everyday for making him my son. Comments like those made by Michael Savage are unbelieveable, and a sign of the stupidity and ignortance that still exists in society today. As we all know, however, ignorance is never an excuse for poor behavior,and Michael Savage must be held accountable for his comments. Michael Savage must apoloigize to all children with autsim and their families for his cruel comments, and should be FIRED and forever prevented from creating further harm to those inflicted with this horrible condition. He can call me at 203-770-8863 to apologizwe for he offensive comments.

Rob Mancusi
Wilton, CT

It brings sadness to my heart to know the ignorence of mr.savage goes on in our society about such issues like a disability that millions suffer from. In my opinion if you have nothin nice to say or nothing poisitive to say don't say nothing at all.

I support you Jim and your family and most important Liam where even though he can't do everything but he is special and important because any child that brings joy and happiness in ones heart is a great child and that child is more important then a ignorent son of gun on a radio who has nothing else to say but negativity and charcteristics that should be said about him because he is the moron that needs to be smacked around to "cut it out" because his stupidity is doing absolutly nothing and kids with autism done more then Mr.Savage. Mr.savage should be fired and never have the oppurtunity to say nothing in public unless he's saying a sincere apology which still won't be enough for all the sadness and hurt he caused once again i show support to everyone with autism and individuals who has families or loved one suffering autism. May God Bless and my prayer be with you
- Sincerly Jessica D from Queens

It brings sadness to my heart to know the ignorence of mr.savage goes on in our society about such issues like a disability that millions suffer from. In my opinion if you have nothin nice to say or nothing poisitive to say don't say nothing at all.

I support you Jim and your family and most important Liam where even though he can't do everything but he is special and important because any child that brings joy and happiness in ones heart is a great child and that child is more important then a ignorent son of gun on a radio who has nothing else to say but negativity and charcteristics that should be said about him because he is the moron that needs to be smacked around to "cut it out" because his stupidity is doing absolutly nothing and kids with autism done more then Mr.Savage. Mr.savage should be fired and never have the oppurtunity to say nothing in public unless he's saying a sincere apology which still won't be enough for all the sadness and hurt he caused once again i show support to everyone with autism and individuals who has families or loved one suffering autism. May God Bless and my prayer be with you
- Sincerly Jessica D from Queens

It brings sadness to my heart to know the ignorence of mr.savage goes on in our society about such issues like a disability that millions suffer from. In my opinion if you have nothin nice to say or nothing poisitive to say don't say nothing at all.

I support you Jim and your family and most important Liam where even though he can't do everything but he is special and important because any child that brings joy and happiness in ones heart is a great child and that child is more important then a ignorent son of gun on a radio who has nothing else to say but negativity and charcteristics that should be said about him because he is the moron that needs to be smacked around to "cut it out" because his stupidity is doing absolutly nothing and kids with autism done more then Mr.Savage. Mr.savage should be fired and never have the oppurtunity to say nothing in public unless he's saying a sincere apology which still won't be enough for all the sadness and hurt he caused once again i show support to everyone with autism and individuals who has families or loved one suffering autism. May God Bless and my prayer be with you
- Sincerly Jessica D from Queens

It brings sadness to my heart to know the ignorence of mr.savage goes on in our society about such issues like a disability that millions suffer from. In my opinion if you have nothin nice to say or nothing poisitive to say don't say nothing at all.

I support you Jim and your family and most important Liam where even though he can't do everything but he is special and important because any child that brings joy and happiness in ones heart is a great child and that child is more important then a ignorent son of gun on a radio who has nothing else to say but negativity and charcteristics that should be said about him because he is the moron that needs to be smacked around to "cut it out" because his stupidity is doing absolutly nothing and kids with autism done more then Mr.Savage. Mr.savage should be fired and never have the oppurtunity to say nothing in public unless he's saying a sincere apology which still won't be enough for all the sadness and hurt he caused once again i show support to everyone with autism and individuals who has families or loved one suffering autism. May God Bless and my prayer be with you
- Sincerly Jessica D from Queens

This man , and I use that term extremely loosely with this lowlife, is nothing but a blowhard , a bully. He really ought to go back to using his birth name WEINER, because he is more of a putz than a savage. A savage does not know any better , but supposedly this guy has a degree from UC Berkley, he is malicious. His comments are at least as offensive and deplorable as those made by Imus. His punishment should be as equal , this maggot should be fired. He should not be allowed to pollute our airwaves. Start a pettition to have him removed, and for that matter all the hate mongers on public airwaves. Enough is enough , we do not need these angry , meanspirited people constantly bombarding us with negative messages.

It brings sadness to my heart to know the ignorence of mr.savage goes on in our society about such issues like a disability that millions suffer from. In my opinion if you have nothin nice to say or nothing poisitive to say don't say nothing at all.

I support you Jim and your family and most important Liam where even though he can't do everything but he is special and important because any child that brings joy and happiness in ones heart is a great child and that child is more important then a ignorent son of gun on a radio who has nothing else to say but negativity and charcteristics that should be said about him because he is the moron that needs to be smacked around to "cut it out" because his stupidity is doing absolutly nothing and kids with autism done more then Mr.Savage. Mr.savage should be fired and never have the oppurtunity to say nothing in public unless he's saying a sincere apology which still won't be enough for all the sadness and hurt he caused once again i show support to everyone with autism and individuals who has families or loved one suffering autism. May God Bless and my prayer be with you
- Sincerly Jessica D from Queens

It brings sadness to my heart to know the ignorence of mr.savage goes on in our society about such issues like a disability that millions suffer from. In my opinion if you have nothin nice to say or nothing poisitive to say don't say nothing at all.

I support you Jim and your family and most important Liam where even though he can't do everything but he is special and important because any child that brings joy and happiness in ones heart is a great child and that child is more important then a ignorent son of gun on a radio who has nothing else to say but negativity and charcteristics that should be said about him because he is the moron that needs to be smacked around to "cut it out" because his stupidity is doing absolutly nothing and kids with autism done more then Mr.Savage. Mr.savage should be fired and never have the oppurtunity to say nothing in public unless he's saying a sincere apology which still won't be enough for all the sadness and hurt he caused once again i show support to everyone with autism and individuals who has families or loved one suffering autism. May God Bless and my prayer be with you
- Sincerly Jessica D from Queens

DEAR JIM ... I USED TO LISTEN TO MIKE SAVAGE
EVERY NIGHT ON MY WAY HOME. NO MORE. GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MY WIFE AND I THINK YOU'RE THE BEST IN BROADCASTING. GOD BLESS LIAM
AND YOUR FAMILY. JIM

DEAR JIM ... I USED TO LISTEN TO MIKE SAVAGE
EVERY NIGHT ON MY WAY HOME. NO MORE. GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MY WIFE AND I THINK YOU'RE THE BEST IN BROADCASTING. GOD BLESS LIAM
AND YOUR FAMILY. JIM

Jim-

I just read your blog about what that jerk Michael savage said on his radio show calling autism a "Fraud" and what not, and you are 100% more of a man than he ever will be. For him to say Autism is a "fraud" and it is an "act", man I would love for him to stand up in front of everyone who has an autistic child. There is Autism, and there are similar forms of autism out there. In fact I worked with a child who had a form of autism, which unfortunately I do not remember what it was, but regardless, it was no act, but the child himself was very gifted and intelligent in other aspects. I do not understand why Michael Savage would say such a thing on his radio show, but he should really do his research before saying such a thing on his radio show. I give you a lot of credit for sticking up in what you know and believe in, and when your son gets older, he will be very proud of you. You also showed that you are a great parent. Personally, Michael Savage should be fired and not be allowed on the air anymore. I mean yeah people like Howard Stern, Opie & Anthony will crack jokes about certain people here and there, but I do not think they will ever cross the line that Michael savage crossed, and if he thinks this is a way to get attention, well he did get the attention, the attention of many angry parents with autistic children of there own.

I saw the report you did last night and marveled at your professionalism. I can only imagine the restraint it took to present that story and NOT comment on it, not tip your hand as to the many feelings you have about Mr. Savage and what he said.

I just finished reading your comments and I was moved to tears. I know that your life was forever changed the day you son was diagnosed, and I can tell that you have risen to the challenge with an incredible amount of love and dignity. VERY few parents have the strength and love to parent a child like your son.

I am sorry that ignorant people like Mr. Savage have such a public forum for their ridiculous opinions, but I am so glad that people like you are there to show us how to behave in situations like these: with grace.

