Jett Travolta's Autism: Confirmed for Cops, Not for World
Like other parents of children with autism, I reacted with both sadness and puzzlement to the death earlier this year of John Travolta's 16-year-old son, Jett, as the family vacationed in the Bahamas. Sadness, obviously, because a family had lost a child; puzzlement, because the Travoltas' denials that Jett was autistic -- though it seemed obvious that he was -- persisted even after the boy died.
Today, just as John Travolta's biggest movie in years hits screens across the nation, we learn that apparently he did acknowledge his son's autism. The National Enquirer has dug up a Bahamian police report indicating the actor told authorities "Jett suffered from a seizure disorder and was autistic." Before Jett's death, Travolta and his wife, Kelly Preston, had said he suffered from a rare condition called Kawasaki disease, as well as exposure to environmental toxins from carpet cleaning chemicals. It's been assumed Jett's parents didn't acknowledge the possibility of autism because of their strict belief in Scientology, which denies the existence of autism.
So why would John Travolta tell authorities his son was autistic, but not anyone else? One theory is that is that he would have faced prosecution for denying that Jett had a known medical condition. Others see it as an illustration of Scientology's flaws and absurdities. But as a fellow parent of a child with autism, I see it as the understandable confusion of a parent who, famous or not, has to wrestle like the rest of us with why this cruel and mysterious condition was brought into our lives. Whether it's denied because of a religious belief, or some other reason, it's understandable. I would only say to the Travolta's that perhaps today's news that there was at least some acknowledgment by them that their son was autistic, will convince them to come all the way over into the autism community. We need powerful voices to fight for these children. John Travolta's longstanding refusal to use the "A-word" doesn't make him ineligible to join our fight. It makes him perfect for the job.
YOU CAN READ JIM'S DAILY BLOG AT WPIX.COM/JIMWATKINS
OTHER AUTISM-RELATED POSTS:
"The Travolta Tragedy and Autism"
"Kean Universtiy Autism Speech"
"My Response To Michael Savitch's Remarks About Autism"
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See Kim Stagliano's Profile
I run a site about autism and several people sent me the police report photo with a "Will you run this?" It seemed salacious to me. Macabre and cruel even, to run it.
From what I know, the Travolta's did their very best with their son, John's brother was at one time active in autism events and the boy was well loved, as much as I'm sure he's dearly missed. Celebs can't win. If talk about their child's autism and how they are treating it they are often castigated. If they do not, they are seen as not doing their job.
Kim
I give this family a great deal of credit for having tried to really find out what was wrong with their son - autism is a diagnosis of symptoms - it is not a diagnosis or explanation of what is actually wrong - none of us should accept autism as a diagnosis - our children's brains have been damaged and we need to find out what has happened and why! An Autism diagnosis is a lame excuse for not knowing what has actually happened.
Why should anyone's medical history or their childs for that matter be your business? Really...
Because people in his position have the ability to make the public more aware of these issues. They aren't just there to be pretty faces. IF they are going to be in the public eye, this is one of those things they can do to help...aft
"Because people in his position have the ability to make the public more aware of these issues."
So, what? Just because someone can help a cause by their presence, that doesn't somehow mean that they HAVE to associate themselves with it or be 'outed' if, for whatever reason they don't want to be.
"They aren't just there to be pretty faces."
Yes, they are. They are there to make movies you like to see or music you like to hear or books you like to read. If it's good and you wanna buy it, great. If it's not, stay home and keep your money in your wallet.
Otherwise they owe you NOTHING.
In the small rural city in which I live many parents of autistic children don't want their children diagnosed because the kids are then ostracized within the community. My son went all the way from kindergarten through the fifth grade at the same school receiving only three birthday party invitations the throughout the entire six years. Many parents who would see me with my child daily wouldn't make eye contact with me. It's very sad but understanding for people on the autism spectrum doesn't exist everywhere.
I have to agree
I work with Special Olympics kids & adults. It's having discussions with the people in that when someone doesn't understand as they have not personally experienced it, they fear it. It's like AIDS -- the myths that were reported for so long of getting AIDS from touching or kissing -- only through speaking and education, did many people learn.
If we don't speak up, we aren't going to see the research so needed to address these issues. I so hope you find a comfort zone that you can help these people to understand by talking to them and explaining in simple terms about autism and your son.
