Station nixes 'Savage Nation' Over autism comments!

[Toastedturningtidelegs]

Geez! For someone who is supposed to be so intelligent this was a very stupid,uninformed thing to say!

Station nixes 'Savage Nation'
Radio host called autism a 'fraud, a racket'
Gary Pettus • gpettus@clarionledger.com • July 22, 2008

Read Comments(1)Recommend Print this page E-mail this article
Share this article: Del.icio.us Facebook Digg Reddit Newsvine What’s this?
The Super Talk Mississippi radio network has canceled The Savage Nation because of comments syndicated host Michael Savage made about autistic children last week.http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080722/NEWS/807220363/1001/news



Steve Davenport, president and CEO of Super Talk's parent company Telesouth Communications, confirmed The Savage Nation had been dropped from the network's lineup as of Monday.

"It was just horrible what he said," Davenport said Monday.

"When you talk about people in politics, business people, that's one thing. But when you talk about defenseless children, that's another."

Savage, a controversial conservative commentator, said during the July 16 broadcast of his show that autism is a "fraud, a racket. ...

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

"What do you mean they scream and they're silent?

"They don't have a father around to tell them, 'Don't act like a moron. You'll get nowhere in life. Stop acting like a putz. Straighten up. Act like a man. Don't sit there crying and screaming, idiot.' "

Davenport said, after he had read an account of Savage's comments, "I made the decision that we weren't going to tolerate that.

"To say that 99 percent of children with autism are frauds, I just don't know where you come up with that."

For his part, Savage has issued a clarification of his comments on his Web site, michaelsavage.com.

It reads, in part: "My comments about autism were meant to boldly awaken parents and children to the medical community's attempt to label too many children or adults as 'autistic.' ...

"Increasingly, our children are being used as profit centers by a greedy, corrupt medical/pharmaceutical establishment. ...

"To permit greedy doctors to include children in medical categories which may not be appropriate is a crime against that child and their family. Let the truly autistic be treated. Let the falsely diagnosed be free."

The network has received at least 75 to 100 e-mails condemning Savage's remarks, Davenport said. "And that doesn't count the phone calls.

"I think this was the thing to do. I couldn't see any way not to do it."

The Savage Nation has been replaced by The Dennis Miller Show, Davenport said.

Paul Gallo, Super Talk radio host, said on Monday that "we will address this on (today's) show." The Gallo Show airs 6-9 a.m.

Savage's comments also sparked a protest in Manhattan on Monday by Autism United and parents outside WOR radio station, which carries the nationally syndicated show based in San Francisco.

They are demanding Savage's firing and calling for a boycott of all stations carrying his show by parents of children with autism.

Talk Radio Network, which syndicates The Savage Nation, reports on its Web site that more than 350 radio stations carry the show.

To comment on this story, call Gary Pettus at (601) 961-7037

[JohnnyReb]

Where was autism and all these alphabet excuses for bad behavior when I was a kid ?

Oh nevermind. Daddy would have still whipped my ass.

[Chris_]

Where was autism and all these alphabet excuses for bad behavior when I was a kid ?

Oh nevermind. Daddy would have still whipped my ass.

There is a grain of truth to what Savage said, but it is ADD/ADHD that is the racket.  Autism is a specific diagnosis and is an input processing problem.  The issue about autism is why it has grown tenfold in 30 years,

[Toastedturningtidelegs]

Where was autism and all these alphabet excuses for bad behavior when I was a kid ?

Oh nevermind. Daddy would have still whipped my ass.

Autism and add/adhd existed they just didn't know what they were. "Whipping an autistic kids ass" will do no good they don't process information the same as a "normal" kid.

[Schadenfreude]

I've been living with a child who has autism for 14 years (who by the way is perfect in my eyes), it's good to know it was just bad parenting from the get go.

Savage is a ****twit.

[Schadenfreude]

Where was autism and all these alphabet excuses for bad behavior when I was a kid ?

Oh nevermind. Daddy would have still whipped my ass.

There is a grain of truth to what Savage said, but it is ADD/ADHD that is the racket.  Autism is a specific diagnosis and is an input processing problem.  The issue about autism is why it has grown tenfold in 30 years,

No one knows why the cases have exploded. But, as someone who has been around more autistic children and adults than Savage could ever hope to be, I can say authoritatively that it is real. Instead of blaming the parents, which by the way is so yesterday, show a little compassion for these kids who come into this world with a less than perfect processor.