May God bless you, your wife, your son, and your entire family with riches far beyond the challenges you face each day.

Branch

I saw the report you did last night and marveled at your professionalism. I can only imagine the restraint it took to present that story and NOT comment on it, not tip your hand as to the many feelings you have about Mr. Savage and what he said.

I just finished reading your comments and I was moved to tears. I know that your life was forever changed the day you son was diagnosed, and I can tell that you have risen to the challenge with an incredible amount of love and dignity. VERY few parents have the strength and love to parent a child like your son.

I am sorry that ignorant people like Mr. Savage have such a public forum for their ridiculous opinions, but I am so glad that people like you are there to show us how to behave in situations like these: with grace.

May God bless you, your wife, your son, and your entire family with riches far beyond the challenges you face each day.

Branch

Dear Jim,

My wife and I watch the CW11 news at ten nearly every night. Your professionalism in presenting the news is evidenced by your compassion and common sense. Which you again exhibited along with restraint in your comments regarding such an ignorant and self-serving diatribe on the airwaves. Fortunately we have two healthy daughters but are aware of the challenges autism brings. We have family and friends with autistic children and I have treated parents and their autistic children in my practice. The degree of autism ranges from institutionalization to highly functional.
All the best to you and your family. Keep up the good work educating the public about autism as it will help advance treatment or prevention as well as understanding and compassion.

Joe Goscilo, DDS

I seriously think that it's sad to hear people like Mr. Savage talk that way.

Dear Mr. Watkins,
First I applaud you for being an awesome father to your son. Second, I am glad you did not let an ignorant nobody take away the joy of you being Liam's father. As a paraprofessional who has worked with autistic children. I must say that I have enjoyed working wih them. As I help to teach them, they teach me. I remembered when I worked wih a child who only could say two words. "No" and "Mine". I had been trying to teach him my name. One afternoon I was reading him a book and he pointed at me and said my name, "Monique". I cried. Mr. Savage can learn from these beautiful children.
Nicky

It brings sadness to my heart to know the ignorence of mr.savage goes on in our society about such issues like a disability that millions suffer from. In my opinion if you have nothin nice to say or nothing poisitive to say don't say nothing at all.

I support you Jim and your family and most important Liam where even though he can't do everything but he is special and important because any child that brings joy and happiness in ones heart is a great child and that child is more important then a ignorent son of gun on a radio who has nothing else to say but negativity and charcteristics that should be said about him because he is the moron that needs to be smacked around to "cut it out" because his stupidity is doing absolutly nothing and kids with autism done more then Mr.Savage. Mr.savage should be fired and never have the oppurtunity to say nothing in public unless he's saying a sincere apology which still won't be enough for all the sadness and hurt he caused once again i show support to everyone with autism and individuals who has families or loved one suffering autism. May God Bless and my prayer be with you
- Sincerly Jessica D from Queens

Dear Mr. Watkins

I am a mother of two wonderful autistic boys. They are not were near being brats. I would bet anything that they are smarter then Michael Savage. I'm trying not to feel hurt by the words he said about our special children. That is what they are special. They are not stupid, idiots, dummies, putz or anything else he said they are. I doubt he could last a day in our lives. I think our community that we live in as parents of autistic children are better off with out him in it. I would just like to say I wish the best for you and your family. You are a great role model for others.

Jim, God Bless you and your family. Liam is a
beautiful and handsome child. I can tell by the smile on your face how proud you are to call Liam your son. I work with autisic children. They are
the most loving and adorable children to work with. I have grown very attached to these beautiful children. In Sept. I will be working
with a 12 yr. old girl who is the best behaved child in school. I for one would rather work with an austisic child than some of the brats that are so called normal children.
Keep up your good work for Autism. These children
need us to support them.
P.S. I love your news at 10. I never miss it.

Thank you,
Dolores

Since even the most basic of creatures can procreate, but knowing nothing about Mr.Savage, I can only guess that perhaps he has some children. If he does, my heart goes out to them, since I doubt that they are allowed to be anything other than his image of normal.
And from the sound of his ranting, I doubt that he would have risen to the challenge, to cope gracefully and with tolerance and understanding, with the difficulties that arise from raising a child with ANY type of problems.
The cream always rises to the top, Mr. Watkins.

Dear Jim,
We feel as if you're part of our family since we end our day watching the ten o'clock news
on channel eleven. We have an autistic child in our extended family who we love very much.Its hard to believe that this man has an audience. It makes you lose faith in the people who make up this country. However we then look at you and all of the good people out there and get our faith back again. Good luck in your fight to find the cure for Liem and others like him.
Sincerely, Alice

Jim,
It is amazing to me to see how ignorant people make so much money and attract so much fame criticizing and insulting good and honest people, just to draw an audience. I do not have a special needs child, however, I do know how to empathize with those afflicted with a handicap. I would rather concentrate my efforts on those who need special care, rather than those who insult the helpless. His remarks do not deserve attention, as he is truly a non-entity. Well wishes to you and your family.
Jackie

Jim,
Well said!
Thank you for airing this issue and giving it the time it deserves. Your eloquence and restraint will resound louder than the unleashed comments made by Mr. Savage.
Sabeeha

Jim,
What makes Savage think he is an authority on any illness? More than that, where is WOR in this? Haven't heard any reaction from them. This is not only hateful and ignorant -it is irresponsible journalism - spewing info that is untrue and falsely judgemental. Since our country is based on "free speech", he probably won't be removed from the air. However, the public should opt not to listen to him.
Good luck to you and your family.
Esther

People take for granted everyday their children born without disabilites. Let this make us take the time out to thank God for our many blessings. I will pray for you and your family Mr. Watkins. Great story...

Dear Jim Watkins,

I have much sympathy for your situation. However, I’m appalled at your journalistic approach. The job of a journalist is to collect and present the news to the public without a bias. Jim, you failed at that. If anything, your level of journalism was a bit yellow.

Jim, you had a wonderful opportunity to educate your viewers about Autism. I know nothing about Autism. Your job as a journalist is to explain issues to me, tell me about: the causes, how is it treated, are children ever misdiagnosed, how is Autism in other nations being treated and the effects of giving young children prescription medicine. Unfortunately, after watching your news casts I gained no knowledge of Autism, except for the fact, that a father with Autism was offended.

Jim by not bringing facts and evidence to the conversation all you did was attack Michael Savage’s First Amendment Rights. I’m a Savage listener and supporter. I don’t condone all that Michael says, but I support his rights to Free Speech. Do you?

Maybe next time you can interview Michael Savage, he wrote a book called, “Healing Children Naturally.” Discussing the facts and trying to reach clarity is much more beneficial than attacking someone whose viewpoint is different than yours. In this country the media silences the other side of the debate on so many crucial issues, just to mention a few: global warming, illegal immigration, and the presidential campaign.

A final note, for all of those other posts that attacked Michael Savage, you should listen to his radio broadcast, “The Savage Nation,” and then decide for yourself. I guarantee you’ll learn something about America that pertains to you that the media isn’t covering.

Truth is patient.

Pete

Dear Mr Jim Watkins
You and your family are blessed
The first decisson is of the Lord
you are great.
As for that stupid!I hope he losses his job and
rut alone
agin God bless you and the family
Hi to kati and all of you at wpix.
Nabil . A. Gohar

Hi Jim,
I am sorry that your son has an uncurable disease. Michael Savage has the right to his opinion whether you agree with it or not. Last time I checked this is the United States of America not communist China or Nazi Germany. If you are don't like what he says turn him off !! Please stop using the CW11 newscast to complain and whine because you got offended!! GROW UP,MAN!
Let me also point out that in your response to Savage, you could not help yourself promote your wife documentary and ask for donations (not directly, of course). I am very disappointed, and let me tell you that I will never watch the CW11 news again!!!!

Dear Jim,

You are one of the class acts in New York television, as demonstrated by the intelliegence, passion and restraint with which you responded to this loathesome person.

As a gay man, I'm accustomed to being on the receiving end from hate-mongers like Savage. What fools like him don't realize is that their venom only makes their targets stronger -- when you consider the source of these verbal assaults you actually feel pretty good that such a creep is so afraid of you that he lashes out with imbecilic remarks.

