Sad and angry. That's how I feel. That's how many parents, grandparents and siblings of children with autism would feel too after the comments in Australia's Parliament by One Nation's Pauline Hanson.
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Putting aside the repulsive manner by which she referred to getting "rid of these children", what her comments demonstrate is that her xenophobia and ignorance seem to know no bounds.
Children with autism are different but their value to society is not. Too often parents of children with autism experience the consequences when people don't understand an autistic child.
Would I like my daughter to attend a mainstream school? Of course, I would love her to have all the opportunities that my other children have.
When Pauline Hanson was supposedly told by parents that they wanted "to get rid of these kids", as someone who represents all her constituents, including autistic children and their families, her response should have been a commitment to advocate for more support for teachers and students. Some do need support and assistance in mainstream schools.
Learning to understand and accept diversity is important for any child – and adult. The real world is diverse. Investment in education and therapies at a young age is the best way to allow children with autism to be able to function in society and make a contribution to it.
My daughter is my teacher. I am proud of her and but grateful for what she teaches me.
We can learn many lessons from people with autism and Senator Hanson seems to have more to learn than anyone. We should demand more from our Parliamentarians.
Professor Brian Owler is an Autism Awareness board member and a neurosurgeon at the Children's Hospital at Westmead.
