A comment made by radio presenter Stu Peters has triggered several complaints.
Mr Peters, who presents the phone-in programme Talking Heads on Manx Radio, made the comments in a discussion on Facebook.
He said that children who appeared to be badly behaved shouldn’t be ‘inflicted’ on others in cafes.
Mr Peters, the man behind Coffee Exchange on Athol Street, added: ‘My sincere sympathies to anyone dealing with autism or any other condition, it must be really difficult and you’re only looking out for them, I know.
‘But think of all the other people who may have a rare meal out ruined by ‘apparent’ bad behaviour.
‘Remember, only you’re the expert – to other people it’s just an awkward or disruptive child.’
There were dozens of angry responses to his views on social media.
One member of the public told Isle of Man Newspapers: ‘I write as a Manx resident re the article and comments made by Manx Radio presenter Stuart Peters last night re autistic children on Facebook.
‘His comments, sentiment and understanding of autism is a disgrace.
‘A grown “respectable” man who himself lives behind a mask of dignity should know better than to throw comments about a condition he knows nothing about.
‘[He is] an uneducated bigot whose actions should be investigated.
‘He should ever be associated with Manx Radio or the Isle of Man. The isle Of Man should be ashamed to be associated with such a man.’
Manx Radio boss Anthony Pugh released a statement.
It reads: ‘Manx Radio’s programme code offers guidelines as to how our broadcast output is managed, but the online and social media space is not regulated in the same way. However, Manx Radio, as a responsible media provider, applies the same set of codes to its digital output.
‘Whilst Stu Peters’ post occurred away from the Manx Radio social space and was made in a personal capacity I personally believe it is unwise of any Manx Radio presenter to think they have a separate public and personal persona. Obviously his views are not shared by Manx Radio.
‘I am disappointed that his comments have been used by many out of the original context in which they were posted and that some comments sent to Manx Radio have been abusive, foul and threatening. Through necessity they have had to be moderated.
‘Manx Radio does have guidelines regarding the use of social media but I feel this incident points to further lessons here for the station which we will address.
‘It is not Manx Radio’s intention to upset or distress any part of our community. It is a practice that has held us in good stead over the decades and we will need to ensure it also applies to the company in the digital space for the future.’