Are the Travoltas Ignoring Their Son's Autism?

Is Scientology preventing John Travolta and Kelly Preston from acknowledging their son, Jett, 14, has autism?

Reportedly, the Scientology couple will not publicly admit that their son is afflicted with this condition,  as it would label him a "degraded being" that brought his affliction onto himself, according to the doctrine of Scientology.

A Florida neighbor of John and Kelly's has stepped forward, claiming to be "disgusted" with the couple's behavior.

Hollywood Interrupted, who conducted the interview, has qualified their coverage of Jett's condition by stating:

"Rumors about Jett Travolta's disability have been floating around for years, but when no less than five sources (including a media rep from the Autism Society of America (ASA), an executive from Cure Autism Now, a major Hollywood producer and parent of an autistic child, and a Hollywood actor-parent) reported that Jett Travolta was afflicted did we decide to deliver this story. Scientology will not even recognize the disability, let alone the myriad therapies for treating it."

John and Kelly's neighbor, who has an autistic daughter, claims that when he asked John about treatment options John claimed that "we involve him in the arts" and then offered his neighbor a book on Scientology.

The neighbor also angrily claims:

"Jett does not speak at all. He has not even been taught how to communicate. They avoid taking him out in public. We struggle every week to pay for our daughter's therapy. How dare he ruin his own son's chances of recovering! We want to get the word out on this."

The couple has a well-known anti-psychiatry stance and have recently demonstrated their denial of Jett's condition by:

• Reportedly, turning down invitations to participate in autism fundraisers, and most recently refusing to participate in a local celebrity golf tournament if a connection to autism advocacy was promoted. The organizers of the charity tournament scheduled at the Golden Hills Country Club in November are alleged to have changed the billing from an autism event to the more generic "fundraiser for disabled children" to accommodate the star.

• Last year John's brother, Joey Travolta, even produced a documentary about autism, a film which John and Kelly chose not to promote. Additionally, they refused to attend the premiere, an event that was sponsored by the organization Cure Autism Now.

• The Cure Autism Now and Autism Society of America officials credited Sylvester Stallone and former pro football players Doug Flutie and Dan Marino as celebrity parents of children with autism that have helped raise awareness and reportedly share their frustration with what they perceive as Travolta's "denial" stemming from Scientology's rabid hatred of psychiatry.

The Travoltas have long blamed their son's disability on Kawasaki Syndrome-related "environmental toxins," specifically carpet cleaning chemicals.

I don't doubt that John and Kelly love their son and I'm sure that they are only doing what they think is best for him. But, I must admit these details are disturbing. And I wonder, why aren't they speaking out to defend themselves?

Source, Source, Source, Source

Comments

[Marilyn]

I don't know what their problem is. Is it Scientology, is it embarrassing for them to have a child with autism because they won't be perceived as a perfect family...are they in denial? I never really cared for them very much. Their son can't speak nor communicate? That's sad. Maybe they shouldn't have another baby.

[Tere]

That sounds really F'ed up.

What I find ironic is that Scientologists are so against psychiatry, yet Scientology itself is a kind of self-help/psychological thing. An insane, ludicrous self-help program, but one nonetheless...

[Kyla]

I don't know them. I don't know if the story is true, but if it is, it really is a shame. As a mom of a kiddo with delays, therapy is amazing. It could help so much and if they are denying there is a problem they are handicapping him further, not to mention the influence they could have in furthering the cause. I really hope it isn't true.

[Sils]

I kind of hope that it's not true, or rather that it's some warped interpretation of what is true. I want to believe that they just want to quietly deal with the autism as a family. You know, not everyone needs to be a poster child for a cause, maybe their family wants to deal with it quietly, with professionals, in an alternative-treatment kind of way.

I know, I know, and Santa and the Easter Bunny have brunch with the Tooth Fairy every Saturday.

[Karen]

This is a messed up situation. I feel sorry for Jett that parents who could afford the very best doctors and treatment sit by and do not help him. I find the neighbor as a source to be sketchy. Mainly for this quote "Jett does not speak at all. He has not even been taught how to communicate. They avoid taking him out in public. We struggle every week to pay for our daughter's therapy. How dare he ruin his own son's chances of recovering! We want to get the word out on this." Have you seen where the Travolta's live? I doubt any neighbor of theirs has trouble paying for medical treatment.