But it is truly beyond the pale for him to attack children and illness, and the hurt that he's attempting to inflict upon families of autistic children is reprehensible. His cruelty is truly sickening. I'm the uncle of a special needs child, and like Liam, she is amazingly sweet and loving and has the most amazing heart. Savage spoke of how his father raised him, and all I can say is that I shudder to think what a piece of work that father must have been to have raised such an utterly worthless thing as Michael Savage.

It is essential for all people of good will to stand up and speak against such purveyors of hate and relegate them to the dregs of society where they belong. And so I was pleased that you stepped out of your objective stance as a reporter to remark upon Savage's remarks, both on the air and in your blog.

What Michael Savage will never understand is that despite the difficulties inherent in raising a handicapped child, the love and kindness you give to Liam is returned unconditionally, resulting in a wondrous happiness and warmth which a petty and frightened man like he will never come close to experiencing and probably can't even begin to imagine.

I am a father and my son does not have autism my family feels for you and your family. Michael Savage is a complete moron who should be taken off the airwaves for what he said.
I am wondering if you have heard from Michael Savage since you posted letter to him.

The whole topic frustrates the heck out of me. I've been a public school teacher since 1978, and I've seen the diagnosis of autism get abused too often and at astronomical cost. I work in a district that cut music K to 12, in a state that gave our school board "school board of the year" the same year.

The superintendant wanted his daughter diagnosed as autistic, so she could be shipped out to a private school in Rhode Island, at a cost well over $100,000 per year. Her case worker disagreed and was fired. Since she did not seek a diploma, but life skills, federal law kept her on our rolls, and our ledger for six years. This year, our district had four more families pursue the same diagnosis...but they were sent to schools that cost the district a quarter of a million dollars each.

I knew one of the children. The mother had a grudge against the school, because she didn't feel we were doing enough to help her child. She was delighted that the courts ruled in her favor...until her sons suicide attempts in his new school went up from one with us to eighteen there.

When four children can drain one public system of every penny of discretionary spending, who is left to scream out the community frustration? No one wants to appear heartless and cruel, but when the bucks run out, no one will be able to choose where the buck stops!

I appreciate your heart and your attitude. A lifetime working with kids helps me understand to only a small degree what you experience daily. I cannot judge. I don't know how much of your son's education is on the public toll...when I disagreed with what my district was doing, the year they cut music, my wife and I pulled our kids and homeschooled...all eight of them. Cost to my neighbors: Not one red cent. Benefit to the community? We'll just have to see. But the benefit to us in our relationships by far outweighed the cost. We're not rich yet...but we're growing up.

Thanks for posting this blog.

You're correct in saying "I'm speaking for many families" ... thank you for getting the message across so eloquently. You've used this ignorance as an opportunity to educate and evoke compassion for these kids and their families.

You're correct in saying "I'm speaking for many families" ... thank you for getting the message across so eloquently. You've used this ignorance as an opportunity to educate and evoke compassion for these kids and their families.

Jim,

I'm not sure how you managed to avoid verbally ripping Savage's head off on the air. You are a better man than I. My son has Autism and Down syndrome as well (potent combination for sure). I was visiting NYC (I live in Chicago) and happened to catch your newscast. You and your team do a great job BTW. I wrote Savage an email, which I'm sure he will never read, but I wanted to post a copy of it here. It's not nearly as eloquent as your comentary, but I did my best.

If you read this, Jim, check out www.4pawsforability.org. They train service dogs for kids with Autism. We have one and it has been a blessing.

My letter to savage:
-=-=-=-=-=-=

You, sir, are the man! It’s about time somebody came out and called these people to the mat.

. . . uhm . . . not!

I tell you, man, if it weren’t for dudes like you, this country might actually have a chance at real issues based debate. Too bad your father neglected to tell you that calling people names and belittling them is one of the primary things that makes you look like a fool. You have disappointed your father. You are acting like a fool. You are sounding like an idiot. You are sounding like a “girl”, ranting and raving like some deranged lunatic that is completely incapable of applying logic and reason to a discussion.

Have you ever met anyone with Autism? Have you ever spent any time researching the topic, or are you content to blather on sounding like an idiot just to get ratings? I’ll bet your father would be disappointed in how ignorant you’ve turned out. Are you one of those people who, in the early years of understanding cancer, thought that it was all a myth? You know, all those people whining about how bad their cancer was and that they were going to die. Were you one of those people who told them to suck it up and stop acting like a baby?

There was a time when I thought you were different. I thought that you could be a reasonable voice for conservative thinkers. You failed the country on that count years ago. Now you seem to be content spouting off about whatever comes to mind, acting like you know everything when, in fact, you obviously do not know anything about anything. You and your ilk (Rush The Hypocrite, Hannity The Haughty, etc) with your mindless drivel brain-washing the masses, prevent true national debate on real issues. You stand in the way of solving real problems like boulders in a stream, unflinching, unyielding, creating turbulence and destruction, all the while accomplishing nothing as the waters flow on leaving you behind in the intellectual backwater of humanity. You obviously have or had some significant mental capacity at some point in your life. How about turning that toward solving problems and doing constructive things instead of building up your enormous ego by tearing down the defenseless and “winning” arguments by cutting off the caller as you hurl a string of high minded insults.

Now, Mr. Savage, a challenge to you and your audience. If you can tear yourself away from tearing people down, I challenge you to read the introduction to the book “10 Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew”. I think that you might have enough intelligence left to get through the 20 or so pages. The print is pretty big and the words aren’t too challenging, so I think you’ll understand them. I challenge you to read just the introduction (if you can focus on it for that long) and then let us, you and I, have an on-air chat for 5 minutes. I won’t call you names if you can manage not to call me names. Let’s see if you are capable of having a real, facts based, discussion about one of the biggest issues facing children in this country. I don’t think that you can do it. I don’t think that you can get through the whole five minutes without hurling your mindless insults and ranting on like a “girl”. I’m certain that your stated position will be easily refuted with a few basic and well known facts. Do you think you are up to that? Or are you just the playground bully who only beats up on those who can’t hit back?

You know where to find me. I won’t be holding my breath though.

Shaugn M. Davenport
Chicago IL.
-=-=-=-=-=-=

I'm not thinking he'll respond. I'm sure hell is bound to freeze over sometime.

It's called free speech. A left wing, liberal, socialist TV host was offended. The media is so biased. Jim you're a dork and a stupid liberal.

Jim,
Savage like all the other shock jocks does not get paid according to the intellectual content of his dialog. His success is measured by the amount of reaction his comments generate. And by that standard, hurting the innocent and less fortunate is acceptable, even encouraged by the media honchos who pay his salary. He should be immediately dismissed and never again allowed a position in any media. Instead he probably will be given a raise.

May God bless you and your wife, and all parents and care givers who protect and love special children.

Dear Jim,

Thanks Jim for your reponse. I have a 6 yr. old lovely son diagnosed with Autism. Mr. Savage is just simply.."Savage" with his ignorant hurtful words. In light of his ignorance about Autism...I would implore him to spend a day with an Autistic child (or in a school w/ them) to understand firsthand about the heartrenching aspects of Autism. I bet it would be a real eye-opening experience. Autistic children look like any other typical kid therefore ... Mr. Savage can't fathom the severely challenging issues that Autistic children face such as Language, social, emotional, cognitive & Behavioral deficits.

For example, I brought my son to our community pool today..and my son jumped in the pool. The lifeguard yelled, "Hey kid there's no jumping in the pool". I wanted to explain to the lifeguard that he's autistic & that he doesn't really hear (or understand) what your saying. But I didn't bother to tell him as I realized that my son looks like any other kid. He was judging my son by his exterior and expected him to be just like any other kid.

Something must be done to help these kids ...I'm spending all my money on a lawyer just to get my son into a good public school program on Long Island. Autism is a SERIOUS epidemic affecting children worldwide. The government needs to STEP IN & STEP UP to allocate more funding & enhance special ed laws to protect the rights of Autistic children. Let's get going!!

Actually, I'm speechless after reading and hearing about this. I feel sorry for Mike Savage, his ignorance is so blatant as to be a true handicap in life. He will never have the richness of knowing how to truly care about people.
I never had much knowledge of autism until my nephew Garrett was diagnosed, but I can tell you that he is a precious gift, and every time he learns something new the whole family celebrates!
My sister-in-law and brother are wonderful parents, fully involved in every moment of his life and I love them more than words can ever express.

So who raised Michael Savage? They must be very proud.

So who raised Michael Savage? They must be very proud.

