Denis Leary Slams Autism As A Joke

DENIS Leary should brace himself for hate mail from the parents of kids diagnosed with autism.

In his new book, "Why We Suck: A Feel-Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid," the joke-slinging "Rescue Me" star writes about the brain disorder:

"There is a huge boom in autism right now because inattentive mothers and competitive dads want an explanation for why their dumb-ass kids can't compete academically, so they throw money into the happy laps of shrinks . . . to get back diagnoses that help explain away the deficiencies of their junior morons. I don't give a [bleep] what these crackerjack whack jobs tell you - yer kid is NOT autistic. He's just stupid. Or lazy. Or both."

The Autism Society of America responded: "For Mr. Leary to suggest that families or doctors conspire to falsely diagnose autism is ridiculous . . . [His] remarks reflect the same misconceptions of autism being caused by bad or unemotional parenting that were held over 50 years ago."

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In November's Vanity Fair, in a Q&A, Leary calls it his "favorite chapter":

Another chapter is titled "Autism Shamautism."
Which is my favorite chapter.

I see vigilante autism woman Jenny McCarthy picketing your book tour.
Great. That would be really good for me. It will help sell more books.

Comments

[amcg50]

And we are suposed to care what he thinks; because?

[Blakkwolfe]

DId Mike Savage write the prologue?

[rjgwood]

My daughter has autism..in some regards she is off the charts brillant...she read her first word, "almanac" at age 13 months, can add four digit numbers in her head at 6 years, and can tell you every state capitol since age 4. However, she can't answer simple "why" questions, and can't really figure out how to use a fork.

The brain structure in people with autism is different, in some people with autism the amygdala, which is a brain control center, is larger, and in some smaller. The cerebral cortex is different, the adrenal system functions differently, and no fewer than sixteen genes have been identified as functioning differently in people with autism.

This is not something that is caused by inattentive parents, which is what the psychological community used to contribute this disorder to - they termed it "refrigerator" mothers. A hurtful thing to have repeated by Mr. Leary, completely debunked by geneticists - science apparently not being one of Mr. Leary's strong suits.

My daughter can go for months waking up at 2:00 a.m. for the DAY! She has severe pica behaviors which endanger her safety. And she has difficulty communicating relating with peers, and functions socially at a toddler level in her communications with others, she doesn't understand how to have back and forth conversations with them. Additionally, she has extreme debilitating fears. My husband and I are both loving, involved parents. Our older daughter has no issues, so Mr. Leary's assertions about parenting are absurd!

[ched]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insights. Your daughter sounds lucky to have you and your husband for parents.

[littlewing157]

Thank you, rjgwood; you explain things very well. I'm so sorry you and your daughter have to deal with such a complex condition, but as another poster said, both your daughters are very fortunate to have such a loving and intelligent Mom like yourself.

Peace and Love to you and yours...

[MidnightRambler]

It's sad when someone achieves celebrity and mistakes it for wisdom. Leary can take his place in the long line of celebrities who think they have all the answers even when their own lives are in disarray.

[ArtfulStarling]

First off, if Denis Leary was a funnier guy, his celebrity would be greater.

Secondly, if Denis was a more famous celebrity, maybe he wouldn't feel the need to spout these ill-conceived notions about mental disabilities.

If the rest of his book is as inane as this comment, I'm sure it'll be a bestseller. God knows there's an audience for it.

And THIRDLY- I thought this guy had Tourette's syndrome? Doesn't his act consist solely of profanity-laced paroxysmal ranting?

[oldguru]

Excuse me? Who the hell is Dennis Leary?

[DS3M]

Is he a $ciontologist? That sounds like their brand of Anti-Psychiatrist/Psychologist hooey.

[saami]

Well I will never support, read, view or in any way promote Denis Leary. Too bad that when he opens his mouth and inserts his foot he hurts so many people. Autism is one of the worst things that can happen to a family. We mourned for the life lost for our grandson when at age 3 he was diagnosed with Asbergers (a form of autism.) No one diserves this, no one. And they do not diserve this disrespect out of Mr. Leary's ignorance.

[KarleyBarley]

Old man Yells at cloud.

[corysadvocate]

Karleybarley, I used to be a smartass, such as yourself until I had a chid with autism.

[suec03]

Definitely disappointing. Does he have any experience raising any child with any disability? Where does this attitude come from? Parenting children with physical, psychiatric or learning disabilities can bring up more challenges and stress than you can ever imagine. It is no picnic. One would not wish that on anyone. Such children and parents need our compassion, not scorn. This information about Denis Leary has shown a very ugly side of him. I will not watch his TV show or movies, nor will I buy any products he may ever endorse as a commercial pitchman. He needs to be shunned.

[JaymJay]

Denis Leary is a joke-and a joke thief. (see: Bill Hicks)

[drzoon]

long live bill hicks!

leary couldn't carry bill's jock strap!

[joseph449008]

He's not the first to make such comments. There are people who feel they are capable of telling what is and isn't "real autism." This is not only true of people outside the autism community, who speak out of ignorance. Even parents of autistic children will often claim to know what should or shouldn't be called "real autism." There should be pragmatic reasons to call something "autism," and the determination needs to be based on research. Although the current status of the definition is imperfect, it can't be said to be an arbitrary definition.

[progressivelady]

How sad that he said such a thing, obviously he does'nt really understand Autisim.

[Meah]

I have been a nurse for the developmentally disabled for half of my 44 years of being a Registered Nurse. I used to assess toddlers who had developmental delays as an Infant Program Nurse. These were children who were not developing normally, especially with their speech and with their ability to connect with others. I have seen the tragedy and grief of those parents who have given birth to these children who do no give them any eye contact, who do not acknowledge the parents, who do not do the things normal toddlers do as they develop. Mr. Leary is speaking from ignorance and lack of education. It is very sad, because having an autistic child makes it particularly difficult for parents and siblings to have a normal life. The last thing that they need is such blathering from someone who is so misinformed. Parents' hearts are broken. Why does this man feel the need to make things worse for them? Autism has exponentially risen in numbers since the mid 90s. The reasons are unknown, but I suspect that there is some type of teratogen that is causing this problem. It will be discovered someday, and those who blamed the mother as they used to, and parents as we hear now, will be disavowed.

[andvoodoo2]

I used to like Denis Leary. Not anymore. Now, I wouldn't spit on him if he was on fire.

It's hard to believe Leary is himself a father.

Karma. Look it up, Denis. Don't forget, you'll probably have grandkids one day.

[sammy50]

This is an opinion of a genuine celebrity; therefore, it must be true and we must believe it and accept it.

To do otherwise, wld reduce the HP to pure chaos!

[livesimply]

Why do you read this stuff if that's what you believe?

[sammy50]

Because celebrities hve a God given insight into matters; why else wld we take their advise on who to vote for, what toothpaste/deodorant to use, what car to drive, what diet plan to be one, etc.?

[TVDinner666]

I've always appreciated Leary's willingness to poke at sacred cows even when it offends me, but this just seems so deliberately cruel that it discredits him completely.

[slobone]

Never could stand this guy. Doesn't surprise me.