[ahmielyn]

The part that throws me for a loop is how the neighbor says that they "struggle" every week with the expense of their child's therapy, and yet they are neighbors of the Travoltas? Have you seen where the Travoltas live? And their "neighbors" are struggling with therapy payments? That one little detail makes me doubt the entire store, or at least leads me to believe it is exaggerated.

[ahmielyn]

omg, Karen and I wrote almost the exact same comment at the exact same time. Jinx, Karen!

[The Ween]

For cryin out loud...

The Travolta's aren't fooling anyone! Everyone in Hollywood knows that big Daddy John is as queer as a three dollar bill and Kelly is his beard...Hiding behind the Scientology curtain isn't doing anyone in their family any good - Poor kids! A few years ago, they did acknowledge some sort of disability with Jett - Kawasaki Syndrome - After that, there really hasn't been any pictures of him in public with the fam - only pics of John, Kelly & Ella.. I feel sorry for the kids -The parents are clearly irresponsible. Money doesn't buy smarts...

[lola]

Thank you for bringing attention to this!
I have been wondering when people would start noticing and talking about them ignoring their sons condition.
I can't believe that John and Kelly have been able to hide from this for so long.

[Christina]

Karen and Sils... The Travolta's have a home in Ocala, Florida that they do spend a lot of time at... My grandparents live in ocala and i know not a lot of people have money. Actually im surprised they have a house there. Its really a retired community mostly... But most of the people there are a bit on the nosy side. I can def see a neighbor having problems paying for help and knowing this info....

[flower girl]

I read parts of this story somewhere else but the sources were different. ??? Instead of it being a neighbor who was offered a book and claimed they couldn't pay for their child's treatment it was a restaraunt owner who approached Travolta while he dined.

[madison]

The source does seem sketchy. It is true though that Jett is rarely seen in public yet they are out all the time with their daughter. And I'm not a doctor but I don't think Kawasaki is an on-going disease. I think toddlers/preschoolers are affected, treated and then done with it. Something is clearly amiss with this boy. I really hope they are doing what they can to help him.

[Lena]

Flower girl - the neighbor is a restaurant owner. The story leads me to believe that he is not a NEXT DOOR neighbor, but rather a neighbor in the small town of Ocala.

The most credible part of this story for me is the fact that officials for autism organizations and John's own brother are calling them out.

Also? I agree that they do not need to be poster children for a cause, but why not squash these rumors for their son who is at a very impressionable age?

Or proudly admit he has the condition and help others feel that they're in good company.

Lastly - John is totally gay. Don't MAKE me get the kissing picture out.

[Tim]

We already know that Travolta flies his own Boeing 707 - to work. Yeah, that's what I said, he commutes from Florida where he lives to Hollywood by 707. DAILY, when necessitated by his schedule! One Captain, maybe 1 or 2 crew, no passengers at all.

Isn't that a waste of gas? With all those extra seats, he doesn't even jetpool.

He's nuts, all right.

[karey]

My son has Aspergers, which is most easily defined as high-functioning austism. First of all, the number of kids afflicted by austism/Aspergers has skyrocketed in the last 30 years. Part of this is due to increased recognition of symptoms and acceptance by the medical community. However, this alone does not explain the huge increase. This disorder is far, far less common in other countries. Why? Well, first of all, we are exposing our kids to hoardes of disgusting food products which are loaded up with so many chemicals that they should not even be available for sale. Other countries do not stuff "fruit" snacks, McDonalds, and Cheetos down their kids throats in the name of convenience. Secondly, the mere exposure of all the chemicals in our country is staggering. My son went through 4 different medications all with terrible results. My normally happy and sunny dispositioned child became angry, depressed, and was unable to sleep. These medications have been proven to cause depression in some children, and are also able to give your child a heart attack since they are stimulants. Most people don't realize that the drug they give their child is essentially street speed. The so-called experts claim they are safe . . . the same "experts" claim mercury fillings are safe too (hmmm . . .mercury is so "safe" that a school would need to be evacuated if a thermometer broke there). My recommendation for any parent trying to help their autistic child is to explore non-drug options first. The things that have worked for us: 1)chiropractic care, 2)occupational therapy, 3) music therapy, 4) a diet containing no artifical ANYTHING (if a food doesn't rot, you should not be eating it!), and 5)limiting dairly (cows milk is meant for baby cows, not people), and 6) fish oil containing Omega 3's and 6's daily. My son is in a school for children with learning differences and does well with a small class, 4:1 student/teacher ratio, in school speech and occupational therapy, and follow-up at home. Please don't assume the Travolta's are doing nothing. Many children with Autism will never, ever speak and some may not even be able to work out a hand signal language. Without knowing them and their child, everyone should chalk this up to gossip. Another suggestion is to take your child to a environmental allergist - our son is allergic to things like Windex and propane on top of mold, dander, and pollen. Keeping these things away from him makes an enormous difference - I wish I could show you the difference in his handwriting when he is in a allergy-safe environment vs. sitting at a table that was just cleaned with Windex. If anything, we should be learning from the Travoltas. By the way, I am not a scientologist and happen to think most of that way of thinking is completely crazy.