I'm just using your post as a springboard, certainly not disagreeing with anything you said.

[jtyangel]

I will be sure to let my autistic son's speech therapist know in...oh, 30 minutes...that if she just gives him a good crack on the ass and maybe me to boot, he'll start speaking in no time. Hell, at this rate we should be out of special education all together by the end of the year. Why didn't I think of this sooner? 



 


I concur with what Schade said. And I've been living with this for 8 years.

[Schadenfreude]

I will be sure to let my autistic son's speech therapist know in...oh, 30 minutes...that if she just gives him a good crack on the ass and maybe me to boot, he'll start speaking in no time. Hell, at this rate we should be out of special education all together by the end of the year. Why didn't I think of this sooner? 



 


I concur with what Schade said. And I've been living with this for 8 years.

Maybe it was too much TV and video games. 

[JohnnyReb]

I've been living with a child who has autism for 14 years (who by the way is perfect in my eyes), it's good to know it was just bad parenting from the get go.

Savage is a ****twit.

I know a couple of kids that are autistic, one is an extreme case and one....well pretty bad, they both get excellent care from their families. But I also know a couple of cases of kids whose parents seem to be using 'autis' as an excuse for their kids bad behvavior. I've seen the change in their behavior when they are seperated from their parents.

I think what Savage was getting at was the latter cases I mentioned. Some of those milder cases seem to be more of a case of parents not wanting to give some kids the attention and discipline they need than true autism. "Mild" autism, ADD and etc. have become an excuse for some parents.

[jtyangel]

Where was autism and all these alphabet excuses for bad behavior when I was a kid ?

Oh nevermind. Daddy would have still whipped my ass.

There is a grain of truth to what Savage said, but it is ADD/ADHD that is the racket.  Autism is a specific diagnosis and is an input processing problem.  The issue about autism is why it has grown tenfold in 30 years,

No one knows why the cases have exploded. But, as someone who has been around more autistic children and adults than Savage could ever hope to be, I can say authoritatively that it is real. Instead of blaming the parents, which by the way is so yesterday, show a little compassion for these kids who come into this world with a less than perfect processor.

I'm just using your post as a springboard, certainly not disagreeing with anything you said.

Absolutely. I can usually recognize a child with autism now a mile away and so can their parents. I commented to the other half when we took the kids on a historical train ride here that the boy taking tickets was autistic...I could tell with his mannerisms. Not 20 minutes later his father came over to us and talked to us and recognized it in our son who was holding his ears over the train whistle. Turns out this guy is the director for special education in a local school district. Oh and I was right, his son is Aspergers.

You get to know it and you see it more in the subtle moments then in any of the rages. PS you don't 'parent' the subtle moments.

[Toastedturningtidelegs]

I've been living with a child who has autism for 14 years (who by the way is perfect in my eyes), it's good to know it was just bad parenting from the get go.

Savage is a ****twit.

I know a couple of kids that are autistic, one is an extreme case and one....well pretty bad, they both get excellent care from their families. But I also know a couple of cases of kids whose parents seem to be using 'autis' as an excuse for their kids bad behvavior. I've seen the change in their behavior when they are seperated from their parents.

I think what Savage was getting at was the latter cases I mentioned. Some of those milder cases seem to be more of a case of parents not wanting to give some kids the attention and discipline they need than true autism. "Mild" autism, ADD and etc. have become an excuse for some parents.

No sorry this is what he said

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

That is an awfully high percentage! That would mean that only 1% of people who are diagnosed with it actually have it! He is patently wrong.

[Schadenfreude]

I've been living with a child who has autism for 14 years (who by the way is perfect in my eyes), it's good to know it was just bad parenting from the get go.

Savage is a ****twit.

I know a couple of kids that are autistic, one is an extreme case and one....well pretty bad, they both get excellent care from their families. But I also know a couple of cases of kids whose parents seem to be using 'autis' as an excuse for their kids bad behvavior. I've seen the change in their behavior when they are seperated from their parents.

