Rosie O’Donnell wrote a candid message to fans on her website Saturday, explaining that the reason she questioned if Barron Trump has autism is because her daughter was recently diagnosed with the condition and she recognizes the symptoms.
“Here is how it went down,” O’Donnell began. “My 3.5 year old daughter Dakota was diagnosed in September with HFA — high functioning autism. I have been immersed in that world/reality since learning — reading — asking questions. It’s all autism — all the time for the newly diagnosed. As we try to grab onto anything to keep us standing, the knowledge we r not alone there r others living this too.”
O’Donnell goes on to write: “But this autism subject — had nothing to do with Donald, though i admit he does trigger me in all ways — i have no ill will for his children — or any children — and if u knew anything about me — u would know that.”
The comedian came under fire for sharing a video linking Donald Trump’s 10-year-old son, Barron, to autism. “Barron Trump Autistic?” she tweeted earlier this week. “If so — what an amazing opportunity to bring attention to the AUTISM epidemic [sic].”
The video has been viewed more than 2.5 million times on YouTube since being uploaded on Nov. 11.
“Donald Trump’s youngest son Barron Trump might be autistic, and it’s time for people to stop bullying him for his “strange” behavior. Let’s follow Melania Trump and #StopTheBullying,” the video description reads.
The seven-minute video points to several of Barron’s mannerisms, captured on camera during the few times he’s appeared on TV, as evidence he may be autistic.
“His hands are moving erratically and aren’t touching each other,” text reads over footage of the boy clapping for his president-elect father. “Then he was spotted making strange movements in his seat, typical in children with autism.”
Read O’Donnell’s entire message to fans below:
here is how it went down –
my 3.5 yr old daughter dakota
was diagnosed in september
with HFA – high functioning autism
i have been immersed in that world/reality since
learning – reading – asking questions
it’s all autism – all the time
for the newly diagnosed
as we try to grab onto
anything to keep us standing
the knowledge we r not alone
there r others living this too
when i saw the anti bullying video
that mentioned barron
it spoke to the symptoms many ASD kids have
it was educational and informational
these symptoms so many do not understand
– i thought – how amazing IF
IF
it is true
IF it is true – i tweeted from my heart
it would help so much with the autism epidemic
1 in 55 kids is an epidemic
donald and i agree on that
and not much else
i feel he is a clear and present danger
but this autism subject –
had nothing to do with donald
though i admit
he does trigger me in all ways –
i have no ill will for his children –
or any children –
and if u knew anything about me –
u would know that
donald does not have the power
to change the facts
to re write history
so speak true – stand tall
THE WORLD IS WATCHING
for those who felt me a horror
what can i say
humans we
try r very best and fail often
peace out
as we try to save democracy
from this madman
who thinks OUR country is his