[Pearson]

I can GUARANTEE you that Scientology does NOT discriminate against people with Autism. That's just not true! I'm sure the Travolta's love their son very much and are doing everything they can for him.

[Jody]

Karey,

are you a proffessional with a specialty in autisim? Having a child with autisim may make you well informed but it does not give you the right to give out 'professional' advice to parents, leave that to a professional.

Back to the original posting, if it's trus that's a real shame.

[Shmoo]

Jody, professional health care providers regularly and sysematically advise clients to seek the support of others in similar health situations. Hospitals and clinics provide contact information of support groups and mentors from the public. Even boards and focus groups have members representing the public. In fact, this is usually this is a requirement. Health organizations routinely advise practitioners, including ER staff and community nurses that families are often experts in their own health and can be the greatest resource when planning and implementing care. Families and individuals are increasingly taking responsibility for their own health. Karey has done nothing unethical, rather, she has simply shared her own family's story, and her son's successes.

[Sophie]

"Other countries do not stuff "fruit" snacks"
What do you mean by this? Fruit is good! Please answer I don't understand. Perhaps you meant fruit with pesticides?

Sophie

[Jody]

Schmoo,

Karey's opinion is her own, which is completely fine, but it is irresponsible to be so judgmental regarding a link between food and autisim, especially her difference with dairy milk. Some parents may read this and have false hope. You should not self medicate yourself regarding physical health problems and mental health problems.

[jean]

these scientologists are all crazy. its a cult. tom cruise needs a psychiatric ward; i believe he is warping the minds of everyone around to be part of this cult. the travoltas are being abusive to their child if they dont do anything to try to make his life more comfortable and try to get him to live as normal a life as possible. they need to put their child first not this crazy thing they call a religion.

[gail]

if he has autism he needs help my best friends son has it. hes come on leaps and bounds with all the help hes been given its somthing you cant ignore

[Sarah]

I totally agree with a lot of what Karey said. There is a book that recently came out by Karyn Seroussi and Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., Director, Autism Research Institute called Unraveling the Mystery of Autism...
It explains that on the forefront of research they are finding more and more that autism and similar disorders are being caused by severe allergies to chemicals in our foods and environment. Also, a black, tar-like toxic substance is being found in the colons of autistic children; furthur evidence that it may be diet related. And Sophie, I think Karen was talking about artificial "Fruit Snacks". And Jody, I think that if you were in the same situation, you would be seeking advice from other parents who have more experience than you, and eager to share your advice once you've had successes. I don't think the Travoltas are dismissing their child's illness. I think they are keeping up with the newest discoveries in science and treating their son in the way that they see fit.

[Sarah]

I totally agree with a lot of what Karey said. There is a book that recently came out by Karyn Seroussi and Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., Director, Autism Research Institute called Unraveling the Mystery of Autism...
It explains that on the forefront of research they are finding more and more that autism and similar disorders are being caused by severe allergies to chemicals in our foods and environment. Also, a black, tar-like toxic substance is being found in the colons of autistic children; furthur evidence that it may be diet related. And Sophie, I think Karen was talking about artificial "Fruit Snacks". And Jody, I think that if you were in the same situation, you would be seeking advice from other parents who have more experience than you, and eager to share your advice once you've had successes. I don't think the Travoltas are dismissing their child's illness. I think they are keeping up with the newest discoveries in science and treating their son in the way that they see fit.

