An autistic child's mother has welcomed an apology from two rappers who caused outrage by calling those suffering from autism "retards" in a new song.

Controversial lyrics in J.Cole and Drake's track 'Jodeci Freestyle' caused a backlash from fans and those affected by autistic spectrum disorder, which affects the way people with the disorder communicate with those around them.

Dawn Assefa of Coulsdon, whose 11-year-old daughter is autistic , described as offensive the lyrics which read: "Go check the numbers dummy, that's just me gettin' started/ I'm artistic, you n**gas is autistic, retarded".

The 48-year-old, who also presents The Carers Show on Croydon Radio, said: "It is so offensive as retarded is used in a detrimental way.

"Anyone who knows anyone with autistic spectrum disorder knows it is far from the truth, just because they can't communicate and socialise doesn't make them retarded."

Ms Assefa said although she welcomed the apology, she hoped the rappers would donate profits from the track to charities raising awareness of autism.

 

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