Celebrity Parents Share Inspiring Quotes on Raising Kids with Autism
Jenni “JWowww Farley”, Sylvester Stallone and Toni Braxton
These celebrities and many more have opened up and sharing words of wisdom about the ups and downs of raising a child with autism:
"I want to send love to all the beautiful children with autism and all the wonderful people who love them. May we all shine and grant love and learn to respect children with special needs.” says Kelly Preston in a 2019 Instagram tribute to her and to Jett, John Travolta's late son.
“I have a 14-year-old son named Aidan which is severely autistic and requires total care. He needs complete assistance in meeting all needs in activities of daily living. Aidan is non-verbal, requires feeding, changing (he is not potty trained), bathing, and one-to-one supervision, as he has no safety awareness. I’m his mother and I’ve been his only care provider. This ‘job’ is my life, other than caring for 13 other children singlehandedly. My children are my LIFE”, says Nadya Suleman which the California native got a 2019 social media upload.
"I don’t like to think people with autism as a disability, I like to think of it as different way of thinking or perceiving. I felt my job was to try to observe everything on some level through my daughter's eyes so I could understand what it feels like to walk in her shoes”, said Gary Cole to Today in 2005.
“I come from a very religious family, so I was ashamed when I had an abortion in 2001, but when I found out that my youngest son was diagnosed with autism I was scared that I was being punished for my earlier actions, but I have realized that my son is special and learns in a different and unique way” said Toni Braxton, the Unbreak My Heart author, to the Us in 2014.
"My heart was hurting so bad for the both of us when her son was asked to leave a library for making noises. The day before he actually had such a great experience there. I wish everyone understood #Autism. We have to go back and educate them!”, said Jacqueline Laurita, the Real Housewives of New Jersey alum, via Instagram in April 2018.
“I use my films to have premieres that raise money for the fund. I believe that any success in life is created by going into a place with a blind, furious optimism. I am not the richest, smartest or most talented person in the world, but I do succeed because I just keep going and going and going”, says Sylvester Stallone to the Us.
"Our symbol for Micah’s Voice is a smile. In the middle of all the things that parents go through with their children, we really want to give them a sense of hope, that everything can get better if you do the right thing by your respective child or children. Our lifelong mission is to help other parents to give their child a shot at just a normal life”, says Shawn Stockman to Everyday Health in 2013. The Boyz II Men member started the organization Micah's Voice in honor of his son.
We know it isn’t always easy, but sometimes it’s good to know you’re not alone on this journey. We hope these quotes inspire you, showing you that you’re not alone and that there are plenty of resources available that can be used to help you and your kids improve your daily lives.