August 22, 2012 9:45 am People…
Chris and Jacqueline Laurita…
Jacqueline Laurita had tried for years to have another baby, so when she finally welcomed son Nicholas three years ago, the proud mom celebrated his every achievement.
But then, at around 18 months old, Nicholas began regressing with his speech and motor skills, then refusing to answer to his name or notice people enter a room.
“We had no idea what was going on,” the Real Housewives of New Jersey star, who hid her son’s medical issues from the reality cameras as she continued taping season 4 last year, tells PEOPLE exclusively.
After an agonizing wait to see multiple doctors, the Lauritas got a diagnosis: Nicholas is autistic.
“I worry about him being independent when he’s older,” admits Jacqueline, who is also mom to Ashlee, 21, and C.J., 10. “I spend all my time researching what we can do for him.”
Adds her husband Chris: “You never want to think that your child isn’t perfectly healthy. We didn’t want to believe it was true.”
NOTE: Pointed out yesterday on SH was this quote from Albie Manzo re helping a mother with an autistic child with his black water stuff:
“…Manzo admits he was skeptical of the claims at first and he doesn’t quite understand the science, but the more he drinks it — he downs a bottle a day — and the more he hears from satisfied customers, the more he believes in blk.
One case in particular, he told Patch, has really assured him of the product’s potential: A mother gave her autistic son blk. to drink, thinking its unique color might get him drinking more water. The boy not only drank it, he loved it, but the amazing part, he started behaving. The mother reached out to Albie, shocked, who sent her two more cases to try. Her son is stimming less and listening and following directions more. The difference, she told Manzo, is unbelievable. “
As a mother of an autistic child, I DO hope that they include this in the show in future seasons. Too few people understand what autism is or the reality of what each family goes through when a diagnosis happens.
There reaction or how they deal with it, will be nothing autistic parents would benefit from. Bravo has never helped bring a positive light to anything – Autistic parents would not learn anything, and it will just be another angle for Bravo to promote. It is a little frightening that any faith would be put in Bravo or Jax on how to handle this properly and to benefit the cause of autism
I agree with you 100%. I am not a mother of an autisic child but we do have an autistic child in the family.
Do you think Bravo is the appropriate venue to highlight the challenges of raising a child with autism–with their fake set up scenarios for maximum dramatic effect and the disgusting antics of the people on the show? I would be very uncomfortable watching Jacqueline in one scene having a drunken hissy fit over Teresa and then in the next assuming the role of advocate for her special needs child. I don’t feel that Bravo would handle it with the necessary respect and dignity.
As an aside, I know it is not “real”, but what do you think of the portrayal of the family with the son with Asperger’s on the TV show ‘Parenthood’?
I was hoping Jax would come back without Caroline. Now I would rather she not be asked back and instead get their own show on TLC. I think it would be great for the viewers to show the steps parents have to take to help their child minus the useless drama overshadowing a very important issue. People who truely want to watch to see their family deal with this diagnosis will stay away from watching because of Caroline’s big mouth in the scene and Melissa’s BS in the next. The viewers have watched this family prior to Nicholas’ birth, so the uneducated viewers can see the struggles and how it effects the family’s everyday life. Everyone would get to know what Nicholas. It will be an informative documentary style show not a hate fest.
Look into the eyes of both kids and look at daddy Chris.Something not right.Look at uncle Jamie’s eyes.There is an emptiness in all 4 eyes.Albie has or had his own learning abilities too.Runs in the Chuckie’s side of the familyThe show is their mainsource of income but a high price to pay for exposing all your skeletons.Kids are now being dragged into the storylines.Bravo is beyound sick when it comes to making $$.
I will say Chris has those dark circles under his eyes and I’ve always wondered if that was a sign something was wrong in his diet or something.
Why is the asian nanny posing with baby Nicholas and not Jax??….oooooh wait…that is Jax.
I really had to look at that picture good, I think it’s Jac but she look’s Asian. IDK.
LOL!!
OK I have to mention this…on one of Jac’s blogs (the one where she talked about writing a beauty book with the 20 years worth info she keeps in binders), she said that now that Nicholas will be in preschool, she will have time to focus in all her “projects.” WTF????
I agree! I feel very bad if that’s true. But she might be doing this to get people to feel sorry for her and next she will be writing a book. If that was my child I would keep it out of the press and do the best I could for him . My cousin is autistic and his parents did amazing things with him by getting him all the help they could get or fight for.
That’s exactly what you have to do.