Mr. Watkins, I applaud you. I'm glad that you called that idiot on the carpet. Why anyone would let him on the air to spew garbage like that is beyond me. I know the
constitution grants everyone freedom of speach, but we should be able to draw the line on this.

I am a grandmother of a beautiful 8 year old boy with autism. Thankfully, he is verbal and can communicate with us, but I know the challanges first hand of raising a child with autism. It's hard, but with love, understanding & prayer, you get thru the day.

My advise to Mr. Savage, spend a day with a child with autism befor you open your mouth again.

Mr. Watkins, I applaud you. I'm glad that you called that idiot on the carpet. Why anyone would let him on the air to spew garbage like that is beyond me. I know the
constitution grants everyone freedom of speach, but we should be able to draw the line on this.

I am a grandmother of a beautiful 8 year old boy with autism. Thankfully, he is verbal and can communicate with us, but I know the challanges first hand of raising a child with autism. It's hard, but with love, understanding & prayer, you get thru the day.

My advise to Mr. Savage, spend a day with a child with autism before you open your mouth again.

WAY TO GO JIM!
YOU SAID ALL THE RIGHT THINGS
I AM PROUD OF YOU AND WHAT YOU ARE DOING FOR YOU SON AND FAMILY

YOU SHOWED GREAT RESTRAINT IN YOUR COMMENTS. I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO CIVIL OR POLITE.

GOOD FOR YOU

it's america assholes, freedom of speech, obama isn't president yet.

Jim -
Thank you for addressing this animal. I have a 5 yr old non-verbal son with autism and this man has NO idea what one day is like with an autistic child. The heartbreak and the trials we go through. He is uneducated on the subject and should have kept his mouth shut. I would do anything in this world to have a spoken conversation with my son. This man has no idea what he is talking about and he was highly offensive. I never heard of him before so I am not allowing him to get to me. Thank you for your comments on the air and also on this site. I am sure it helped others to feel better like it did me. Best wishes to you and your family.
-Angela

Jim,

Thank you, for your response to this educated idiot!! My 2 step-sons are on the spectrum my one step son has Asperger syndrome and he has progressed so much you can hardly tell he is on the spectrum, my other step son is 16 and very autistic, he has a limited vocabulary and will never be able to live alone. Thank you again.

Walt

Jim,

It is definitaly sad to hear that your son has autism, especially the condition that he is in. But me being a fan of Mike Savage's and me knowing the way Michael likes to talk and explain things, I can tell you that he was misunderstood.

What Michael meant is not about your son, he talked about those others who Misuse and exploit the Welfare and Social system in America for their own benefit. Sure, there are people with Autism, but do you truly believe that 6 percent of Americans have that particular desease. C'mon. We all the six degrees of separation and the fact that we all know of at least someone with the true Autism disorder, but do you truly believe that out 1000 americans 60 have autism. What Savage talks about is people finding excuses in a desease not addressing the real issue and the real problem.

Michael Savage is a hero, it is sad that it takes and Non-American to realize that this man, dedicates his life to America. He covers topics and issues that YOU will NEVER cover, because you are scared to lose your job. MIchael would have been blunt and answered on the Show, yet you refrained yourself because you sold your professional soul to MEDIA MATTERS, and you want to shut off those who go against that EVIL organization.

MOST of YOU GUYS tune in to Michael Savage one time, and you will be hooked forever, because finally someone out there will tell you the truth just like it is, not like MEDIA MATTERS approves is to be.

JIM - I am sure you are a great Journalist and I see that you have quite a fanbase, G-d bless you with what you do, but Michael did not want to offend your son, he did not mean to throw punches to the small percentage of people who trully are autistic. He said 99% just to make a point, of course there are many trully autistic kids out there, but once again do you believe that 6% of Americans are autistic?

thank you, and I will pray for your son's recovery, may the Holy One bless him and get him to speedily recover from his disorder.

Please write to me if you disagree my email is so_so_joe@yahoo.com

i would like to say as a mother of an autisic son, you have expressed exactly what need to be said to mr. savage. his ignorance is unbelievable to me. with autism being so common in this society i feel people should be informed before they talk about such a topic. savage is narrow minded to his core and will never change.mr.watkins i thank you from the bottom of my heart for airing this story and for your personnal story, my best to your family and Liam.

Liam is blesed to have you and your wife as parents. So many couples have broken up over lesser difficulties. My prayers are that your support systems encourage and nurture you as you both struggle with the everyday challenges.

Liam may never "get better", but you're already blessed with his presence that's allowed you to love unconditionally and wholeheartedly.

For the parents of autistic and other handicapped children, hope comes from within, not the external glimpes of "being normal".

That idiots remarks don't deserve my anger.

Dear Jim,
I have never used the computer to comment on anything, but the remarks that Michael Savage made the other night about autism were just about as hateful as somebody could be.My best friends son Thomas is 13 and is severly autistic and also non verbal. He is truly loved and cared for by his parents, siblings and extended family.I have seen first hand how this condition takes a toll on families.I will never forget what my friend said to me once, she said that sometimes she wonders if Thomas knows that I am his mother or just somebody that takes care of him. Imagine the heart break of a mother or father having to feel that way.I hope that Mr.Savage never has to feel that way as a father or a grandfather. Please know that parents and families of autistic children are special people.Keep up all the good work that you do for autism research.Hopefully a cure for autism is not far away. God bless you and family and Liam.

As a person who is a conservative, it pains me that people like M.Savage are reported by some, to be a conservative. Nothing could be further from the truth. He is a hate monger who spew his filth for ratings.

Mr Watkins,

My prayers go out to you and your family. I have called WOR AM to voice my displeasure with Mr. Weiner's repulsive remarks. Hopefully, good citizens will tell WOR that employing Mr. Weiner is not economocally prudent.

Best regards
Mike von Ohlen
Someset, NJ

Dear Mr. Watkins,

All I want to say is that I so admire you and all other parents who have handicapped children. You are the true heros of the world, not ballplayers, basketball players, actors etc. Mr. Savage shows nothing but ingnorance in his lack of knowledge about Autistim. Instead of educating himself, he comes across as a total "Blow Hard". God will bless you, Liam and your family, this much I know!

Nancy

Dear Mr. Watkins, thank you for being honest about your son and for being so polite and restrained in your comments.

We have a 15 year old son with autism, and you are so right in saying that no one chooses to have autism. It is a very difficult life for our son and for us. As parents, we love our son and applaud any new skill he develops, even (especially) when it takes thousands of dollars and years to happen. We will do everything we can to help him become more independent, and we love him and try to help him.

I wish Mr. Savage could spend several days (with his hands tied behind his back so he's not able to hit) around children with autism. I think he would realize that it is not a scam, but a heartbreak, and that autism does not stop at 3 pm when children leave school.

We enjoy watching your news show, thank you again, Martine Torriero

Dear Mr. Watkins,

Being a mother of two adult children with Asperger's (a form of autism), it broke my heart when I watched Mr. Savage's comments on autistic children. My children have come a long way despite having a father with the same insights as Mr. Savage. And I agree with some of the people who wrote in, he is a Nazi. No one is perfect.

My children have come a long way and I wish the very best for your son.

Jim Watkins,

Growing up in NY, I had a neighbor with an autistic son. It was a difficult road for them--still is--but never did they express anything but pride and happiness in the developmentof their son.

It's unfortunate that Weiner insists on parading the scars from his apparent hostile childhood in front of the country. I'm sorry for him.....and grateful for you and others like you who know the gifts that can come with such a challenge.

God bless you and your family.

Behind you 100%. Interesting (and most pitiful) that Michael Wiener CHOOSES his vocation & behavior, and yet disparages those who have little, if any control over theirs.

You'd think a person in his position would want to leave a better and more constructive social footprint than he is choosing. Another example of money and power in the wrong hands.

Signed,
Scott (Cincinnati, OH)
(a conservative, Republican, involved father of a son on the spectrm).

I am the father of a 12-year-old boy who has autism (note that I did not say that he is autistic). He is a gentle, loving, adorable boy, creative and insightful, compassionate and empathetic. He is loved just the way he is, for who he is, and we have no need to change him. In fact, if he were born thousands of years ago, he would probably be regarded as a healer or a shaman within his tribe. If the rest of the world shared his views, we would live in peace and harmony.

Mr. Savage is not interested in the quality of his humanity though, he is interested in ratings. I take what he says as inept rhetoric, ignorance, and leave it at that.

If he is as educated as he pontificates, Dr. Weiner-Savage might consider returning to his roots in ethnomedicine. . .