[karey]

Hi to everyone,

My post seems to have raised some concerns, so I do hope to clear things up now. Sophie, I meant the artifical gummy fruit snacks found in the supermarket (usually found by products like fruit-by-the-foot and that sort of thing). I love fresh fruit, and my children eat that in abundance (organic if possible). I re-read what I wrote about fruit and it is confusing, so I apologize for that. Jody made a couple of remarks I would like to respond to: 1)Yes, I do have a masters in behavioral studies and I currently work with my school districts' office of special education services. Prior to that, I worked for seven years at a school for spectrum (austistc) children. I have daily interaction with autistic children (besides my own son). Am I doctor? No. Am I intimately familiar with the DSM (diagnostic manual for disorders)? Yes. If you do your homework Jody, you will discover that any particular developmental diagnosis is only as good as 1)the criteria listed in the DSM and 2)the healthcare provider interpreting it. At my sons' neuropsychological evaluation, the doctor flat out told me that my sons' diagnosis was no more than a "moment in time." My son has been give 5 separate diagnoses as a result of 5 different evaluations. I believe parents know their own child better than anyone else, and my post is to help other parents like me who have exhausted all their "professional" options. Everyone who sees my son says he does not neatly fit into any one category. He is hardly unique in that. I am sharing our story (and the story of countless other families I have worked with) in an effort to raise awareness. If you have experience in this, I apologize . . . but otherwise, I think you ought to keep non-supportive comments to posts that are meant to hurt, not help.

2)The comment about dairy? Cows' milk and goats' milk are meant for baby cows and baby goats, respectively. For some reason, people balk at the idea of buying human breastmilk for their infants but don't always question a cows milk. Most milk on the market is laden with unnatural hormones and antibiotics. Several studies have shown the additives to animal meat and milk can impact your child - the average onset of a girls' period is now a few years earlier, and the hormones are being blamed in well-published studies. Many parents think their child need to consume dairy products, but they do not. Vitamins A and D are present in many other foods, as is calcium. If your child tolerates dairy, then it can be a positive addition to a healthy diet . .. especially if you can buy it in organic form. One last point on the subject of milk is that half the infants I know are on Pepcid or another antacid for reflux - the first thing a pediatrician recommends for a breatfed infant with reflux is that the mother stop consuming dairy. I am not giving anyone false hope . . . I am stating what happened to us and what helped fix it. I am stating that before you load your child up with unnatural substances and chemicals, you may want to look into a few other things. Miracle medications are few and far between, and our environment needs to be heavily considered in relation to the drastic increase in the number of autistic children.

3) Nowhere in my post did I state that I was dispensing "professional" advice. Please re-read and look at the language used, i.e.: "What worked for us was. . ." and "you might want to consider . . . "
The fact is, nobody knows what causes autism. So, looking into non-invasive and non-drug solutions is completely valid. I also speak from first-hand experience.

For anyone who wants to read more about chemical sensitivity, there is a fabulous book called "Is This Your Child?" by Dr. Doris Rapp. This book is how we got the idea to look at our sons' handwriting in a allergy-safe environment vs. one with a toxin. There is also a good website: http://www.ehcd.com.

Jody, you say I am telling people to "self-medicate" and that I was being "judgmental" about dairy . . . I am not sure you read my post thouroughly; the entire thing is about looking into other solutions before medication (or, after, if the meds don't help). I didn't know it was possible to discriminate against food, but the truth is that milk and dairy have been PROVEN to cause many issues in sensitive individuals. Dairy in general increases your body's mucuous supply, which can create a whole slew of maladies if you are pre-disposed.

OK, signing off now. I greatly appreciate the support I received in response to my post. Just like the Travoltas', my son nearly died from exposure to chemicals (their son had an issue with carpet cleaners, our had an issue with a pesticide). This is real. Had I not found these answers, who knows where we would be today. Thank goodness for the internet where I found so many of our answers and help. Although I am in this field, I do belong to a support group. Nobody knows what your struggle is like better than somebody in the same position. Our experience is our experience - I told it today because I think it is important to be heard. I hoped I helped someone out there in cyberspace.