I think what Savage was getting at was the latter cases I mentioned. Some of those milder cases seem to be more of a case of parents not wanting to give some kids the attention and discipline they need than true autism. "Mild" autism, ADD and etc. have become an excuse for some parents.

Hehe... obviously, I am emotionally charged.

It is a processing disorder and as such, the tried and proven techniques that work on typical children do not necessarily work on autistic children, sometimes they even make things worse. I will say this, my son is a kind gentle vulnerable young man who will likely need support and assistance throughout his life. I would like nothing more than for him to be independent, but as he grows older, I do not see that as a likely possibility. The best thing I can do for him is to help him learn functional skills and pray that he reaches his full potential.

To say that 99% of the people with autism are pulling a fraud is absurd to say the least.

[JohnnyReb]

I've been living with a child who has autism for 14 years (who by the way is perfect in my eyes), it's good to know it was just bad parenting from the get go.

Savage is a ****twit.

I know a couple of kids that are autistic, one is an extreme case and one....well pretty bad, they both get excellent care from their families. But I also know a couple of cases of kids whose parents seem to be using 'autis' as an excuse for their kids bad behvavior. I've seen the change in their behavior when they are seperated from their parents.

I think what Savage was getting at was the latter cases I mentioned. Some of those milder cases seem to be more of a case of parents not wanting to give some kids the attention and discipline they need than true autism. "Mild" autism, ADD and etc. have become an excuse for some parents.

No sorry this is what he said

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

That is an awfully high percentage! That would mean that only 1% of people who are diagnosed with it actually have it! He is patently wrong.

Yes, he pulled a number out his ass. What the real percentage would be, I have no idea.

The school here tried to tell me my son was autistic. Loud noises and his hands went over his ears, loud enough and he'd scream and cry,  rocking, etc......baloney, he was just an active kid with sensitive ears. He's always been well behaved if you were firm and consistant with him (I was). He has always been on the honar roll in advanced classes. "BUT" I have to give a lot of credit to his pre-school teacher, otherwise he would have probably been sidetracked into some other programs. Thank you Miss XXXXXX (I know her name and son remembers her well too) for listening to me and not his Momma and the others. You got him started off on the right foot. The world, yes the world, and I both owe you a debt of gratitude Miss XXXXXX.

 

[terry]

Savage is a ****twit.


To say that 99% of the people with autism are pulling a fraud is absurd to say the least.

I agree with Schade.


But I am torn about this issue and the explosion of diagnoses.

I thought Sowell had a very interesting take on it..
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/ThomasSowell/2008/07/16/autism_cures

I know that part of what Sowell says is true.   My son was diagnosed with autism in 2005.   Those doing the evaluation said that my son met the criteria absolutely and  encouraged us to accept services.   We did.   He was re-evaluated in 2006.  That time they said he was borderline but that we should keep the more severe diagnosis, to make sure he could access services if he needed them.

He may fit what Sowell is calling the "Einstein Syndrome".   He's bright and he certainly has a ton of geeks in his family tree.  But he also has some social issues, sound sensitivities, anxieties and problems with flexible thinking.  So his issues aren't just about talking late.

Right now none of it effects his daily life.   He goes to a typical school, has friends and all in all is a happy kid.

Does he have autism?   After 3 years I still don't know.   He was diagnosed at the age of three, just six months after the death of his seven year old brother, one his most favorite people in the world.   I'm sure the impact of that on our family made his symptoms appear more severe, but he does have symptoms and did have issues before his brother's death.     I am pretty sure though that 10 maybe even just 5 years earlier, he would not have received a diagnosis.

I believe that all very young children really want to please the adults in their life and really want to behave.   I don't know if it is necessarily a bad thing to be looking for reasons for misbehavior and taking different approaches with different children.   I'm not longing for the good ole days when there were just 'bad' kids in the class and the solution was to keep punishing them over and over the same way without any success.

[jtyangel]

I've been living with a child who has autism for 14 years (who by the way is perfect in my eyes), it's good to know it was just bad parenting from the get go.

Savage is a ****twit.

I know a couple of kids that are autistic, one is an extreme case and one....well pretty bad, they both get excellent care from their families. But I also know a couple of cases of kids whose parents seem to be using 'autis' as an excuse for their kids bad behvavior. I've seen the change in their behavior when they are seperated from their parents.

