Following the disclosure of her son’s autism condition, actress Brittany Cartwright has responded to the contentious assertions made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about the syndrome. Cartwright, a prominent figure from ‘The Valley’, is the mother of 4-year-old Cruz, whose father is her former partner, Jax Taylor. She expressed her mixed emotions about the conversation around autism being brought into the spotlight. While she appreciated the increased awareness, she voiced her dismay at some of the remarks made by the former Health and Human Services Secretary under the Trump administration relating to this neurological disorder.
During a press briefing on April 16, he remarked that autism ‘destroys families’. This statement, in particular, disturbed Cartwright. She criticized his speech, asserting that the range of abilities and characteristics within the autism spectrum is vast and varied, and it is misleading to make such generalized comments about those living with the condition.
Kennedy’s comments were a response to the recent findings by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which reveal an increase in the prevalence of autism among children in the United States. Kennedy highlighted tragically pessimistic prospects for children with autism, saying these individuals would ‘never be able to secure employment, never participate in a baseball game, never compose a piece of poetry, never venture out on a date, and never utilize a toilet without assistance’.
The 36-year-old actress countered that she feels there is a lot to learn from her autistic son. For the past quarter-century, she’s been navigating this journey with her child. She maintains a positive outlook and champions the cause of autism, encouraging understanding and acceptance.
Cartwright gave insight into her decision to publicly discuss her son’s diagnosis. She felt the need to address her son’s condition, especially in anticipation of their upcoming TV show. She understood that it would be evident to viewers that Cruz, despite his age, is non-verbal. She felt it was her duty to broach the topic.
Similar to Cartwright, Rosie O’Donnell criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his fallacious remarks about individuals living with autism. His points were largely considered baseless and lacked a true understanding of the wide-ranging abilities of those on the autism spectrum.
On April 16, Kennedy held a press conference to discuss a recent CDC study. The findings revealed that 1 in 31 kids in the United States had been diagnosed with autism by the time they turned eight in 2022. In this meeting, Kennedy further reinforced his argument that autism ‘destroys families’ and reiterated his claim that autistic individuals are incapable of certain activities, such as participating in sports like baseball.
Brittany Cartwright, in response, expressed a determination to be a positive advocate for similar families dealing with autism. She wants to be a source of hope and encouragement to others facing similar circumstances, cherishing her son Cruz as ‘the most beautiful thing in the world’.
After Cartwright publicized Cruz’s diagnosis, Jax Taylor, her former partner and Cruz’s father, reflected on their family’s journey so far. He expressed his pride and affection towards his son, the ‘precious, beautiful boy’. He acknowledged the subsequent challenges that may arise, committing to be an unwavering supporter and cheerleader for his child.
Despite the controversy surrounding Kennedy’s statements on autism, the situation has ultimately raised awareness and provoked discussion about the disorder. As evidenced by the experiences of individuals like Cartwright, the narrative that autism ‘destroys families’ is far from a universal truth. Instead, many families adapt, persevere, and find joy in their unique circumstances.
Autism, a developmental condition affecting social interaction and communication, is incredibly diverse in its manifestation. The statements made, generalizing the capabilities of individuals on the autism spectrum, fail to reflect this variety. Both Brittany Cartwright and Rosie O’Donnell have objected to this portrayal, reinforcing the importance of understanding and respecting the broad autism spectrum.