Maybe it’s a special program preschool? (I have no idea, just throwing it out there.)
That makes total sense. Socialization is necessary!! Depending where he falls on the spectrum it could do a world of wonders!
All school districts in NJ offer services for disabled preschoolers. There is also early inervention services until age three when the child becomes eligible for services thru the school district. Contact your local school district’s Special Services office for more information.
Zoe, I have a nephew that is Autistic and he goes to pre-school. He is in a special class, but in a regular per-school. The government also has programs that help children with Autistism. You appear to be a nice person. It appears that most of the commenters on this site hate Jacqueline and are having a good time making fun of her child with this illness. This illness is hard on the child and the partents, sibling, and other family members.
I don’t agree with your characterization of most of the commenters on here making fun of Jokequeline’s special needs child.
BobCat: There is NO ONE making fun of BubbaJax’ child. You may want to read the comments. Bashing children are off limits… but bashing BubbaJax for this “perfectly timed” announcement is open to all! TFC!! SH
Yes early intervention programs are crucial and I’m sure he’ll need speech therapy and help with motor skills. Really depends on where he is at. Some children have difficulties eating solid foods too and chewing. So good they are getting him in school where his special needs can be given the attention they need.
I agree too, She says Nicholas was diagnosed during the taping of Season 4, which is currently airing., That was a year ago Right, Its just hard believe that she never mentioned anything all this time, And It said somewhere “Laurita is opening up about a secret the show’s producers have kept entirely off-camera” Interesting that she would get that special attention, Teresa begged Producers not to air The phone call video, Which is a totally heart wrenching, devastating, embarrassing moment in her life, but it was aired, I’m sorry i just wonder if she is being truthful, I hope I’m wrong but the timing with this just seems odd and the fact that Jacqueline cant keep her mouth shut about anything on twitter, but nothing said and she has known since he was 18 months that something was off, And was diagnosed during taping season 4, So does that’s means she has known for over a year? So why now is my question…What changed that she is ok talking about it now!!!
I wonder if someone found out and was going to release it or maybe she was afraid someone would slip up and mention it also there has been specualtion here and on other boards that he has FAS so maybe she felt she needed to tell the truth and put the rumors at rest. Its hard to get news like this maybe she needed time to grieve before she told the world
I agree with you Lisa. These days, it seems nearly impossible for these reality personalities to keep anything private. Frankly, just from reading posts on SH, it seems that Jax is damned if she speaks about this and damned if she doesn’t. This has to be very painful for this family who is already going through so much. Whether we like Jax (as she is portrayed on Bravo) or not, I have great compassion and empathy for this little boy and his family at this time. This talk of FAS is really sickening to me.
I agree Milania ..Something is off to me. I have got to read this article.
Reunion coming up, Chris’s mistress possibly being in a mag this week,backlash,Ashlee tweet aboun filming S5 (maybe exit filming or autism mentioned to fit in S4) , Albie comment about Blk helping Autism. Call me crazy but very good timing for the sympathy vote & Nice PR setup
I know, pretty convenient. All that stuff coming to ahead, also this could be a pity thing to stay on the show. Without the show who is Chris Laurita? He needs the show to help his business. I also agree with a few of the commentators that it may be on Chuckie’s side of the family.
Is this why the Laurita,Manzo clan tweeted how sad it was Re: T & Juicy. So if T doesn’t comment about article they can claim she’s heartless when they are caring
Be careful what you wish for (A People mag cover story) because you just might get it.
how can Jax justify her crusade against T, when she had the same or worse crap going on, and kept it secret (which was T’s big “sin”, right) and then goes to reveal it in a mag/
She did the EXACT thing she spent the season riding T’s butt about.
Big fat drunk hypocrite, Jax.
The difference in my opinion is that Tre had an ongoing relationship with the rags and didn’t feel the need to explain or deny or correct or own what she did or did not say. I swear I am not a fan of the rest of this cast but Tre is not a victim or a saint. She cant give interviews repeatedly about family and friends and not expect people to feel one way or the other when they are being discussed. I understand she has no control over what they print but under the same circumstances I would want clarification were I being discussed in the press. I think this has been Jac’s issue not the bankruptcy. Jac is not a saint either.
Tree is a textbook narcissist. Also, she’s not a victim, she’s a target. People forget how evil and psychotic she was towards Danielle. Danielle was far from a saint but Tree was a violent instigator, slanderer, and a table-flipping, loud-mouthed, maniacal, crazy freak. Even more than Caroline, which is saying a lot! She’s a sad, classless target, definitely not a victim.