I think what Savage was getting at was the latter cases I mentioned. Some of those milder cases seem to be more of a case of parents not wanting to give some kids the attention and discipline they need than true autism. "Mild" autism, ADD and etc. have become an excuse for some parents.

No sorry this is what he said

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

That is an awfully high percentage! That would mean that only 1% of people who are diagnosed with it actually have it! He is patently wrong.

Yes, he pulled a number out his ass. What the real percentage would be, I have no idea.

The school here tried to tell me my son was autistic. Loud noises and his hands went over his ears, loud enough and he'd scream and cry,  rocking, etc......baloney, he was just an active kid with sensitive ears. He's always been well behaved if you were firm and consistant with him (I was). He has always been on the honar roll in advanced classes. "BUT" I have to give a lot of credit to his pre-school teacher, otherwise he would have probably been sidetracked into some other programs. Thank you Miss XXXXXX (I know her name and son remembers her well too) for listening to me and not his Momma and the others. You got him started off on the right foot. The world, yes the world, and I both owe you a debt of gratitude Miss XXXXXX.

 

There is something called PDD-NOS that it sounds like your son had. It's usually associated with early childhood development and is not autism per se, but sits right outside of the spectrum a notch above Aspergers(if they are still categorized that way). PDD-NOS, much like your experience, has a very high level of developing out of the disorder. The processing issues can be overcome in those instances. REAL autism is another ball of wax all together.

In my story, I'm your wife who had the suspicions and my husband was the one in denial. In our case, he was the one who was wrong and his lack of support via his denial irreperably damaged the marriage among other things. Nobody wants their child to be autistic. When it is real, it changes your life and your relationships forever in ways folks with neurotypical children can not even begin to imagine. Your lucky and I'm a little jealous.I would love if this was just a parenting issue. Parenting a behavioral problem to extinction is far easier.

[Airwolf]

I gave up on Savage a long time ago. He's right from time to time but he can really be a pain to listen too. I got tired of the yelling anf screaming most of all.

[jtyangel]

I've been living with a child who has autism for 14 years (who by the way is perfect in my eyes), it's good to know it was just bad parenting from the get go.

Savage is a ****twit.

I know a couple of kids that are autistic, one is an extreme case and one....well pretty bad, they both get excellent care from their families. But I also know a couple of cases of kids whose parents seem to be using 'autis' as an excuse for their kids bad behvavior. I've seen the change in their behavior when they are seperated from their parents.

I think what Savage was getting at was the latter cases I mentioned. Some of those milder cases seem to be more of a case of parents not wanting to give some kids the attention and discipline they need than true autism. "Mild" autism, ADD and etc. have become an excuse for some parents.

No sorry this is what he said

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

That is an awfully high percentage! That would mean that only 1% of people who are diagnosed with it actually have it! He is patently wrong.

I thnk part of the problem is this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElxI_ZJvezk&feature=related


I'm sorry, but this to me is not a child with autism. Talking at 4 is a late talker. This child is social and functional beyond my wildest dreams for my own son.

I actually am considering taking some videos of my son so you all can see autistic behaviors.

[Jim]

I know autism is real, I also believe they will eventually pin it's increase to childhood immunizations as soon as the drug companies can figure out how to get free of liability implications.

I would not be surprized if it was overdiagnosed.  AD/HD certainly is.

Savage was way off base.  No point in his hyperbole.

[DixieBelle]

Savage shot himself in the foot with those broad brushstrokes! Any validity to his argument was completely lost. I don't blame people for being upset!

I think some kids have been overdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. It's a common pitfall whenever the medical community can finally put a name to something. And it's exacerbated by the fact that Autism has a spectrum. Kids can present in so many ways. There is no one-size-fits-all pattern even though there are certain hallmarks of the illness.

My heart goes out to anyone dealing with autism. I've seen close friends struggle with it. Proper care can only happen when they get the right diagnosis, treatment and support. When that involves not only doctors and parents but the community and school systems, it's easy to see how heartbreaking and frustrating it is. Comments like Savage's are counter-productive to say the least.

[Schadenfreude]

I've been living with a child who has autism for 14 years (who by the way is perfect in my eyes), it's good to know it was just bad parenting from the get go.

Savage is a ****twit.

