The autism community is livid with Rosie O’Donnell after she made a crass joke about the disorder.
During a performance at Carolines on Broadway this week, the 53-year-old comedian said she’d rather raise autistic triples than her hormonal teenagers.
“I had four teenagers when I decided to adopt a newborn baby,” O’Donnell said. “You might ask why. I needed to remind myself that I actually do love children, because I would trade each teen for autistic triplets.” (RELATED: Rosie O’Donnell Responds To Her Daughter Calling Her A Big Fat Phony)
“I’m just saying I would,” she added.
A rep for the National Autism Association said O’Donnell was on the same level as “dog shit” because of her joke.
“She crossed all lines of being a good human being to make a desperate, low blow joke,” the rep told TMZ. (RELATED: Rosie O’Donnell: Trump’s Campaign Is A Nightmare)
O’Donnell later apologized for the joke.
“Although it was not my intent to hurt people, I realize I did. It was my fault,” O’Donnell said. “I have 2 children with spectrum disorders. I’m aware of the challenges and stigma associated with autism.” (RELATED: Rosie O’Donnell’s Daughter: ‘My Mom Is A Pot Smoking Phony’)