[Shmoo]

Jody, I do not see where Karey is "self-medicating". She is relating her family's experience with healthy eating and reduction in exposure to chemical. Self -medicating is when a patient uses a chemical substance, for example, alcohol, over-the-counter, or illicit drugs. Regardless of the use of perscribed medication, healthy eating and reduction in exposure to potential carcinogens would do anybody good. I am not taking a stand on one side or another regarding treatments for autism. I am defending Karey for sharing her positive and potentially helpfull story. Every reader remains responsible for their own health care choices.

[Lauren]

I've met Doug Flutie several times (I used to take dance lessons and go to school with his daughter), and I've met his son, Dougie, who is autistic. Doug has been and still is extremely involved in and devoted to campaigning for autism awareness and even has his own charity, the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, to help families who can't pay for therapies, etc. for their autistic kids get the help they need. I look at him and all he does, and it makes me absolutely furious at John Travolta for abusing his son by ignoring his needs and pretending that he isn't part of the family. For those who wondered what Scientologists think of people with disorders such as autism, they believe that disorder and will have to cure himself (according to a former Scientologist). Therefore, they refused to give Jett the early intervention and therapies that are crucial to helping autistic children deal with their disorder. They are pathetic excuses for parents, and until they decide to be responsible and stop denying their son the help he deserves, I will not be seeing any of their movies.

[Lauren]

Sorry, I meant to say "they believe that Jett's disorder makes him an inferior being and he will have to cure himself."

[JP]

As a representative of the dairy industry, I am qualified to say that there is no milk available in a retail store, whether organic or conventionally produced, that contains artificial hormones or antibiotics. All milk is tested, up to 17 times from the farm to the store, for antibiotics and if it's not perfect, it's pitched. As for the artificial hormones, there is a synthetic hormone on the market that farmers can use as a management tool. The artificial hormone is given to the cow and is not added to the milk. There is no difference between milk from cows supplemented with the artificial hormone and those not treated. Plus, that hormone, whether natural or artificial, is processed through the human body as a protein and is not absorbed, therefore it has no affect on human body function.

[JP]

Oh, and I would like to believe that the Travoltas are taking care of their son with class and not using whatever ails him as a vehicle to increase their star power. I admire Doug Flutie (do they still make Flutie Flakes?) and Dan Marino for their work, but not everyone wants to deal with personal issues in the spotlight. It's kind of like the question that was posed a while ago on MamaPop about making fun of children of celebrities. Jett may be getting treatment, but John & Kelly may be keeping it private because they don't want their challenged son mocked in the media. Because we all know people are mean.

[karey]

JP,

Thanks for your input. I too keep my son shielded in our community because it is his choice to tell the people he wants. I would not have dreamed of saying where we live, my sons' name, or his age in my posts.

As for the milk issue, I respect your views but can't say I agree with them. A nursing mother is advised to not take medications because the medicine can indeed pass into her breastmilk (just like medications can be passed through the placenta). Whether a food is processed as a protein or not, if it passes through the body and can definitely affect human function.

I know a child who has an extremely rare disorder (called Urea Cycle Disorder) that prevents her body from breaking down protein properly. Protein does not just go right on through your stomach and out your colon. It is broken down by your enzymes and is filtered through your liver. Long story short, hormones can be absorbed.

Not trying to pick a fight here either JP . . . just want to let people know that if they don't want to use meds (or have had bad reactions to meds), there are other things to look at.

Remember, our government doesn't have the best track record of being completely honest about side effects of additives, medications, etc. Pharmaceutical companies (and, I am sure, dairy companies) are financially motivated; I just don't think I can believe that something you put in your mouth won't affect you; and I also can't believe that hormones don't pass into cows' milk (they most certainly show in urine, which is another secretion).

Thanks.

[bex]

Kawasaki syndrome: I have a student in my class with it and it manifested itself with an annoying rash, but that is it. She is otherwise doing great. Now the rash is gone and supposedly the syndrome does not drag on for many years. Seems like that can;t be Jett's problem...

[barb]

Maybe they're not speaking out to defend themselves because it's NONE OF ANYONE'S BUSINESS.