I know a couple of kids that are autistic, one is an extreme case and one....well pretty bad, they both get excellent care from their families. But I also know a couple of cases of kids whose parents seem to be using 'autis' as an excuse for their kids bad behvavior. I've seen the change in their behavior when they are seperated from their parents.

I think what Savage was getting at was the latter cases I mentioned. Some of those milder cases seem to be more of a case of parents not wanting to give some kids the attention and discipline they need than true autism. "Mild" autism, ADD and etc. have become an excuse for some parents.

No sorry this is what he said

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

That is an awfully high percentage! That would mean that only 1% of people who are diagnosed with it actually have it! He is patently wrong.

Yes, he pulled a number out his ass. What the real percentage would be, I have no idea.

The school here tried to tell me my son was autistic. Loud noises and his hands went over his ears, loud enough and he'd scream and cry,  rocking, etc......baloney, he was just an active kid with sensitive ears. He's always been well behaved if you were firm and consistant with him (I was). He has always been on the honar roll in advanced classes. "BUT" I have to give a lot of credit to his pre-school teacher, otherwise he would have probably been sidetracked into some other programs. Thank you Miss XXXXXX (I know her name and son remembers her well too) for listening to me and not his Momma and the others. You got him started off on the right foot. The world, yes the world, and I both owe you a debt of gratitude Miss XXXXXX.

 

There is something called PDD-NOS that it sounds like your son had. It's usually associated with early childhood development and is not autism per se, but sits right outside of the spectrum a notch above Aspergers(if they are still categorized that way). PDD-NOS, much like your experience, has a very high level of developing out of the disorder. The processing issues can be overcome in those instances. REAL autism is another ball of wax all together.

In my story, I'm your wife who had the suspicions and my husband was the one in denial. In our case, he was the one who was wrong and his lack of support via his denial irreperably damaged the marriage among other things. Nobody wants their child to be autistic. When it is real, it changes your life and your relationships forever in ways folks with neurotypical children can not even begin to imagine. Your lucky and I'm a little jealous.I would love if this was just a parenting issue. Parenting a behavioral problem to extinction is far easier.

Actually you have to be careful with PDD-NOS. While it is non-specific, it can be as or more debilitating than classical autism. It is the severity of the symptoms which is key to the overall severity of the disability. While we are on the subject of non-specific diagnoses, they are mainly a catch all for experts who don't know WTF it is.

[jtyangel]

I've been living with a child who has autism for 14 years (who by the way is perfect in my eyes), it's good to know it was just bad parenting from the get go.

Savage is a ****twit.

I know a couple of kids that are autistic, one is an extreme case and one....well pretty bad, they both get excellent care from their families. But I also know a couple of cases of kids whose parents seem to be using 'autis' as an excuse for their kids bad behvavior. I've seen the change in their behavior when they are seperated from their parents.

I think what Savage was getting at was the latter cases I mentioned. Some of those milder cases seem to be more of a case of parents not wanting to give some kids the attention and discipline they need than true autism. "Mild" autism, ADD and etc. have become an excuse for some parents.

No sorry this is what he said

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

That is an awfully high percentage! That would mean that only 1% of people who are diagnosed with it actually have it! He is patently wrong.

Yes, he pulled a number out his ass. What the real percentage would be, I have no idea.

The school here tried to tell me my son was autistic. Loud noises and his hands went over his ears, loud enough and he'd scream and cry,  rocking, etc......baloney, he was just an active kid with sensitive ears. He's always been well behaved if you were firm and consistant with him (I was). He has always been on the honar roll in advanced classes. "BUT" I have to give a lot of credit to his pre-school teacher, otherwise he would have probably been sidetracked into some other programs. Thank you Miss XXXXXX (I know her name and son remembers her well too) for listening to me and not his Momma and the others. You got him started off on the right foot. The world, yes the world, and I both owe you a debt of gratitude Miss XXXXXX.

 

There is something called PDD-NOS that it sounds like your son had. It's usually associated with early childhood development and is not autism per se, but sits right outside of the spectrum a notch above Aspergers(if they are still categorized that way). PDD-NOS, much like your experience, has a very high level of developing out of the disorder. The processing issues can be overcome in those instances. REAL autism is another ball of wax all together.