All the negativity pointed in Tree’s direction, is just karma, giving her what she deserves, like it does for everybody else.
T was catching on to Danielle being in contact and being fed personal information about T from MeGo. Add to that, Don Caro fanning T’s flames…
lol
This is sick. I cannot believe these people. This is the lowest low for me. She’s even going to bring up the fact the people is a respectable magazine. I hope this show is off the air soon.
I am suspicious but will reserve judgement until I have more info. This diagnosis is never easy but lashing out at others is not in any way, shape or form going to make Jax life or her son’s life any better. Early intervention is key and active, intense participatory therapies are essential. Why waste all that time with nonsense and negativity? That being said I wish only the best for this little boy.
I do wish the best for Nicholas. My nephew is autistic had a very difficult childhood. He is now in college, and still needs social assistance to deal with people. Autism is hard – I just don’t believe Jax should have made this public.
The timing makes me wonder if Teresa mentioned Nicholas’s autism on the finale. I can’t think of any valid reason other than that for Jax to call Teresa “scum” on twitter.
Also, Jax needs a story line for next year to prove she should stay on the show. Are they in negotiations for Season 5 yet? This may be her reason to stay on next year.
God let’s hope there’s not a next year…. time to put this show to bed. But with high ratings, Bravo gonna keep milkin’ the cow.
She better put the vino down and the twitter away. If she wants to help her son, he is going to need the help of his parents at ever turn. You have to be consistant and follow routine. You need to be able to speak with doctors, school officials, to make sure everyone is on the same page. You can’t not let him be off by himself while you are drinking, twittering, or even on this type of show.
Honestly if her charater to date is how she realy is, then she isn’t the one that’s going to be able to help her son. You have to face it and do everything you can to help. 1st I think she needs to stop drinking and clear her head.
I think Chuckie will have to take over. Because you are going to have to fight, demand things for this child and I just don’t think Jacko has it in her.
I was going to say the same thing. She’ll have to be a vocal advocate for her sons best interests. I know from experience she will need to stand her ground and not be swayed into what is easier. From watching her on the show I just do not think she is equipped to be that person.
I had to fight for service 25 years ago and it isn’t much different now. My SIL worked for the school system and was a Biotch on wheels when it came to niece getting service. Thank You Jesus! I know the degree of service varies from state to state. Jax is really going to have to an advocate for her son.
She’s going to hit many a brick wall and she’s going to have to fight to knock it down. It ain’t easy….
Finally, Chuckie will be good for something! If anyone is good at demanding and being a b*tch until she gets what she wants, Don Chuckie is your Gal!!
Just had visions of Don demanding that child “look her in the eyes” shiver.
I think that Jax is a very needy and childlike woman. In all of her relationships, her immaturity shows. With her female friends, she is like a Jr. High School girl, needing to know everything going on with her friends. She does not seem to be able to accept that sometimes friends need space. It is sad how both Carowhine and Carowhine Jr. are always telling Jax what to think and how to act. Chris made some very bad business decisions and I cannot help but wonder if some of what he did, was to protect his childlike wife and to try to keep her fairytale going.
But now, with her child, she will have to grow up, stop trying to drink and tweet her troubles away and actually deal with this. It is time for Jax to sober up and grow up.
This is the time for the manzos to prove that they really are tick as Steves.
Jax is worried who will take care of her son as an adult? Who are his godparents…that’s their job.
Wouldn’t the tick as steves cousins, Albie, chris or lauren take care of him?
his very responsible older sister Ashlee?
Seriously, this was the manzo’s schtick. is Jac really afraid no fambly will step up?
If Jax did any type of research she would see that Autistic children can and do live independently. They attend regular classes, play sports, and can be social. Go to college, have careers, marry and have families of their own, of course depending on the severances of his Autism. BUT she needs to get the early intervention and Home Bass Therapy service. Even a change in diet might help. BUT does she have it in her to do this. Right now all she does is drink and twitter.
I have to be honest my 1st reaction was. Something doesn’t seem right. Chris L stated that everything is riding on BLK. Their broke and can’t let BLK fail. Now you have all this stuff about BLK being healthy, nurses giving it out, and Albie talking about a mom that used this with her Autistic son. Now Jax comes out that Nic is Autistic. What next saying that giving him 3 bottles of BLK a day make him better? I’m not sure I’m buying this, but I hope they are not trying to use the “sympathy” of the viewers for personal gain.
