"He does all the things I told him he wouldn't do."

Every brain is different! Some people are neurodivergent, meaning their brain processes, learns, or behaves differently to others. This means that they might have different strengths and face different challenges than others. There are no medical criteria to define neurodivergent. However, it covers many conditions, including Tourette syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and dyslexia.

A staggering 15 to 20% of the world's population has some form of neurodivergence. This means that millions of people are affected by the condition. Celebrities believe that it is important to openly discuss how neurodivergence affects them and their families. Some stars are neurodivergent, while others have children who are. These stars are open about their struggles and successes in raising neurodivergent children and they have celebrated their achievements.

Continue reading to see what these celebrities had to say about their children...

1. Jenny McCarthy

After several medical emergencies, Jenny McCarthy discovered that her son Evan was autistic at the age of two. Evan was diagnosed with autism after he suffered a seizure which caused his heartbeat to stop. Jenny has dedicated her entire life to advocacy for autistic children. Although Jenny has received some criticism for her controversial views on vaccines, Jenny claims she has helped her son reduce the effects of autism by strict diet changes, vitamins, and supplements.

Jenny claims that Evan is now "very independent", and she's happy to spend her time advocating on behalf of other families and children with autism.

2. Holly Robinson Peete

Holly Robinson Peete was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. She spent $500,000 over the next several years on treatments for RJ. They finally found the right treatment for RJ, and he has shown remarkable improvement. He was nine years old when he was accepted into a regular school. He was able to communicate fully with his family and friends.

Holly, now an adult, says that RJ is amazing. He is a Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse attendant and has his "dream job" as a member of a team full of friends.

When I look back, I see RJ, this young man with a job and 20 years old -- he is doing things I never thought he could. It's really hard to believe that he's made it this far. And I feel so blessed," Holly shared with People.

3. Rosie O'Donnell

Rosie O'Donnell's two-year-old daughter Dakota was diagnosed in 2016 with autism. She says she was afraid for her future. She says Dakota has changed her perspective about life as she has watched her grow up.

"With Dakota I am learning to be more compassionate than I have ever been. I have learned to listen and communicate with Dakota in a way that is different from my other children. I understand that there are people who are struggling. They don't know how to get through the next day. And I understand. I have been blessed with the feeling of vulnerability that comes from having an autistic child. She teaches me...Dakota’s autism forces you to see the world in a different way. It's like she's from another dimension... To be able see the world in the same way as her -- it's been an amazing magical experience for me. Rosie wrote, "I'm so glad that we have each other."

4. Caterina Scorsone

Pippa Scorsone, Caterina's daughter, was born with Down syndrome. She says she was terrified when she received the diagnosis. Pippa and her community of people with disabilities have changed her perspective over the years. She believes that the birth of a Down syndrome baby should be celebrated, not feared.

"There is no perfect, objective standard for human beings. These metrics of perfection can be arbitrary and applied only to those who meet them. My daughter is perfect. Just the way she is. Pippa is just as perfect as she is. You are perfect just as you are. Caterina stated that the only way to lose sight of this perfection is to search for it elsewhere.

5. Jacqueline Laurita

Jacqueline Laurita shared her story about Nicholas' autism diagnosis in 2012, while she was on "The Real Housewives of New Jersey." Although she admits it has been difficult to watch her son struggle with things that are easy for other children over the years, she is glad that she was able to share their journey with families who are going through similar challenges.

"What I have learned is that even though my child learns at a slower pace than other children, my child can still learn more. When Nicholas seems slow, I remind myself how far he's come since he began. That gives me hope for the future. Nicholas is brilliant and loving right now. Nicholas has an amazing memory, a great sense of humor, and a light that shines with love energy. He is a joy to our family and my life. Although it may not be the childhood I imagined, it was just as rewarding to see him grow, learn and improve. Every new word, every skill learned or attempted is celebrated by us! Jacqueline shared this on Instagram.

6. Colin Farrell

James Farrell, Colin's toddler son, was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome. The body's nervous systems are affected by the developmental disability. It can cause sleep problems, speech impairment, seizures, and movement problems. Colin said that James' diagnosis inspired him to become a better person. After a trip to rehab, he was able to witness James reach important milestones.

James finds it a bit more difficult to do things like walk, talk, eat, and feed himself. He has achieved everything in his life because he is a person who puts forth the effort and perseveres. Colin told People that he is a great inspiration.

7. Denise Richards

Eloise Richards was adopted by Denise Richards when she was a baby. However, it would be many years before the little girl was diagnosed as having a chromosomal condition. Denise said that Eloise was not reaching the typical milestones for babies when she realized there was something different. Denise states that Eloise, now 10, has had to deal with "a lot developmental delays" since being diagnosed with a deletion on chromosome 8. Eloise is currently on the "no roadmap" so Denise tells her she just takes it day by day.

"This is all that we know about her. We've grown together with her since she was a little baby. She's a sweet little angel, and the happiest little girls are the best," Denise told Parents.com. Denise also said that Eloise has a special bond with animals. "She communicates with our animals in different ways. It's so sweet and special to witness that kind of relationship.

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Title: These Stars Have Opened Up About Raising Children Who Are Neurodivergent
Sourced From: toofab.com/2022/12/03/these-stars-have-opened-up-about-raising-children-who-are-neurodivergent/
Published Date: Sat, 03 Dec 2022 16:07:23 +0000

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