Brittany Cartwright Shares Exclusive News About Her Son Cruz’s Autism Diagnosis at Age 3

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Brittany Cartwright recently opened up about her son Cruz, revealing that he is autistic and primarily nonverbal. This diagnosis came after a period in which Cruz, who turns 4 on April 12, ceased verbal communication shortly before his second birthday. The Valley star shared that she received the diagnosis in the fall, following her efforts to understand Cruz’s changing communication. Cartwright acknowledged the challenges in managing both Cruz’s condition and her ongoing divorce from Jax Taylor.

Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor observed their son Cruz as he achieved various developmental milestones early in life. “He crawled and walked ahead of schedule,” Cartwright recounted. “He was using words—calling me ‘Mommy,’ ‘Daddy,’ and even mimicking lines from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. However, as he approached his second birthday, we noticed a significant regression in his speech, leading to a near-complete loss of verbal communication.”

After recognizing these changes, Cartwright and Taylor promptly enrolled Cruz in speech and occupational therapy, which was a significant storyline during the initial season of Bravo’s The Valley last year.

Now, as Cruz approaches his fourth birthday, Cartwright is candid about his autism diagnosis. While Cruz remains largely nonverbal, she notes that he occasionally uses words, including “Mommy.” “It’s tough sometimes,” she expressed. “He has yet to say ‘I love you,’ but he shows his affection daily and is truly a ‘mommy’s boy.’

Cartwright received the official diagnosis from a developmental pediatrician before concluding the filming for the new season of The Valley, set to premiere on April 15. Although they had anticipated this diagnosis, hearing it confirmed from a medical professional brought a new level of reality to their situation.

Reflecting on her journey, Cartwright said, “Life will look different for us, but I believe I was meant to be his mom. He completes me and we are perfectly in tune with one another. Even though he can’t express every need verbally, I understand him deeply, which is remarkable.”

Before her interview with PEOPLE, Cartwright had only shared Cruz’s diagnosis with close family and friends. She crafted a heartfelt message to explain his condition, how they were navigating it, and her conviction that she was destined for this journey.

“While there are certainly challenges, I cannot imagine my life any other way,” she expressed. “It can be saddening at times to think about what I want him to experience, but he lives life beautifully on his own terms. It’s crucial for people to recognize that he sees the world in ways that are more vibrant and extraordinary than we can fathom. His potential is boundless, and he could accomplish remarkable things, like working at NASA.”

Currently, Cartwright is zeroing in on “early intervention,” emphasizing that this is a pivotal time for cognitive development. “I’m committed to providing him with the best opportunities for happiness,” she explained. “I feel fortunate to meet his needs and aim to share support with other mothers during similar journeys. I’ve learned so much over the years.”

At their Los Angeles home, Cruz enjoys a designated sensory room and recreational areas, including a swing set and pool. These spaces facilitate his varied activities, such as swinging, jumping on a trampoline, and swimming, all of which he alternates throughout the day. He continues to attend therapy sessions multiple times weekly and has a therapeutic companion in preschool to assist with social interactions.

Cartwright ensures that Cruz never misses classes or therapy, highlighting the importance of consistency in his care. “I’ve been fortunate to have incredible support, including a fantastic nanny who is practically family. Even when I have work commitments, I prioritize being present for Cruz’s therapy sessions to actively engage with his growth.”

The Netflix series Love on the Spectrum has brought additional hope to Cartwright regarding Cruz’s future. “The positive outlook and joy portrayed in that show inspire me,” she said. “If Cruz develops a joyful approach to life like those on the show, it will be a beautiful thing. I hope he finds love someday.”

On a personal level, Cartwright has been striving to prioritize her own needs amidst managing her son’s care and her recent separation from Taylor, which she announced in February 2024, filing for divorce later that August. “Caring for myself has been challenging,” she admitted. “Accepting help isn’t easy for me. My friends often remind me to carve out time for myself. Moving forward into 2025, my focus will be on self-care and health. Navigating this divorce has strengthened me, and everything I do is for Cruz.”

Ultimately, seeing Cruz thrive brings her immense pride. “I am incredibly proud of Cruz,” she stated. “He is the light of my life, continuously learning and growing. I strive to maintain a positive outlook, despite my own ups and downs. For his sake, I’m proud to stand strong.”

The new season of The Valley is set to debut on April 15 at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo.

Source
people.com