Rosie O’Donnell Explains Her Speculation That Barron Trump Is Autistic
Comedian is “immersed in that world/reality since learning” her daughter was diagnosed with high-functioning autism
Rosemary Rossi | November 27, 2016 @ 10:35 AM
Last Updated: November 28, 2016 @ 10:22 AM
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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.”
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
37 Hollywood Stars for Donald Trump (Photos)
Hillary Clinton had far more celebrity supporters than Donald Trump, but his 37 celebrity fans turned out to be the ones who backed the winning candidate. Here are Trump's celebrity fans.
“I’m not someone who’s saying he’s the best of this group. I’m saying I like this guy" – Jon Voight
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"I'm digging Trump ... My feeling: let the motherf---ing business guy run it like a f---ing business" –Kid Rock
"I know him personally. I know him professionally. He's a great guy. He's sharp. He's fast. He can change the country after the last eight years" – Gary Busey
NBC
“Trump has sold me -- what more can I say? ... I just think he’s the only one who’s going to turn this country around.” –Loretta Lynn
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"Of course I'm going to vote for Donald Trump. I think he's amazing. I think he'll make a great president" – Teresa Giudice
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"I only want @realDonaldTrump to win so to smite some of my enemies, kill the politically correct, and basically make America great again!" – Tila Tequila
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"I think he's fantastic. I love him. I think he'd make a great president. He's not a politician, and he doesn't care what anybody thinks" – Stephen Baldwin
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“He should be president of the United States ... Let’s try something new. Let’s run America like a business, where no colors matter. Whoever can do the job, gets the job ... I like Trump" -- Mike Tyson
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"This may be what the country needs and Trump ... he’s a guy who won’t put up with B.S. and has what it takes to change how government is run" – Terrell Owens
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"I’ve always wanted to see the person that’s like, ‘Yeah, I’ve made these comments, these are my beliefs, and you know what, if you don’t like it, stick it. I’m not apologizing, I’m not changing ... Donald Trump is that guy" – John Rocker
CBS
"One thing you know about me is, good or bad, I will always tell it like it is. This guy is the Real Deal, and will Make America Great Again" – Jesse James
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“I love Donald, and he would make a great president ... Number one, he tells the truth. Number two, he’s been where most of these guys want to be, in terms of riding on his own plane." – Wayne Newton
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"Does Donald do everything right? No. The people that hate him, hate him, but people like him because he says things that resonate with what they think ... If I were to vote tomorrow, I'd probably vote for Trump" – Mike Ditka
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"I think he's going to win ... Yes, of course I'm going to vote for him. He's going to run the country as a business. He's going to negotiate. And he knows how to make decisions" – Ivana Trump
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"He is the party. He is the heart and soul of the party” – Ann Coulter
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"[Trump] has been a great friend for many years. We don't need another politician, we need a businessman like Mr. Trump! Trump 2016" – Dennis Rodman
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"I don't want to be in the ring with any candidates, I want to be Trump's running mate." – Hulk Hogan
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"I wish Donald the best. He's a fabulous guy. I hope he goes all the way ... Donald, all he cares about is our country and keeping our country safe. That's what it comes down to" – Lou Ferrigno
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“John Wayne would be very proud of you right now, I think." – Aissa Wayne (The Duke's daughter)
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"Donald Trump should be given the Medal of Freedom for speaking his mind in such a bold, honest and straight-forward manner" – Ted Nugent
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“He speaks like I speak, he communicates with people very well ... We need somebody to relentlessly, relentlessly attack Hillary. It’s the only way we’re going to win. I’m trying to be a classy guy, but to win elections nowadays, the Democrats and liberals attack viciously” – Scott Baio
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"HELLO BOYS! this is my formal endorsement of @realDonaldTrump & I'm a woman!" – Kirstie Alley (She later changed her mind and decided not to endorse anyone.)
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After Trump's win, Alley posted: "CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT TRUMP! @realDonaldTrump against all odds ..against the establishment and even against most from the GOP..U did it!"
“Does America want to have a president who FOLLOWS or someone who leads? I vote For @realdonaldtrump” – Aaron Carter. (He later changed his mind.)
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"I'm here" -- former New York Yankee star Paul O'Neill
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"On my way to the @realDonaldTrump rally. Let's make America great again!!!" -- Buffalo Bills guard Ritchie Incognito
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“Everyone is calling him a racist. He just wants people to come into this country legally and fill out the proper paperwork. That’s how I’m viewing it” -- former Yankee outfielder Johnny Damon
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"Having secure borders, protecting our citizens — none of this is hateful. This is the responsibility of the government, and it's the right thing to do. Donald Trump will get it done and put us back on the right track." -- Antonio Sabato Jr.
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“Every critic, every detractor, will have to bow down to President Trump” -- Omarosa Manigault
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"We are moving in, Mr. Trump... If you need anyone to take out the squatters, got your back, Bronx style. #Trump2016" -- Stacey Dash
Twitter/@REALStaceyDash
““What you see is what you get. He has no filter... I knew him before Celebrity Apprentice, privately in clubs and in social situations. He’s the same guy. Some people like it, some people don’t. But he is the same guy. I’m not going to say if I think that’s good or bad” -- Gene Simmons
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“And we need a Donald Trump, and I only know one, so that’s the only son of a bitch we know is Donald Trump.” -- coach Bobby Knight
"And let's be honest folks, we need somebody who believes in this country, we need somebody who's proud of this country and who will fight for this country." -- UFC president Dana White
"If I could only tell you one thing about him, it's that he's probably the hardest working individual I've ever met." -- golfer Natalie Gulbis
"I shocked my staff today ... I said, 'You know what? As far as the Republicans are concerned, I hope Trump wins on the Republican side" – Jesse Ventura. (Though he wanted Trump to be nominated, he supports Libertarian Gary Johnson in the general election.)
These stars backed the president-elect long before he won the election
Hillary Clinton had far more celebrity supporters than Donald Trump, but his 37 celebrity fans turned out to be the ones who backed the winning candidate. Here are Trump's celebrity fans.