In the past several days, a few of my stories on Adam Jasinski’s comment on Big Brother 9 have appeared on a few popular Big Brother message boards. Naturally, some of his supporters have come out to speak their minds. I don’t believe in censorship so although I don’t agree with their statements (in general), I have published them as well as my response.

I decided to make a separate blog post to bring this attention to those that are subscribed to my blog and might not see the comments on old posts as I’d really like more feedback from parents of children with autism as well as those with autism themselves.

Here is my response to the supporters that posted in the United Autism Foundation Apology from Olaf Hampel, be sure to read the comments of the post to find out what the supporters have to say and chime in with your opinion please, I’d like to get a nice dialogue going.

Thank you Sharon and Joanne for sharing your feelings. I don’t believe in censorship so have approved your posts even though I slightly disagree. I think that disagreements are good to use as jumping points for conversation.

I do not feel that those that were offended by Adam’s very insensitive remark have to worry about karma nor do I think that they care about his money. $500,000, even if donated completely to a charity, will not make any difference in the lives of people that live with autism every…single…day.

What will make a difference is the public outcry that happened after Adam made his regrettable statement. Sure, he may be a great guy who made a rude comment. It isn’t the first time someone has done so and it won’t certainly be the last.

I also have to point out that Adam did not say “retarded” which is a description of a level of intelligence, instead he said “retards”. The word “retards”, when used to describe a person, is derogatory. There is no way that a medical professional, anywhere, will tell a client “your child is a retard.” The professional will say that your child has mental retardation. Yes it is a matter of semantics but it is an important difference.

Whether Adam wins or not means nothing to me. I am in no way affiliated with the United Autism Foundation and am merely the mom of two children on the autism spectrum, neither of whom happen to have mental retardation (this is directed at those that read that assume autism = mental retardation).

I am thankful that his statement has created a lot of buzz and perhaps more people will think before making a statement in a derogatory manner as Adam did.

Thank you,

Melissa the Mindless Mommy