Jim:

Thanks for your heartfelt--and detailed description-- of what it is like being a parent of a child with autism. Your voice speaks for countless parents who have shared your struggles. My son is 8, severe on the spectrum, and the love of my life. I have given up my career, emptied my wallet, limited my social life and sometimes felt I have lost my strength and sanity in the effort to hear one sentence, calm one more tantrum, or make him smile one more time. To call him a "brat," and thereby infer that we are bad parents, is absurd.

Forrest Gump said, "Stupid is as stupid does." Apparently, even someone with limited intelligence can tell that Mr. Weiner is stupider still.

Stephanie

KUDOS to Jim and every other parent of an autisitic child or adult. It is a challenging and difficult journey, at times, but also a loving one. Know that you are highly respected and appreciated.

I keep reading these clowns posting things like:

"It's freedom of speech you idiot" "Obama isn't president yet" etc.

What I find entertaining is that the "freedom" of speech only seems to apply to "conservatives" in their minds. Anything that challenges them has to be blasted and cursed and insulted. That, to me, is sort of a Fascist way to go about things. Oddly enough, it has been George W. Bush (whom these very same "conservatives" idolize) who has done the most to supress freedom of speech in this country. All in the name of "security" of course. Like when he had people removed from a public campaign rally because they were wearing Kerry T-Shirts. Where is the free speech in that?

Why don't the "liberals" (insert tone of disgust here) get free speech, too?

Mr.Watkins: You are a gentleman through and through. I can only admire your dignity in addressing Savage as Mr. Savage when he clearly does not deserve such a respectable salutation. As many other parents have indicated, I am also the parent of a child with a higher functioning form of autism. However, this precluded him from attending college, driving (he is 22), living independently and sadly, forming friendships. He is still a work in progress and his future remains unknown. To insinuate that any child with autism is a brat is despicable. I can only hope and pray that people will educate themselves about autism and learn that it is not a disease du jour. It involves a long, arduous journey accompanied by lots of love and patience. These children are all beautiful and deserving of compassion and respect. Thank you, Mr. Watkins, for your eloquent response on behalf of children with autism. Your son Liam is blessed to be surrounded and supported by such a loving, understanding family. God Bless you as you continue your journey. Stay strong.

Jim,

As my husband and I watched this report, we were truly appalled by what this idiot was saying. We may not have any children, but my sister in law has cerebral palsy. We are all very protective of her and mindful of anyone who has any disability and to hear the ravings of a lunatic, well, it made our blood boil. I think you took the high road with your response to him, both on the air and in your blog. I can only imagine how you felt when you heard his rant on the air.

I also work where there is a program with children with autism and there is a lot of love and patience demonstrated by other parents and the workers. God bless you all for your love and patience and I pray that one day that there is a way to help the most severe cases lead productive lives.

To Mr. Savage, just remember, God doesn't like ugly. He will be the one who decides your fate. May you only suffer and have the hate you spew tossed right back at you.

Some individuals with autism cannot feel empathy. Mr. Savage, what drives your deficit?

All the best, Jim, from a regular viewer.

Some individuals with autism cannot feel empathy. Mr. Savage, what drives your deficit?

All the best, Jim, from a regular viewer.

Some individuals with autism cannot feel empathy. Mr. Savage, what drives your deficit?

All the best, Jim, from a regular viewer.

First off Jim I would like to say thank you for being very professional. Your story touched my heart.
Second autism is not a disease like he said, it is a DISORDER. I am 21 yrs old and my youngest brother is autistic. his name is christopher he is 9 years old. christopher is like a son to me I helped raise him. it is not easy handling a autistic child. especially when they dont kno how to speak. thank god with the help of my family and his school he is doing much better. christopher is so loving I am proud to call him my brother. He is spoiled but spoiled by all the love we give him. All I have to say to mr. savage (his name defines what he is) may god bless him and I hope if he has kids that there children wont come out with autism because we know how he would treat them.

JIM may god bless you and your beautiful family.

Sure, freedom of speech. That's what we're all enjoying here. People also have the freedom to picket outside his office and let the station know what they think of the guy. Sponsors and advertisers have the right to stop giving their money to the station. The station has the right to fire him. The first two scenarios are already happening. We'll see about the third. Ratings won't be so good when the show is canceled.

And to anyone who thinks autism is another name for mental retardation - no. It's not. Educate yourself! SOME children with autism do have a dual diagnosis w/ MR, but MOST children with autism have a higher IQ than you.

Also - as a public school special education teacher in NYC, I can tell you from experience that children with special needs are not the ones bankrupting public school systems. Incompetent, sometimes corrupt administrators are. If we had decent services for special needs children in NYC's public schools, parents would not have to seek private options.

Early intervention is vital, yet NYC has almost no public preschools. I also work privately with several families in Manhattan who pay for EVERYTHING out of pocket. They pay privately for services and medical bills that add up to more than $100,000 per year. The children who really suffer are those whose parents can't afford to pay privately, or who can't afford to hire attorneys to fight for their kids to get decent educational services. Inner city special needs students need the most support, yet they are getting the least.

Email NYC Dept of Education Chancellor Joel Klein to let him know that you support improved special education services in NYC's public schools. The current system is set up so that parents of children with autism have to hire attorneys and sue the city in order to get appropriate educational services for their children. This system excludes inner city special needs students from getting a decent education. Support the creation of programs like Head Start for inner city, preschool-aged children with autism! You can email Joel Klein here:

http://schools.nyc.gov/ContactDOE/ChancellorMessage.htm

Email NYC Dept of Education Chancellor Joel Klein to let him know that you support improved special education services in NYC's public schools. The current system is set up so that parents of children with autism have to hire attorneys and sue the city in order to get appropriate educational services for their children. This system excludes inner city special needs students from getting a decent education. Support the creation of programs like Head Start for inner city, preschool-aged children with autism! You can email Joel Klein here:

http://schools.nyc.gov/ContactDOE/ChancellorMessage.htm

Mr. Watkins I sent this to "Mr" Savage. I thank you for all your help and support and hope someday your little guy and my brother could meet and become friends...that would be a great day!
Nick Lombardi (13 brother of an 11 yr old boy w/autism).

Mr. Savage,
I am 13 years old and a brother of a great kid w/autism. Joey is 11, non verbal, cries, screams and takes off his shoes when he gets very upset. But act like a girl? Not my brother...he is more courageous then any one I know. He works from 8am until 4pm daily, sometimes to just learn how to say the word no. He fights for every second of eye contact and for every minute of keeping his clothes on. He has taught me so many things mostly not to take even the ordinary things for granted, like hugging someone or asking a question. Joey is my hero, I wish I could be as brave as him. He has to walk into a room with no way to communicate and no easy answers ---and he does it everyday. And is slowly learning how to communicate with sign language and pictures.

Thank goodness, he couldn't hear your program, it would have hurt him so.

I hope someday you realize how lucky you are and how you should be using your celebrity status to help others not belittle them. I dare you to spend one day with my brother and continue to stand by your words.

Good luck, I think you're going to need it you seem bitter and close minded,
Nicholas Lombardi

My Mom helped me send this to you.

Phyllis J. Lombardi (Nick's Mom)
I know God will not give me anything I can't handle,
I just wish he didn't trust me so much. -Mother Teresa

Help Autism Awareness
Buy a Button www.autismbutton.com

Odds of a child becoming a professional athlete: 1 in 16,000
Odds of a child being diagnosed with Autism: 1 in 150

Mr. Watkins I sent this to "Mr" Savage. I thank you for all your help and support and hope someday your little guy and my brother could meet and become friends...that would be a great day!
Nick Lombardi (13 brother of an 11 yr old boy w/autism).

Mr. Savage,
I am 13 years old and a brother of a great kid w/autism. Joey is 11, non verbal, cries, screams and takes off his shoes when he gets very upset. But act like a girl? Not my brother...he is more courageous then any one I know. He works from 8am until 4pm daily, sometimes to just learn how to say the word no. He fights for every second of eye contact and for every minute of keeping his clothes on. He has taught me so many things mostly not to take even the ordinary things for granted, like hugging someone or asking a question. Joey is my hero, I wish I could be as brave as him. He has to walk into a room with no way to communicate and no easy answers ---and he does it everyday. And is slowly learning how to communicate with sign language and pictures.

Thank goodness, he couldn't hear your program, it would have hurt him so.

