Children with special needs can be born to anyone — this kind of situation is not a respecter of person.
Whether you’re poor, rich, handsome, beautiful or whatever social standing you have, giving birth to a child with special need can happen to you.
And to this end, celebrities are of no exception.
In fact there are several celebs who have children with down syndrome, epilepsy, autism, among other genetic disorders.
Today, we want to look at 12 of these celebrities who have children with special needs.
1. Sylvester Stallone
The popular actor has a son called Seargeoh who has autism. His condition was diagnosed at a very early stage.
Speaking on this, Stallone was quoted saying that “God and nature made him different. We have to accept Seargeoh the way he is and understand that his way is just more quiet and reserved.” Being accepting of your child is the most important thing you can do, we would argue.
2. John C. McGinley
John McGinley might not really qualify to be classified under A-list celebrities. However, he’s highly recognized for his work on Scrubs.
John is one of the most famous celebrity activists for Down syndrome.
His decision for activism is due to his son Max, who has the condition. John is an international spokesman for the Global Down syndrome Foundation, and a proud advocate for the Special Olympics’ campaign, titled “Spread the Word to End the Word.
3. Katie Price
Model and media personality, Katie Price has a son with special needs called Harvey. Harvey was born in 2002, and he was diagnosed with Prader–Willi syndrome.
This syndrome means that Harvey is hungry all the time, which makes maintaining a healthy weight difficult.
Prader–Willi syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes obesity, intellectual disability and shortness in height.
Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic disorder usually caused by deletion of a part of chromosome 15 passed down by the father.
The most common symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome are behavioural problems, intellectual disability and short stature. Hormonal symptoms include delayed puberty and constant hunger leading to obesity.
There is no cure for Prader-Willi syndrome but many patients will benefit from a supervised diet. Some symptoms can be treated with hormone therapy.
4. John Travolta
American actor John Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston don’t really love to talk about their child Jett because of the painful memory he left in their hearts.
Apparently, Jett was diagnosed with Autism, and when he was 16, suffered a seizure. He hit his head during this episode and passed away. This was a major tragedy for the family.
5. Toni Braxton
American singer Toni Braxton has a son with special needs called Diezel Ky Braxton-Lewis. Born on March 31, 2003, Diezel was diagnosed with Autism.
She explains that as a parent of an Autistic boy, she always felt there was something she could do differently.
But through this process, she learned nothing was wrong with her son at all — the diagnosis just is what it is. There’s no place for blame in this scenario.
In 2012 Braxton was named Global Autism Ambassador for Autism Speaks, widely lauded as the largest autism advocacy group in the nation.
6. Brian Littrell
Do you remember Brian Littrell? He was a member of Backstreet Boys — back in the days.
Well, he has a son Baylee who has Kawasaki disease, which can cause many heart issues in children. Brian has a heart condition himself, which may surprise you.
The Kawasaki disease is a condition that causes inflammation in the walls of some blood vessels in the body.
It’s most common in infants and young children.
Early stages include a rash and fever. Symptoms include high fever and peeling skin. In late stages, there may be inflammation of medium-sized blood vessels (vasculitis). It also affects lymph nodes, skin and mucous membranes, such as inside the mouth.
Kawasaki disease is usually treatable. Initial treatments include aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy given in a medical facility.
7. Jacqueline Laurita
This Real Housewives of New Jersey star has a son with autism. And she has openly disclosed this on a lot of platforms.
She doesn’t believe that people should be ashamed of their struggles, and instead should find strength in the support of others. Key advice here: don’t be afraid to ask for help!
8. Sarah Palin
The Former Governor of Alaska has a son called Trig. He has down syndrome. The politician has been of nothing but of great support to the young lad born in 2018.
She spoke about Trig when Rick Santorum paused his campaign, due to his daughter facing health troubles. Palin said: “Yes, we face extra fears and challenges, but our children are a blessing, and the rest of the world is missing out in not knowing this.”
9. Colin Farrell
The Irish actor might be the bad boy as we know him to be in Hollywood but he’s a caring father as well. He has a son with a genetic condition known as Angelman Syndrome.
This rare condition is a mental disability that leads to jerky movements.
Colin started working with the Katie Rose Foundation to feel less alone through this journey.
Angelman syndrome is a genetic disorder causing developmental disabilities and nerve-related symptoms.
Angelman syndrome usually isn’t detected until developmental delays become noticeable, usually when a baby is about six to 12 months old.
Symptoms include lack of crawling or babbling, minimal speech and frequent smiling and laughter.
Inability to walk, move or balance well (ataxia) is also a symptom.
Treatment includes anti-seizure medication and therapies to help manage medical and developmental concerns.
10. Joe Schneider
Joe is best-known for his acting work on Smallville but what people don’t know is that his son Chasen has Asperger’s. After his son was diagnosed, John became an avid advocate for children with Asperger’s and other types of Autism.
Asperger’s syndrome is a developmental disorder affecting ability to effectively socialise and communicate.
Asperger’s syndrome is a condition on the autism spectrum, with generally higher functioning.
People with this condition may be socially awkward and have an all-absorbing interest in specific topics.
Communication training and behavioural therapy can help people with the syndrome learn to socialise more successfully.
11. Jourdan Dunn
British model Jourdan Dunn seems to have a very perfect life infront of everyone. But the truth is just like everyone, she also has her personal struggles that she deals with in life.
Dunn’s beautiful boy Riley was diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia. This is a debilitating blood disorder that causes serious pain, and hinders development.
Today, she’s an ambassador for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, using her fame for good.
12. Jenny McCarthy
Jenny’s son, Evan, has autism. This actress has elicited very divided opinions due to her outspoken activism as an anti-vaxxer.
She instead supports alternative medical treatments for Evan’s condition.