It depends on the child and how autism manifests itself within that child. Some autistic kids go one t be very successful, others do not. And it isn’t always a case of early intervention, it depends on the child and that child’s particular needs. And really. I had the exact same fears when my daughter was diagnosed eight years ago. Those fears mentioned are a pretty normal response when a diagnosis first occurs.
MGNOLA yes I know. I work in the field of EI, HBTS and PASS (children) and also Adults services. It’s never easy for the child or parent, but If seeing her break down over a friendship that she didn’t want to start with and all the other breakdowns, how the heck is she going to deal with Nic? True that you find your ability when needed and I hope she does.
So BLK is helping autisim now?
I think this is really low to market your product on the back of your autistic nephew, shame on you Mr. Manzo.
Although this explains Jax’s crying and sadness lately. I hope only good things for the Lauritas.
I [thankfully] am the mother of a healthy 3 year old and I certainly don’t want to sound insensitive or cruel. However she claims “I spend all my time researching what we can do for him.” Umm…. not really, there is too much drunk twittering going on, for that to be true. I’m going to pray for that precious little child to get the help he needs, in-spite of being born into a family like that. Also, if this is some kind of sick twisted promotional ploy for BLK, I will be outraged!
Let me get his right? Jax spews hatred at Teresa for being on magazine covers and how she divulges family secrets, but then she puts her autistic child out on display to the world in People? She sold out her child to People? What the heck.
AGREE! I guess she wants to have her pictures taken too. I can’t stand this woman.
The Judge should be less likely to give her or Chris jail time with a son that needs them.
You nailed it.
Okay, as a mother of a 14 yr old girl severely affected by autism, I now get why Jackie has seemed a bit off. Although I don’t know if this is indeed a marketing/pr ploy but I remember those early days after receiving the diagnosis. You feel like you have been punched in the gut, so powerless and go through all the stages of grief, just like a death. Autism is a death, the end of your hopes and dreams for your kids, the end of a the family you pictured etc. As no one deals with death in the same way, no one deals with this either. Jackie and Chris may be in denial still, crossing fingers and hoping for the best, but if you are any kind of control freak, like me, you desparately try to find someone or something to have control over, it is a coping mechanism. Additionally, you lose a lot of friends because they don’t understand, say insensitive things or don’t give you the support you need. I believe that this why Jackie is so emotional with T because she needs someone to be there for her and Miss T can’t be bothered if you are not doing everything for her. It is going to be a tough road but things are much better now then if was when my daughter was diagnosed. I don’t wish autism on my worst enemy, people like Theresa are not the people who will be in your corner, too busy buying crap for her little girls.
I think she said, they found out AFTER the season aired. So that isn’t why she was the way she was S4.
Nicholas is 3 years old…they noticed different things when he was 18 months….now, wouldn’t you think they would go to a Dr. then? They have had to have known this for some time now….why all of a sudden is this coming out? I guess we will never know but as long as he is taken care of that’s all that matters.
Sometimes it takes a long time to diagnose. I remember her putting the kids on a gluten free diet. Sometimes you grasp at straws trying to put a label on symptoms. Denial is probably why it wasn’t talked about. Very tough to accept. She probably blames herself a little.
I couldn’t agree more,very well put. I have MS and it took a long time for me accept. I insisted I was just allergic to gluten or missing a vitamin. I was so mad at myself for this happening (I am a total control freak) that I was a real treat to be around,lol. I hope she stays strong and enjoys every milestone Nick hits.
O….Jac you are so full of sh*t……all of a sudden your son has autism. Pimping out another child to get advertisement for your BLK yucky water? I guess you can’t use Ashley anymore huh?
I want to believe that nobody on this earth would pretend that their child has autism. I am telling you now if they start with the BLK cured CJ of autism I will not rest until their sorry asses are all in jail.
I will be right behind you. There is no way they can exploit him by putting him in front of a TV camera. If they do, they should be immediately reported to Family Service.
How old is Chris Laurita? Coincidentally, I ran across this article today. Not overly important, but… makes one wonder.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48754166/ns/health-childrens_health/t/fathers-age-linked-risk-autism-schizophrenia/#.UDVC5NZmTOM
IMO the BLK reference should be removed, this isn’t an advertisment opportunity, this is about a little boy who has been diagnosed with Autisum. Shame, utter shame on the Manzo’s for trying to use this news as another ad campaign. Your black hole of desperate free advertisments have reached an all time low. I hope nobody buys this pathetic brand at all.
Nicholas has the potential to have a brilliant, fullfilling life, children and adults with autisum have this opportunity, however, the degree of autisum and the level of commitment from parents and carers make a massive impact.