I hope someday you realize how lucky you are and how you should be using your celebrity status to help others not belittle them. I dare you to spend one day with my brother and continue to stand by your words.

Good luck, I think you're going to need it you seem bitter and close minded,
Nicholas Lombardi

My Mom helped me send this to you.

Phyllis J. Lombardi (Nick's Mom)
I know God will not give me anything I can't handle,
I just wish he didn't trust me so much. -Mother Teresa

Help Autism Awareness
Buy a Button www.autismbutton.com

Odds of a child becoming a professional athlete: 1 in 16,000
Odds of a child being diagnosed with Autism: 1 in 150

Dear Jim:

I commend your class and professionalism addressing this very sensitive and painful issue. As a mother of a beautiful 10 year old son with Cerebal Palsy, I am just appalled by the comments made by Mr. Savage. The man has no concept of decency, sensitivity or insight.

Continue advocating for your son and for all the children who suffer from this disorder and other disabilities. God chose us to be the parents of our special children. As much as we have challenges ahead, we are blessed.

For all those bloggers who have to twist things by putting a political spin into this matter, remember it is about loving parents helping their children, PERIOD....

Thank you and God bless.

I never heard of this man SAVAGE but unfortunately i hear he is popular-which makes me ill.If anyone deserves to be fired -its him.
Jim-thats was a touching and dignified response.
I only wish you and your family the best. joe.

Savage, and all the people who live by his nonsense are all pathetic wastes of life. How anyone can admire this man who is so full of hate, anger, and complete b.s. is beyond me. Good Luck to you and your family and may your son grow up to be everything Savage is not.

Hi Mr. Watkins,
Obviously Michael Savage doesn't have any family memebers that has autism. That explains his ignorance and incompetent uneducated comments.

These kids didn't have a choice whether to be born with autism or not. My son is 4 years old and also has autism. I would never know if one day he would be abe to call me daddy but one thing he defintely knows is that everyday me, my wife, and family show him so much love and he always returns it with his sweet gentle smile that melts our heart and his little hugs that that warms the soul.

May God Bless you, your family and all Parents with autistic children. They are all God's Little Angels.

Dear Jim,
I never heard Mr. Savage's ignorant and cruel remarks about autistic children. I was lucky that night, but the news got out fast and his words went through me like a knife, though I should have known from whence they came.

I am a music teacher, not a special ed teacher, and I have seen throughout my career so many beautiful autistic children on differing ends of the spectrum, pick up a cello or violin, and with smiles on their faces make music. Teaching these children is so rewarding, and seeing them succeed makes my days richer as an educator.

God bless you for all that you do. Your son is beautiful. Your response to Savage and final remarks were elegant and classy.
Best Wishes,
Leslie D.

Dear Jim,
I never heard Mr. Savage's ignorant and cruel remarks about autistic children. I was lucky that night, but the news got out fast and his words went through me like a knife, though I should have known from whence they came.
I am a music teacher, not a special ed teacher, and I have seen throughout my career so many beautiful autistic children on differing ends of the spectrum pick up a cello or violin, and with smiles on their faces, make music. Teaching these children is so rewarding, and seeing them succeed makes my days richer as an educator.
God bless you for all that you do. Your son is beautiful. Your response to Savage and final remarks were elegant and classy.
Best Wishes,
Leslie D.

Savage is probably right.

Savage savages and has been for years. He has savaged gays and blacks and even his fellow Jews. Where the hell was your outrage then? It didn't bother any of you commenters when he did all that. You probably thought it was amusing. Now, he finally fell upon you and, oh, God, you're pissed! You should have been the moment he opened his cowardly mouth safely hidden behind a microphone many years ago and he might never have reached the point of attacking the most defenseless target he could think of.

Savage savages and has been for years. He has savaged gays and blacks and even his fellow Jews. Where the hell was your outrage then? It didn't bother any of you commenters when he did all that. You probably thought it was amusing. Now, he finally fell upon you and, oh, God, you're pissed! You should have been the moment he opened his cowardly mouth safely hidden behind a microphone many years ago and he might never have reached the point of attacking the most defenseless target he could think of.

I applaud you Mr. Watkins for being such a gentleman. I was watching the 10 o'clock news when I saw what that jerk ( who I refuse to refer to him by a name other then Jerk)had to about autistic children. I could also see that you were visibly upset by all of this and I am so happy that you chose to respond! Thank you for being a voice for those who have no voice!

Peace
Shahida

Dear Mr. Watkins,
I have been a fan and followed you through several networks. Some air time is well used by respected individuals as you. The there is Mr. Savage. He too has air time. Well he is his name a beast of sorts. I am one of two principals of the Hallen School (a Special Ed school) which has a large Autistic population. I know too well, and certainly nothing compared to you and your wife, the problems that you are faced with. My prayers are with you. Wear your puzzle piece proudly and I guess we should pray for ignorant people like Mr. Savage.

Dear Jim: As a father of a child with adhd my wife and I can only imagine the hurt you and your family must feel by the comments made by that idiot. We have had to deal with stupid comments made about our child. We can only tell you to stay strong and love your child with no limits because at the end of the day that is what truly matters. May God bless you and your family. And all afflicted children.

Dear Jim: As a father of a child with adhd my wife and I can only imagine the hurt you and your family must feel by the comments made by that idiot. We have had to deal with stupid comments made about our child. We can only tell you to stay strong and love your child with no limits because at the end of the day that is what truly matters. May God bless you and your family. And all afflicted children.

I applaud you Mr. Watkins for speaking out against Savage. He is a coward! Who other than a coward would speak hatefully about those without a voice. I have 5 children and 2 are diagnosed with autism. They teach me so much and have so much to contribute to life. They only see life as sweet, simple, and black and white (lies dont exist). They are not capable of the hate and lies and illusions that Mr. Savage spews. I would have to ask... who is the one with the disorder??!!
BTW- Both myself and my husband work hard to help our sons through their personal fight they call life.

Jim,

You are absolutely right with your comments. Your son is a beautiful person and if Michael Savage had any heart, he would realize that your son as well as any other person with autism is an amazing and beautiful person. I am currently working to become a special education teacher and I can not wait to work with autistic children as well as other special needs children. My 9 year old cousin is autistic and I know what it is like to be around a child with autism. Michael Savage needs to wake up and realize just because he has a PhD, he has no knowledge on autism and what it entails to be diagnosed with the disorder and what it is like to raise or grow up with an autistic person. Any special needs person is amazing and anyone with a heart would realize that.

Best of luck to your son as well as your family. You and you wife are amazing people and so is your son.

Dear Mr. Watkins,

As someone who has worked with many children with autism, it makes me sad to hear that there are people like Savage, who do not want to face reality and admit that autism is on the rise, and there is a whole lot more to it than just 'acting like a moron.' It is also very sad that someone who is educated and successful is also so ignorant and disrespectful. I think it took a lot of strength for you not to respond to such ridiculous comments on television. I have seen a picture of you and your son - he looks happy, and that is what matters most. May G-d bless you and your family.

So I heard you say there's no cure or cause for autism, so does your son not see a "defeat autism now" doctor? you don't believe in vaccines playing role? i know theres no cure but many many kids recover, a few recover 100%! you should read Robert F. Kennedy's Jr. (Deadly Ammunity) it explains alot! As for that jerk he needs to be fired!!!!! and as a mother of a child with autism recovering, i'm pist with him!

So I heard you say there's no cure or cause for autism, so does your son not see a "defeat autism now" doctor? you don't believe in vaccines playing role? i know theres no cure but many many kids recover, a few recover 100%! you should read Robert F. Kennedy's Jr. (Deadly Ammunity) it explains alot! As for that jerk he needs to be fired!!!!! and as a mother of a child with autism recovering, i'm pist with him!

When I first heard the news that M. Savage was telling I really couldn't believe it, but then I realized I could...He needs help and should be fired from WOR...He was very disgraceful to everyone children and adults with or without Autism.
I could image you hearing this and having to tell the story on the news. But you and your family are strong people and are a wonderful family
May you and your family be blessed...
PT

Jim,
Thank you for being our voice for our kids with autism. We are one big family which we wish we did not have to be. But we have an Angel like you to stand up for our kids and families. We have a 21 year old son with autism. This savage character should stand in our shoes just one hour and see what it's like. He obviously has no relativies or friends that have a child with autism. (and that shows you what kind of person he is, he probably has no friends! I watched you on the news tonight, as I always do, and you could see how angry you were when the savage segment came on. (so understandable)
Savage needs to be tossed off the air. I never really listened to him anyhow. He's a nobody!