Autism to many is like the fear of the unknown. Until you personally experience things, many people just don't understand.
Very true and I do try to be an unofficial "autism ambassador" most of the time. My husband and I both have autism awareness bumper stickers on our cars, I am a co-leader of a local support group and I usually wear an autism awareness pin on my shirt. There are times however I just want to take my son somewhere that he can handle without having to do all the explaining just to have people not avoid us like we have the plague.
Scientology is such a weird 'religion' (I don't believe it is religion, because it was invented by a guy for the purpose of money making) that it makes it impossible to reconcile medical conditions with the teaching of Scientology.
I don't believe for a second that Travoltas didn't take good care of their son. I am sure they did everything possible and my heart goes out to them for their loss, but I have a big problem with Scientology and everyone who subscribes to it.
Agreed. But please remember that all religions are invented for the attractive money machines that they are.
Vatican owns more real estate worldwide than any other entity. Also the largest stockholder worldwide. The boys in their gilt encrusted abodes with closets filled with silk dresses and red velvet slippers (as well as each other) are living pretty high on the hog while the majority of their sheep in third world countries live in tin hovels, drink from contaminated waters, etc. etc.
Stay on point. This post is about Scientology's failure to permit treatment of autism possibly leading to such an unfortunate loss.
yes- lets forget that there is treatment for seizures which is a part of Autism and forget that sicons were the care- NOT QUALIFIED CARERS for a boy with autism and sizures who DIED as a result- oh poor pooor travs! how emabarressing- LYERS!!!! SICONS HATE autistics!!!!!
When my kid was first diagnosed, we looked at all sorts of "maybe it's this or that", mainly looking for a glimmer of hope that would insure a more typical future for him. Everyone is different, and deal with challenges in their own way. Many stars and athletes have children with this disorder, and are very vocal in support. I don't fault the Travolta's for dealing with it as they did...fact is, there is no proven medical treatment for autism; they just treated the other health issues that were also present, like we do with the asthma and etc...Hope they continue to find peace and closure as they struggle with the painful and tragic loss of their son.
One of the top pains that never go away in this world is losing someone so very close to you.
John, if you read this, I want you to know that I understand your loss. I am here for you as are millions of other fellow humans.
I encourage you to join any number of autism support groups where you will find other parents who are and have been through what you have gone through. I know through those connections you will be able to find the right kind of support that will help you heal and grow. And you will be an inspiration to others by sharing your story.
Chemicals are the culprit to most modern day illness!
Which chemical caused the current Swine Flu pandemic?
arsenic
so what was the culprit of preModernDay illnesses?
In my very humble opinion I think there is more than a single cause for autism. Some children like my son show signs of autism very soon after birth; the cause here may be genetics or pre-birth neurological poisoning/
Autism is a medical condition. Scientologists go to doctors and get treated for medical conditions just like anyone else. I know this because I am a doctor and I have many Scientologists as patients. There is no denial of the existence of mental illness. There is very strong disagreement with brutal "treatment" such as electric shock or lobotomy, as well as psychiatric drugs which have side effects such as suicide and suicide ideation.
Autism appears to respond to various therapies, including chelation of toxic metals, vitamins and dietary changes. UC Davis recently published a study that indicated autism must have an environmental component, as may Kawasaki syndrome. As intelligent and committed parents, I am sure that the Travoltas did everything medically for their son that was appropriate. Diagnosis is not always black and white.
Thank you Newtonsrevenge. You are absolutely right about everything in your post.
A heart attack is a heart attack. Black and white.
HIV? Black and white.
Scurvy? Black and white.
My awesome "Al Pacino Al Pacino Al Pacino" John Travolta knew what his son had. He said it. He admitted it. Scientology refuses to accept autism exists. If it doesn't exist it doesn't need to be treated.
We're talking black and white now, right?
Autism is definitely not "black and white." It is diagnosed behaviorally, not medically/
"Scientology refuses to accept autism exists"
Wher is your proof that Scientology doesn't think autism exists? Do you realize how dumb that sounds?
I believe the UC Davis study is on point; the exponential increase in the number of cases over the last few decades argues for an environmental component if not cause. It can't be explained away by genetics and heritable tendencies alone.