In my story, I'm your wife who had the suspicions and my husband was the one in denial. In our case, he was the one who was wrong and his lack of support via his denial irreperably damaged the marriage among other things. Nobody wants their child to be autistic. When it is real, it changes your life and your relationships forever in ways folks with neurotypical children can not even begin to imagine. Your lucky and I'm a little jealous.I would love if this was just a parenting issue. Parenting a behavioral problem to extinction is far easier.

Actually you have to be careful with PDD-NOS. While it is non-specific, it can be as or more debilitating than classical autism. It is the severity of the symptoms which is key to the overall severity of the disability. While we are on the subject of non-specific diagnoses, they are mainly a catch all for experts who don't know WTF it is.

On it as usual, Schade. I have a vid of my boy and his echolalic speech. I did nothing but ask him a couple of questions. One phrase he answered correctly, however I had programed him to respond with that answer for his own safety(it's his name). Let me see if I can get the stupid hotlink to work cause its too big to send from my phone.

[DixieBelle]

jty can you explain some of the terminology? I'm really interested in learning more. I really think my cousin is undiagnosed. He's an adult and there is a long, long sad story there. Anyway, I read as much as I can when I can.

What's "echolalic" speech? Do you recommend any sites that can cut through the vast amount of info and give a general overview?

[Chris_]

Where was autism and all these alphabet excuses for bad behavior when I was a kid ?

Oh nevermind. Daddy would have still whipped my ass.

There is a grain of truth to what Savage said, but it is ADD/ADHD that is the racket.  Autism is a specific diagnosis and is an input processing problem.  The issue about autism is why it has grown tenfold in 30 years,

No one knows why the cases have exploded. But, as someone who has been around more autistic children and adults than Savage could ever hope to be, I can say authoritatively that it is real. Instead of blaming the parents, which by the way is so yesterday, show a little compassion for these kids who come into this world with a less than perfect processor.

I'm just using your post as a springboard, certainly not disagreeing with anything you said.

I know that -- and it is upsetting that  Savage doesn't understand.  I have read a lot about autism but from what I can tell the increased rate seems to defy explanation -- all the "reasons" reek of ergo propter hoc.

[Chris_]

Savage shot himself in the foot with those broad brushstrokes! Any validity to his argument was completely lost. I don't blame people for being upset!

I think some kids have been overdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. It's a common pitfall whenever the medical community can finally put a name to something. And it's exacerbated by the fact that Autism has a spectrum. Kids can present in so many ways. There is no one-size-fits-all pattern even though there are certain hallmarks of the illness.

My heart goes out to anyone dealing with autism. I've seen close friends struggle with it. Proper care can only happen when they get the right diagnosis, treatment and support. When that involves not only doctors and parents but the community and school systems, it's easy to see how heartbreaking and frustrating it is. Comments like Savage's are counter-productive to say the least.

I honestly think somehow Savage confused Autism -- a very specific and verifiable medical diagnosis -- with ADD/ADHD -- a vague psychological label for any behavior (especially male) that exceeds Feminist boundaries.

But that doesn't get him off the hook -- Rush has a team of fact checkers, Savage should have the same.

[terry]

jty can you explain some of the terminology? I'm really interested in learning more. I really think my cousin is undiagnosed. He's an adult and there is a long, long sad story there. Anyway, I read as much as I can when I can.

What's "echolalic" speech? Do you recommend any sites that can cut through the vast amount of info and give a general overview?

Not jty but here is a link that explains echolalia..
http://groups.msn.com/TheAutismHomePage/echolaliafacts.msnw

I remember when my son was 3 the little speech that he had was frequently echolalic.  I would say something to him "we will have pie after dinner".   He went around for the next 1/2 hour or so saying "we will have pie after dinner" to everyone he saw.

Some times the kids will use snippets of movie or TV dialogs or lines from commercials.  Some one on another board told a cute story about her son picking up a movie line.  Her son loved to watch Veggie tales.  There was a veggie tales story that discussed the Egyptians mistreating the Hebrews.   In the story the Hebrews were not allowed to swim in the same swimming pool.  There was a line in the story "All Hebrews out of the pool".   Well she was at a public pool with her son.    A storm came up and the life guards were asking everyone to get out of the pool.   Much to her embarrassment the little boy just started yelling "ALL HEBREWS OUT OF THE POOL".