[The scene opens in the school cafeteria. Daria Morgendorffer sits at a table, flipping through a book, while Butch Hartman, the famous animator, stands nearby, surrounded by students eager to talk to him.]
Daria: [muttering to herself] Great, another day in the circus.
[Butch catches Daria's eye and approaches her table.]
Butch: Hey there, Daria! Mind if I join you?
Daria: [unenthusiastically] Knock yourself out.
[Butch sits down across from Daria, a wide smile plastered on his face.]
Butch: So, what's on your mind, Daria?
Daria: Actually, Butch, I've been meaning to ask you about your recent comments regarding autism.
Butch: Ah, yes! You must be talking about my statement that autism can be cured through the power of prayer.
Daria: That's the one. Care to elaborate on that?
Butch: Absolutely! You see, Daria, I believe that with faith and prayer, anything is possible. Autism is no exception.
Daria: [raising an eyebrow] So, you're saying that autism, a neurological condition, can be cured through prayer?
Butch: Precisely! When you put your trust in a higher power, miracles can happen.
Daria: Interesting theory. But don't you think it's a bit irresponsible to suggest that prayer alone can cure a complex developmental disorder?
Butch: Not at all, Daria. I've heard countless stories of individuals who have been healed through the power of prayer.
Daria: And have these stories been scientifically verified?
Butch: Well, um, not exactly...
Daria: So, it's more of a belief than a proven fact.
Butch: Look, Daria, I understand that you may be skeptical, but faith can move mountains. That's what I'm trying to convey.
Daria: [sighs] Well, Butch, while I respect your right to your beliefs, I think it's important to approach matters like autism with evidence-based research and support from medical professionals.
Butch: Fair enough, Daria. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Daria: Exactly. And mine is that suggesting a cure for autism through prayer alone is misguided and potentially harmful.
Butch: [nodding] I hear you, Daria. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Daria: No problem, Butch. Just something to think about.
[Butch gets up from the table, still smiling, while Daria returns to her book, contemplating the complexities of faith and science.]