Autism advocates condemn holistic festival over its guest

AUTISM advocates have slammed organisers of this weekend’s Mind Body Spirit & Yoga Festival taking place in the RDS, Dublin.

Dublin City Councillor Deirdre O’Donovan said she is ‘disgusted’ that the so-called energy healer Jerry Sargeant – who claims he can relieve autism – is a guest speaker at the holistic and wellbeing event.

Ms O’Donovan, who works closely with special needs groups, said there is ‘no cure for autism. There is no magic potion, it’s about managing your child and the issue that your child has.’

She added: ‘Until we have a proper system in place in this country, then there will always be people like this.

‘It’s taking advantage of desperate parents.’

Jerry Sargeant, who’s based in the UK, claims he has travelled back in time on a spaceship to the city of Atlantis and to visit Ancient Mystery Schools.

His website also claims he can ‘help relieve’ autism, as well as tumors, cysts, fibromyalgia, tinnitus, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, heart conditions, eyesight, sciatica, neck pain and foot pain by using the ‘Star Magic healing method’.

Speaking to the Irish Mail on Sunday, Mr Sergeant claimed he had ‘medical evidence’ to prove his healing works.

‘I didn’t believe it myself 12 years ago when I had an accident and began looking properly at my life,’ he said.

‘Science shows there is no distance, so I can heal over the phone, I just work with energy.

‘I have worked with what society would call “vulnerable people” at the request of carers or guardians, as they see an energy healing approach to be beneficial for their loved one.’