The UC Davis press release concluded that an environmental component is responsible for a rise if autism diagnoses. The study did not reach that conclusion. Furthermore, the study's author acknowledged the limitations of administrative data to determine an increase in incidence.
to dugmaze: John Travolta and Kelly Preston made their Faustian deal with fame long ago, when they became actors/celebrities. When you pose for as many magazine covers as the Travoltas have -- even "family mags like Good Housekeeping, McCalls, etc. - then they have given their "seal of approval" to letting the public come inside their lives. And when the public comes indies their lives, they also come inside the lives of their children. They've sat for photos shoots and talked to interviewers about their family. Sorry John and Kelly - you can't pick what the public knows. Unless you just stop making movies and disappear from public view. And turn down all press requests, which you clearly have not. No both ways, I'm afraid.
you know before Dean Ornish did his research, they all thought that cardiovascular disease was irreversible and he PROVED It is REVERSIBLE
I have an autistic grandchild and the parents of these children need so much more support than they are getting and the children need attention.
really? I would like to see this proof of reversing autism? Of course I have to ask: how much does it cost?
reverse it? no...preve
Jim, I really liked your post. I work with kids with special needs and I can really see that it would be so great for more advocates to talk about autism and what the possible causes are. Autism/aspergers (along with other disabilities like ADHD, learning disabilities etc.) is becoming frighteningly common.
I think we need to leave this family alone.
Absolutely agreed. Their child, their right to privacy, their right to not discuss their child's medical condition. With the public, with their friends. With whomever.
ditto
The Travoltas have suffered the devastating loss of their son. Let them grieve in their own way, in their own time. They are not required to become spokespeople for the autistic community, and they aren't required to share every detail of their son's condition with the world. It is simply none of our business.
They may choose to speak out in the future, but it is presumptuous and cruel to make demands on them because you think it's the right thing to do.
Think of the inspiration he could be to all the families living with autistic children?
Such a high profile advocate for research and a cure?
It is his public duty as a human being to use his fame to bring awareness and incredible public support to the issue of autism. It would also be an amazing way for him and his family to heal their hearts!
public duty?? What?
The travolta's chose to keep as much of their private life as PRIVATE as possible. Why do you think they have a public duty?? They have a choice to do with their lives what they CHOOSE to do. They chose to protect their children from public scrutiny. No fault there. We see everyday what the media can do to your life...giv
I pray for their strength to endure the loss of Jett. I pray that there are not many people who believe they have a duty to anyone other than themselves adn living children. I for one would definitely NOT like to see my son's privacy ripped away because of what I choose to do as a living.
jmo
Unless, of course he publically diagreed with your agenda...
I am reminded about movie stars who declined to "come out" about their child's autism. I knew that John Travolta and Kelly Preston's son Jett was autistic. I had hoped that they would come forward, and be the voice of autism, and give credibility to the need for research and awareness. "Look, this even happens to celebrities".
The Travoltas vehemently and publicly denied the autism diagnosis, claiming their son was a victim of Kawasaki Disease, due to inhaling carpet cleaning materials. Tragically Jett Travolta died last January, due to a complications from a seizure disorder.
According to reports the Travolta's devotion to Scientology prohibited admission of autism: "Scientology teaches that mental illness does not exist and teaches the problem should be resolved using "spiritual healing" rather than drugs."
This is a tough one for me. I have the utmost respect for the devastation of mental illness. It is an intangible, often helped by therapy and medication. However, and this is a huge caveat, autism hardly falls into a microcosm of Scientology diagnosis. There are neurological, biological, and genetic pieces to the autism spectrum. How does a religious group ascertain a medical degree?
Perhaps now is the time for John Travolta and Kelly Preston to donate their time and resources to autism awareness. They know all too well how autism can devastate a family. It is never too late to share his story for the good of mankind.
Robin Hausman Morris
http://www
As the parent of a child that suffered from seizures, I have never understood why Jett was taken off his seizure meds. Our son is now seizure free (thank God), 23 years old and a college graduate. When he read the story about Jett he was very angry at the Travoltas because they had taken him off his meds. There are many meds for this illness.
Then you know that seizure meds don't work forever. Your body builds up a tolerance and the meds no longer work. This happened with my nieces seizure medication, same medication that Jett took, and now they try different things, but what was once their answer is like water to Katie now.
Why be angry about something that is obviously NOT your business and certainly you would not know enough about Jett's case personally or the Travolta's handling of it, to have that kind of reaction.
Sheesh...h
autism is not a mental illness...
You're spewing false gossip. Please stop.
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