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What celebs have kids with autism?
Raising a child with autism can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. In the United States, 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with autism, making families dealing with neurodiversity more common than one might think. Developmental disorders don’t discriminate, and many famous parents of children with autism have used their platforms to foster greater acceptance and understanding of autism.
Behind the glamour seen on TV or social media, these celebrity parents elevate the conversation about autism, promote research initiatives, and drive donations. Many have established foundations to support other families navigating similar challenges.
What celebs have kids with autism? In this ABA Centers of Georgia blog, we introduce ten celebrities who are raising or have raised children with ASD. Beyond their stardom, these parents have become advocates for autism, giving a voice to the struggles and victories of raising a child with autism.
Autism Beyond Labels
Each individual with ASD is unique, encountering challenges at varying levels and possessing distinct talents and abilities. Consequently, every family with a loved one on the spectrum experiences and navigates neurodiversity uniquely.
The World Health Organization defines autism as a developmental condition characterized by variations in brain connectivity that affect communication skills, social interactions, behavior, and thinking.
People on the autism spectrum display traits of varying severity. For instance, some individuals may engage in repetitive behaviors or “stimming,” while others may not. ASD truly embodies diversity, as each person has different strengths and difficulties, making it impossible to find two individuals with autism who are exactly alike.
So, after gaining a better understanding of autism, let’s explore the experiences of celebrity autism advocates.
10 Famous Parents of Children with Autism
- Joey Fatone: Joey Fatone, best known as a member of the hit boy band NSYNC, is also a proud father of a daughter with autism. Kloey was diagnosed with autism at an early age. Joey has been open about the challenges and joys of raising a child with autism, using his platform to promote awareness and acceptance.
Raising Kloey has been a vastly different experience for Joey compared to raising his oldest daughter, Briahna. Kloey has taught Joey and his wife, Kelly, the importance of staying flexible. “She has tested us many times,” Joey said in an interview for Today. “She’s on the autism spectrum, and there are many different types, so everyone handles their child differently, but we make it up as we go along, as most parents do. Things that I could easily explain or express to Briahna when she was little, I have to approach differently with Kloey for her to understand.”
Interestingly, Joey has shared that music has played a crucial role in Kloey’s life, helping her express herself and connect with others.
- Shawn Stockman: Shawn Stockman, a member of the R&B group Boyz II Men, has become a passionate advocate for autism acceptance. His advocacy journey began when his son Micah was diagnosed with autism at the age of two—a moment he candidly describes as one of the most challenging in his life. Alongside his wife, Sharonda Jones, Stockman works to positively impact the autism community.
Together, they established the nonprofit organization Micah’s Voice, which serves as a beacon of hope and support for families grappling with the complexities of raising children on the autism spectrum. Through Micah’s Voice, they not only raise awareness about autism but also provide crucial financial assistance to help alleviate the significant economic and emotional burdens often associated with the condition. - Holly Robinson Peete: Holly Robinson Peete, a renowned actress and singer, is also a heartfelt advocate for autism awareness. When her son RJ was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, it profoundly impacted her family’s life. Since then, Holly has utilized her public platform to champion autism awareness and acceptance. Together with her husband, Rodney Peete, she established the HollyRod Foundation, an organization dedicated to offering support to families affected by autism and other conditions.
In her journey of celebrities and autism parenting, Holly has shared that sports have played a pivotal role in RJ’s development, significantly enhancing his social skills and confidence. - Jacqueline Laurita: Jacqueline Laurita, best known for her role on the television show “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” is also a prominent advocate for autism. When her son Nicholas was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and a half, Jacqueline became a proactive voice in the autism community. Alongside her family, she has dedicated herself to raising awareness about the condition.
Jacqueline is an ambassador of the Autism Hope Alliance, an organization that offers support and resources to families affected by autism. An exciting aspect of her journey is that she has highlighted how diet and therapy have been crucial in Nicholas’ progress, proving that every small breakthrough is a significant victory for her family. - Tony Braxton: Toni Braxton, the award-winning singer and actress, is also a devoted advocate for autism. Her son Diezel was diagnosed with autism at age three, a moment that profoundly affected Toni and her family. Since then, she has leveraged her celebrity status to raise autism acceptance and advocate for support. As one of the famous parents of children with autism, Toni actively supports Autism Speaks, an organization with initiatives to improve the lives of people with autism and their families.
