Toni Braxton claims that her 13-year-old son, Diezel, is no longer on the autism spectrum after many years of treatment and doctor’s visits.
The former R&B star said that her son, who had been diagnosed early and enrolled in a treatment program, has “no signs of autism” and is currently morphing into a “social butterfly.”
“My youngest son, everyone knows, suffers from, or I should say, suffered from autism,” she expressed during a sit-down on Thursday with Access Hollywood Live. “I am one of the lucky parents. Early diagnosis changes everything. I will tell you this. I will shout it from the rooftops. My son Diezel is off the spectrum.”
READ MORE: ‘The Bachelor’ reality-show franchise needs more diversity, says ABC prez
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDlyBZ6Jutl/?taken-by=tonibraxton
The Braxton Family Values star has been a very vocal advocate for autism awareness throughout her son’s struggle with the disorder.
Braxton partially gives credit for the cure to the help and influence of Susan Wright, a co-founder of Autism Speaks, who died on July 29.
“When she found out about my son, she called me immediately and said ‘Get him in this program. Do this, do that,’” Toni shared. “She’s been an advocate in helping me so much. I miss her already. I mean, I can’t believe she’s gone.”
READ MORE: Gwen Stefani talks Gavin Rossdale divorce: It was ‘months of torture’
Autism and autism spectrum disorder are terms that refer to a group of brain-development disorders, and symptoms can include intellectual disability, problems with social interactions and repetitive behaviours, among others.
Autism generally shows up around the ages of 2 or 3. The behaviours can be curbed with early diagnosis and the right treatment, allowing autistic individuals to manage their disabilities.
Spontaneous recovery from autism is rare, and there is not much documentation of cases where the patient suddenly stops displaying symptoms.
Autism is a disorder, not a disease the can be cured.
According to Autism Speaks, “Some children who no longer meet the criteria for a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder are later diagnosed with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorder or a relatively high-functioning form of autism such as Asperger Syndrome.”
READ MORE: Changes planned for Ontario’s autism treatment program, new minister says
In Braxton’s memoir, Unbreak My Heart, she stated that she initially believed that Diezel’s autism was a punishment from God after she aborted a previous pregnancy.
Toni Braxton is preparing for her upcoming Hits tour, which begins in Oakland, Calif., this October.
Braxton Family Values, a reality show about Braxton’s relationship with her family, airs Thursday nights on WE-TV.
Comments