Angela

I agree with Mr Savage and will not stop listening to his show. Is this the new trend in america now that freedom of opinion/speech warrant "FIRING" come on, why didn't you all including the "MEDIA" call for George Bush to be "FIRED" for lying about WMD and starting a "WAR"!!!!
The only thing I disagree with his comment is the percentage. As a nurse I'd say 50% are misdiagnosed. MY FRIEND/CO-WORKER SON WAS MIS DX. AND THANKS TO HER EXPERIENCE AND OTHER METHODS HER SON IS NOW WORKING AND DOING WELL.IF SHE HAD CONT'D WITH ALL THOSE PILLS HE'D BE A "ZOMBIE". It has now become a money making industry. I have seen kids who are and act normal being out right rude to their parents (who are afraid to discipled their child/children and keep having more)being diagnosed with "AUTISM" when all that's needed is "PATIENCE/DISCIPLINE"!!!!
I HEARD THE ENTIRE COMMENT AND THERE ARE "TRUTH" TO IT.........IF THE STATION FIRE HIM UNDER PRESSURE I AM SURE HE WILL BE HIRED SOMEWHERE ELSE AND STILL HAVE HIS DYE-HEARTED FANS(WHO AGREES WITH HIM AND DISAGREE WITH HIM AT TIMES.

Dear Jim and Lauren:
Although a response was written by you, Jim, I know that your sentiments reflected the feelings of both of you. I know what a "team effort" it has been to raise Liam, and I also know how easy it is for you to love him. I had the pleasure of meeting him at a baseball game, and he is a beautiful child...and very loving...something about which Mr Savage knows nothing.

What a pathetic excuse for a human being Mr Savage is..a know-nothing idiot with a "minus" IQ, who hides behind a microphone! My sister is the director of a school for autistic children; Several years ago, I was a witness to one of the most exhilerating events that I have ever attended. The twenty-two children in her school were responsible for the attendance of over 500 parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends at their annual benefit dinner; These supporters were there because they BELIEVE in their children...they break their bank accounts to get proper support for them, knowing full well that they may never hear their child say "I love you". These kids are no more capable of "pulling themselves up by their boot straps" than a person who is suffering a seizure. And I realized that night that it's not only the autistic children who are "special"....but also their parents. They know what unconditional love is; just look at that photograph.

Mr Savage, on the other hand, is rather appropriately named. PICK ON children who are YOUR EQUAL, MR SAVAGE...these children have excelled FAR beyond you in every concievable way. Pick on people your own size Mr Savage; every Austic child in the entire world is too "big" for you! You could learn a great lesson in life from them!

Well,you're wrong,You are all dead wrong.I was mis-diagnosed with a learning disability when in fact I was just a late bloomer.My parents were over eager to let me get out of schoolwork at the level of other children of my age because it was 'easier'.I went to the Huntington Learning Center for LD children and while they were good people,they could do NOTHING for me.
Now I glean knowledge of my own volition without the chains of(dis)organized schooling institutions and am a better person for it.I just needed time and understanding.
Dr. Savages' comments are taken out of context,(like you've all never seen that before??),and I am ashamed at all of you for knee-jerk reacting to it without getting all the facts first!
Good day

From my experience as a teacher of children with autism in NYC, I have seen more cases of autism MISSED by pediatricians early on than over-diagnoses. I have also seen denial from family members. Moms and dads - trust your own instincts! So many mothers have told me that they knew in their gut early on that something was wrong, but their pediatricians didn't take their concerns seriously until the child was older and still not using social speech. Your pediatrician sees your child maybe a couple of hours per month! He or she needs to listen to you!

No one is saying misdiagnoses don't occur, but again, from experience, I've seen many cases of autism get diagnosed much later than they should have been or not at all. I've only met one or two children diagnosed with autism who I thought might not have been on the spectrum, and I've worked with more than 100 children diagnosed with autism.

Early intervention is key! As an early childhood special needs teacher working in mainstream/inclusive preschool classrooms, I interact with many young children each week, both typically developing and special needs children. Sometimes, I am amazed by what doctors miss! Autism is real, and children with autism are often beautiful, talented children. Still, the younger they are diagnosed and begin receiving support from caring, educated professionals, the better their chance of future personal happiness and professional success.

I completely understand why Dr. Savage's comments came off as offensive. Any listener of his show will find out quickly that speaking tastefully is not his strong suit. While he is truly a hard-edged speaking New Yorker who "calls it like he sees it", he can also be very insightful and thought provoking.

It is unfortunate that most people rush to judgement before appreciating the context in which the comments were made. Many of you probably don't know that Dr. Savage had a mentally ill brother who died from his affliction at a young age and is therefore passionate about this issue. In this case, I think his basic point was that we don't know much about autism and that parental "laziness" and trends in the medical community often lead to innacurate diagnosis and treatments that are in fact harmful to children.

It's a tough issue and his show advertises "psychological nudity". Hopefully more attention to this issue will lead to further research and dialogue that may ultimately lead to a cure for those afflicted.

I think the nurse that wrote in, "As a nurse I'd say 50% are misdiagnosedis" is way off on her percentages. Maybe when Savage gets fired, he can work with you. I find it hard to believe that you are a nurse and making comments like that. I am sure your fellow workers are real proud of you!

dear jim,

i saw you on tv speaking out about your blog about michael savage(and that's just what he is a savage) your son is a blessing and i'm sure you and your wife are very proud of your wonderful son. i commend your very dignified response to this jerk, people like him should not have a platform to stand on.
i wish you all the luck, joy and happiness to your family.

best,
lauren

Dear sir,
This cruel, insensitive, moron of a human being has no insight to what autism really is. Kudos to you in maintaining your composure and professionalism in your response to his vile and hateful comments. My best to you and your family.

Dear Jim:

I like many that have posted comments also stand in line to thank you for standing up and revealing this jerk or shall I say "SAVAGE" HUMAN BEING for speaking out against our children who have autism. I am the mother of an autistic child and it breaks my heart to be constantly reminded that we have jerks or again shall I say Savage humans that prey on defenseless children and to add insult to injury, but children whom have a developmental disability.

I am sick to my stomach, but getting betting gradually when I see the many SANE HUMANs that realize the indecency of this and are angry enough to stand up and protest!

With all of this controversy and protest creates a scary situation, if its scary for us, just think about the perception of a child with autism!

Peace and Blessings
Cynthia

I first heard about Savage's report from my mom and to be honest I really couldn't believe it. Anyone who has lived with and Autistic child knows that this is not something which can be controlled with a repremanding.
However, that being said I am the sister of a 10 year old boy with Autism and not a day goes by that I don't thank god he is in my life. I really think that what a family loses by having an Austistic child (some freedoms, for example) they gain back ten-fold in the completely unconditional love an Autistic child has to give.
Before Mr. Savage makes any more comments about something he does not understand I think he should be challenged to spend a day with one of these amazing children. I think he would be suprised at the acceptance that these "brats" show him that he cannot seem to show them.

Michael Savage should no doubt be fired instantly. How could he still be on the air after Imus was removed for saying only 3 words? This in and of itself is unbelieveable. To attack children is the most awful thing, and children with a disability is worse. I am a mother of an 11 year old boy with Autism and think Savage is a disgusting person. If he is such a tough guy, let him repeat what he thinks again in front of a forum of parents. I dare him.

Jim,

Thanks for running this story exposing this man and also for your comments in your blog. He is indeed poison to the field of journalism. To attack disabled children just to garner ratings is unbelievable. Michael needs to grow up.

Jim,

I have an 11 year-old son who lives with Asperger's. He heard his Dad and I talking about this the other day and he said to me,

"Mom, he just doesn't know. He doesn't understand, Mom. You need to teach him Mom, just like you taught Nana, Papa and Nanny. Just like you taught my TA. If he doesn't know about Autism he has to learn. He really shouldn't talk about things he doesn't know anything about, should he?"

No, bud, he definitely should not.

Michael Savage is a horrible person. That kind of vindictive blatent ignorance should be enough to have him fired immediately. No words he could ever say would be enough to apologize to the millions of parents and children who deal with this PROVEN NEUROLOGICAL CONDITION. My son was diagnosed with autism last year and this is the most difficult thing that me and my husband have ever had to accept and the fact that this man belittled our struggle cuts my soul and heart.