[nicole]

One reason, why they keep him from public events could also be, that it´s just too overwhelming for a kid with autism. Even if he is on the high functioning side (and he could be less) unfamiliar environments (like for example a movie premiere) can confuse and upset an autist. It does not necessarily mean they´re ashamed of him.
I just hope the best for the kid.

[nic]

Seems like their neighbor is jealous of the money they have. Is the neighbor interested in helping Jett or just pissed off he doesn't have the cash tehy have. Seems like everyone wants a piece of them for thier own selfish reasons. I'm sure the Travoltas have found a way that works for them. Who is anyone to judge, especially since their is still so little known about autism. Maybe the family decided they did want to go the way everyone else decides to go in treating this and how the heck do we really know it's autism? Autism is still such an unknown, how can someone who has nevr examined know for sure what it is?

[Gloria]

To the person who says that milk in grocery stores is tested for antibiotics-- yes, it's tested for a certain level of antibiotics. But farmers give cows antibiotics like crazy, that's a well-documented fact, so any cow's milk will have antibiotics.

Some people say that their kids need calcium. No one drinks cow's milk in Africa. Do they have osteoperosis or brittle bones? No, they don't, and they don't have calcium deficiencies, either. Milk has a huge amount of saturated fat and is very unhealthy. You're better off drinking juice and taking vitamin supplements or eating fruit and veggies... or maybe taking soy milk instead.

[Katherine]

Kawasaki syndrome? My sister had it at the age of three and almost died. Her hair fell out in chunks, her fingernails fell off and her skin turned yellow. All this was accompanied by a high fever. High fevers can to terrible things to the brain. I think it is great you know someone with just a rash and is fine. I almost lost my sister and she still has health issues that she deals with as a result of the Kawasaki syndrome. I am not a fan of scientology(to put it mildly) but no one knows what goes on in someone else's life, no matter how much we may think we do.

[Hannah]

Btw, Jett is 15 years old, not 14

[Sarah]

Gloria, I was interested at one time in using soy products for a healthy diet substitute. In my research, I found that soy is healthy on occasion, but when used daily for a prolonged amount of time it has shown to cause fertility issues in males and females. As infertility is on the rise in the upcoming generation of people who were given soy formula as infants and then soymilk as children (as well as in celebrities who may have partaken in the "soy boom" of recent decades), it would be wise to research before using this as an alternative source of calcium. I do agree that many vegetables are great sources of calcium.

[Maryjane]

Do you know what a meltdown is? maybe they should just go on the cover of people magazine and say my son Jett is autistic and spill his guts out. would that make everyone happy??

[Florence]

Plenty of other celebrities talk about and bring awareness of their childrens disabilities, and I don't think it is a bad thing at all, I never see the children being exploited, just the parents talking about issues, and to bring awareness for any illness is a good thing. The legacy from Christopher Reeves has helped so many people.
My nephew is autisic, yes it is very normal for parents not to believe it at first and try to find some thing else to blame it on, but it is normal to move on and accept lifes problems and to deal with them, My nephew is 22 years old now and still having treatment but has finished school and has one more year of uni to complete, yes it has been hard work for them but parents will do anything for a child even several years of speach therapy, and other therapies, they have all be worth it to see this beautiful young man live his life to the fullest.
I was talking to my brother about Jet and he has said many people talk about him and they all say it is now to late for Jet to get any bennifit from treatment this late in his development. now that is sad.

[Me]

Dont any of you people have anything better to do than to sit and cackle like gossiping hens? Nobody knows what goes on in their homes but them, and the poeple around them. Each child is different and responds to therapies differently. If the article is true- it is up to child welfare services to cunduct an investigation, and then, decide if the child is being neglected. Otherwise let people who are dealing with their own child's problems handle this in their own way. Im sure they dont need any libel to make their lives easier

[unbelievable]

Does anyone know if there is on ounce of truth to anything that was said in the article. I met John. Great guy. Unless you have talked to John, Kelly or Jett about this then you really know nothing about this at all. Even the neighbor is just guessing and giving her viewpoint. You guys know just one thing YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS!

[unbelievable]

Does anyone know if there is on ounce of truth to anything that was said in the article. I met John. Great guy. Unless you have talked to John, Kelly or Jett about this then you really know nothing about this at all. Even the neighbor is just guessing and giving her viewpoint. You guys know just one thing YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS!