Fine Gael Senator Catherine Noone’s flippant attitude towards autism is truly appalling. Her absolute lack of understanding of the challenges to parents with children and young people with autism shows a total disconnect between this government and these families whom they have failed.
I have been inundated with calls from parents all over Mayo who are truly distressed, upset and crying on the phone. Her glib remarks make a joke of their every day struggles. Autism is not a joke.
It reflects so badly on her as a person, and also the Fine Gael party. I want them to come out and condemn it and to put autism front and centre of what they do; not as something that can be sidelined and made a skit of.
I am so angry about this. I have a personal family interest in autism and I have worked with families in Mayo and right across the country, both North and South.
Where are the resources, therapies, supports and opportunities that the families of children and young people with autism need?
Every person with autism is unique; each brain very special. Providing the right environment, training and employment for our people with autism is crucial. We are losing out as a society by not investing in people with autism and in the wonderful abilities that they have in certain areas.
Speaking with Michael D McAndrew on Midwest Radio.