I just watched the news story regarding the comments that Mr. Savage has said about autistic children. I know it is hurtful, but I honestly believe that we're going too extreme with saying how bad of a person he is. First off, he should be able to say whatever he wants to say, the first amendment says that we have the freedom of speech.

I think that he's not a horrible human being, he has opinions about certain things just like everyone else, and people with opinions have different ways of expressing it. He was not directly insulting autitstic children, he was talking about other parents who don't know how to raise their children correctly and some parents say that they have certain medical conditions as an excuse not to properly raise them. This is true to some extent because I've seen this first hand. I've been raised with a strict background that if my parents told me "No" I would not throw any type of tantrum like I see so many kids these days do.

What I'm trying to say is you all should take a bigger look on what's going on and really pay attention to what's going around you. I'm sorry that some people aren't really reading between the lines of what he has to say and what so many people has said when they make "hurtful or hateful remarks" because not all the time is it meant to be hurtful, it is meant to try to show you something.

I hope that this matter can be resolved without Mr. Savage not being fired at all. I never listened to his show, but I think you are all making a terrible mistake.

Sincerely,
Brittney

Dear Mr. Watkins:

My heart goes out to children of autism and their families. My neice is a beautiful 7 year old with autism - not as severe as Liam and we are hoping and praying that one day we will see her do and be a normal kid. Michael Savage showed absolutely no remorse for what he said and that is worst than what he actually did say. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family - we know the pain and like you said the joy as well. We hope to meet your family one day.

Hi Jim,

I have to say that I read your comments on the website and you spoke so eloquently. I have a 15 year old son who would probably fit into Michael Savage's 99 percent. Bryan is an excellent kid, unfortunately his social skills are weak. He is not aspergers, but not classic autism either. My son would not make it in a regular high school, so he has to go to a "special school" and there he is thriving.

I cannot believe someone could say the things that Michael Savage can say and get away with it. My heart breaks for him and all the people that would agree with these statements. I knew there were cruel people in this world, but I guess I have been living in this "autistic world" so long that I don't see the creatures living on the other side. Thank you Jim for speaking for all of us parents as well as our children when it comes to creatures like Michael Savage.

Monica

Thank you Mr. Watkins! As a mother of a beautiful daughter with Autism, I've been trying to think of a reply without stooping to his level. You said it more beautifully than I could have.
Thank you!
Liz's mom

Thank you Mr. Watkins! As a mother of a beautiful daughter with Autism, I've been trying to think of a reply without stooping to his level. You said it more beautifully than I could have.
Thank you!
Liz's mom

Dear Jim, I watch you every night from southwest florida. I purposely had cw11 put on my tv so I could keep in touch with what is going on up in new york, as I am a former new yorker from long island.
I cannot tell you how outraged and upset I am from the remarks made by that idiot savage. I was a special ed teacher for many years and have worked with autistic children often. How dare he call them brats. The only answer for that is that he is an ignorant jerk who has no idea what he is talking about. God Bless you and your family Jim, for taking care of your little boys and loving them as every parent should. You are a professional man who is treating this incident like a man, not a coward. I will continue to watch you down here in fla. and I wish you and your family well always. love Bettie from fla .

Are we making too big a deal of this? It used to be that we could point out the difference between a publicity stunt and a discriminatory remark. I don't believe this radio show has a children's audience, so I don't understand how anyone was hurt by this.

My humble opinion.
Tracy

Thank you, Jim, for expressing so opening and honestly everything a parent feels about their child whether they are "handicapped" or not and that is LOVE. I am a single adoptive Mom of a teenager with Asperger's Syndrome. He is the best thing to ever come in to my life & the only thing I ask myself everyday is "Why am I so lucky to have him?". LOVE and LUCK are the best 4 letter words but not exactly the ones I would use when referring to Mr. Savage! Again, Jim, thank you!

Dear Jim,

Myself and my wife are the proud parents of a 10 year old son who has autism. What savage said is what misinformed and people who have "perfect kids" think when they see autistic children. What he said is just ignorant, but the positive that will come out of it will be the awareness that it creates among the uninformed public.
As for savage who must be ashamed to use his real name weiner, he needs to spend maybe just a couple of hours with a child who has autism to see that he is the one that needs a kick in the ass.
I also would like to thank you for bringing autism to light. Also tell you and your wife that you are wonderful parents.

God Bless

Dear Jim :

I am a grandparent of two autistic boys and
for the sake of not dropping down to his level of
"intelligience" I will only say this:Is it just
a coincidence that his name is SAVAGE !!!!!

Dear Mr. Watkins,

As a proud father of a 7yr. old autistic boy, I'm disappointed and shocked at Mr. Savage's comments. Maybe if he experienced what we go through as parents everyday, he would have a better understanding of what he is talking about.
If this is just a publicity stunt as some have said, he should stay with what he knows.

Ken
AZ Father

I am from Ohio and I stumbled on your blog and I just want to comment that I am really touched by your honesty and dedication for your son. My 7 year old son has autism and I agree with everything that you said, especially pity for Savage and his hatefulness.
Thank you.

DEAR JIM
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR PRECIOUS FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE TO THAT SAVAGE.
I AM A PROUD PROUD PROUD MOTHER OF A 9 YEAR OLD SON WITH ASPERGERS SYNDROME. HE IS MY BEST FRIEND,MY HEARTBEAT,MY SUNSHINE,MY LAUGHTER,MY REASON FOR EVERYDAY!!! IF GOD NEVER BLESSES ME AGAIN IN MY LIFE I'M TRULY A BLESSED PERSON FOR HAVING MY SWEET BABY.
IT'S FOR SURE MR.SAVAGE HAS NEVER HAD A BLESSING IN HIS LIFE OR HE DOESN'T KNOW IT.

ELLIOTT'S MOM (THANK YOU GOD)

Jim,
I had the crazy comments and Iwanted to ignore it. I then saw some of the remarks to what Mr Savage said. Your article was moving, as a mother of a soon to be 6 year old duaghter who has high functioning Autism I completly understand the things you say. I know what it is like to go to the store, the park, soemones home and see the glares of people who ahve no clue what I go through on a daily basis with my child. While Mr. Savage is entiltled to his opinion he has no buisness going off on a tangent when he has no clue. The rate of children being born this year who will be diagnosed on the spectrum is 1-150 eventually it will hit Mr Savages life and when it does I feel sorry for him for he will eat his words. Doesn't this idiot know abusing disabled children wont cure them?

Jim-
Thank you for speaking for all of us. You and Lauren have a special place in our hearts for all you have done to raise awareness and understanding of this devasting disorder.
kim

Dear Jim,
This Michael Savage is a name I will soon put out
of my mind. He isn't worth thinking about.
I will concentrate on my 8 yr. ole grandson,Colin
who is austic. When he laughs, he lights up my
life. Thank you, for all you do to help people
understand what autism is about
Regards

Diane

Dear Jim,
This Michael Savage is a name I will soon put out
of my mind. He isn't worth thinking about.
I will concentrate on my 8 yr. ole grandson,Colin
who is austic. When he laughs, he lights up my
life. Thank you, for all you do to help people
understand what autism is about
Regards

Diane

Dear Jim,
This Michael Savage is a name I will soon put out
of my mind. He isn't worth thinking about.
I will concentrate on my 8 yr. ole grandson,Colin
who is austic. When he laughs, he lights up my
life. Thank you, for all you do to help people
understand what autism is about
Regards

Diane

Dear Jim,

Your comments about your son and his value brought me to tears. I could say the same verbatim about my beautiful, non-verbal autistic son. Thank you for saying so eloquently what I was feeling silently.

Dear Jim,

As a mother of a 4-year-old non-verbal little boy with PDD-NOS, I related so well with your response to Savage's ignorant rhetoric. To say that he is an idiot is a serious understatement. It irks me to the core when someone like Savage (and those of you who agree with him), who not only has zero knowledge about autism, but cannot even relate on a personal level, would spew these completely clueless, ridiculous rants about our defenseless children. How can someone who hasn't even spent one split second with an autistic child talk such nonsense, when we, as parents, are faced with this condition day in and day out and are still trying to understand it ourselves? If there was a petition to give Savage the boot, I would sign it in a heartbeat.
Many thanks to you, Mr. Watkins, for being the voice of our children who cannot speak for themselves, and many blessings to you, your wife and your beautiful son, Liam.

Sincerely,
Elijah's mom (my little angel)