An essential aspect of her journey is that Toni has shared how early intervention and therapy have been crucial in Diezel’s development. Thanks to these efforts, Diezel has made significant strides and is now thriving in everyday life. - Tisha Campbell: Tisha Campbell is a famous actress and singer, as well as a dedicated mother and autism advocate. When her son, Xen, was diagnosed with autism at 18 months, Tisha became a passionate supporter of autism awareness and support. She has openly shared the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with autism, using her platform to educate and support other families in similar situations.
Tisha has collaborated with various organizations and has been an active voice in fundraising and awareness events. She even directed the documentary “Colored My Mind,” where she shares her journey and Xen’s experience with autism. Tisha has emphasized how love and patience have been pivotal in Xen’s development. Her journey has inspired others to seek and provide the necessary support for their children. - John Travolta and Kelly Preston: These renowned Hollywood actors were parents to Jett, who was diagnosed with autism at a young age. The couple utilized their public platform to raise autism awareness and the challenges faced by families with children on the spectrum. Following Jett’s tragic death in 2009, John and Kelly established the Jett Travolta Foundation, an organization that supports families and children with developmental disorders and health needs.
John has poignantly shared how Jett’s presence and memory continue to inspire them to help others, emphasizing the importance of compassion and support within the autism community. - Jenni “JWoww” Farley: Jenni “JWoww” Farley, renowned for her appearance in the reality show Jersey Shore, is also a committed mother and autism advocate. When her son Greyson was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, Jenni immersed herself in learning about the condition and began sharing her experiences with her followers to raise awareness.
Jenni has been a vocal supporter on social media, using her platform to assist other families and promote a greater understanding of autism. Jenni has emphasized how speech therapy and early interventions have been crucial to Greyson’s progress, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment. - Sylvester Stallone: Sylvester Stallone, one of Hollywood’s iconic actors, was among the first major celebrities to discuss his child’s autism diagnosis publicly. His son, Seargeoh Stallone, was diagnosed with autism at an early age. Unlike many at the time who kept such matters private, Stallone chose to bring attention to his family’s experience. In 1990, he filmed a public service announcement (PSA) where he candidly stated, “Imagine your child has autism; mine does.” This declaration was groundbreaking, as autism awareness was not widespread three decades ago.
Stallone’s willingness to speak openly about Seargeoh’s condition helped pave the way for greater understanding and acceptance of autism. His advocacy work included significant support for research and organizations dedicated to autism. Beyond his PSA, Stallone has emphasized the importance of early intervention and personalized care tailored to each child’s needs. - Joel McHale: Joel McHale, a well-known actor and comedian renowned for his role on the series “Community” and as the host of “The Soup,” is also a dedicated autism advocate. When his son, Eddie, was diagnosed with autism at a young age, Joel and his wife became actively involved in supporting the cause. Joel has lent his support to numerous organizations that work to increase autism awareness and provide resources to families.
Joel has shared how Eddie’s sense of humor and creativity have been a constant source of joy and inspiration for their family. He emphasizes the importance of celebrating the unique strengths of each child on the autism spectrum.
ABA Centers of Georgia and Autism Care Services
As many famous parents of children with autism have emphasized, early intervention and therapy are crucial for their child’s development. At ABA Centers of Georgia, we recognize the significance of early intervention and ABA therapy and provide this essential support.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a proven and effective method backed by over four decades of research. ABA principles teach essential skills to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders.
Families in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Buckhead, and Marietta can rely on ABA Centers of Georgia to help their children with autism reach their full potential. Our trained professionals are ready to offer a range of services, including autism evaluation and diagnosis, early intervention, and in-home ABA therapy. For more information or to request a free consultation, call us at (855) 929-5058 or connect with us online.