I worked with Adults with severe learning disabilities and severe physical disabilities for a very long time. I can use one word to describe my cherised time with each and every one of them: INSPIRATIONAL. I could never put into words the amount of respect I have for the trust, love, committment, devotion, care, dedication that the people I cared for had, or the one’s that were their primary carer’s shared with our very special human beings. I have very few human superhero’s on this planet, yet each and every person with special needs I ever encountered and the one’s I hear about, are my superhero’s, they are rare for a reason, because they deserve so much special love, yet it’s so easy to give it to them.
Nicholas will be ok, but I just hope now, his Mum and Dad realise, that they could live in a mansion with 50 bedrooms, or a 1 bedroom apartment, either way, they can give him the best of life by just being honest, normal, caring, sharing, not giving a shit what anyone thinks, loving and fun loving.
I’ve not been their biggest fan, but on this occasion, I would like to wish the family the very best.
Why do I get the feeling that this woman has NO shame and is dealing out a big ole Victim Card in time for the Reunion (>*I skipped last year not because I was drunk/hungover, but had just got the news about my son*<) and a grab for a sales boom of magical BLK water? NOTHING would surprise me at this point, but I agree that it couldn't get any lower if true. I also wonder if the poor boy was tested for fetal alcohol syndrome?
Jac must have been under tremendous stress filming,maybe a reason for her crying all the time. I wonder if Tre knew ? I hope as a friend Tre would have supported her. If not…might be another reason for all the hate towards Tre. Prayers for Jac,Chris and Nick.
Did she say she waited until After the season to get him tested or treated? I’ll wait until the reuion. If she mentions it ok, BUT it she uses BLK after it. On how it has helped and this and that. I’m done with her and will be right behide everyone to expose her and Chris. BUT I tell you, something isn’t right here?
Well I have been pondering on this business of when she knew. I remember the first of this season(I think) when she was kicking Ash out the Bravo camera lingered a little bit too long on footage of Jax using flash cards with her son…. kinda like they knew and knew that it would be significant later. Its put there as a subtle clue to the audience. There is a cinematic term for this technique but I cant think of what it is right now.
Remember when Jac had her life coach over and they were out on the deck ? The guy said something about Nick and the camera panned to her face for her reaction. Thought it was odd at the time,now I can’t remember what he said. She seemed really jumpy when Nick was walking around the deck. Anyone remember what he said ?.
Yes he was headed toward the ungated deck stairway that was odd because all their tweet photos show that gated. Bravo crew probably removed it for dramatic effect.
Also noticed the first time Ashlee tried to leave and Nicholas was in the other room she was saying his name with her arm extended but he kept looking down.
Ahhh… yes. I think the life coach said something like she couldn’t control him either (like Ashlee) or something like that. I think he was making a joke about him not listening and she was taking it to heart. Thanks Lori !
Life coach, my ass. Get a real psychiatrist you dope.
I don’t think Bravo removed it for dramatic effect.. lol I think it was just ungated, thats all, they were out there, she got him in time, no big deal. I have noticed it’s always gated when she tweets pictures of it now.
I have always noticed Nicholas very rarely looks at the camera when pictures are taken, he always looks down since they have shown him. Anyway God Bless him. I do think he will be fine.
Jacqueline in my opinion just needs to prioritize focus on her child,( she should have when all this happened!! Not all this negativity and hate for Teresa, it is unhealthy, and not normal.
He said something about her not being able to control him either. They had been discussing Ashlee ( he was going for the steps) there was no gate, she jumped up to get him. I thought it was a crappy thing for him to say.
He said she could not control him either.
Haha everyone answered at the same time. I really think he was joking around though. Because of what was going on with him,it had another meaning to her.
I don’t know Annie.. I didn’t think it was cool of him to say, and I had no idea what was going on with Nicholas.. Thats not something anyone should say to a Mother. And this guy is suppose to be a life coach, besides her friend.. He knew she was sensitive to whats was going on with Ashlee..She has taken enough crap from Caroline about how she has been with Ashlee she didn’t need to hear shit from this jackass..
I think the guy has not helped her anyway, look how she has been..Worse than ever.
Understand your point. I guess I thought he was trying to say, big or little they have a mind of their own sometimes. Glad Ashlee left and Jax had some peace. Ashlee should be seriously ashamed of herself.
I see your point too Annie.
I have a completely different take with Ashlee though. I have stated this before. I won’t get into it. Lets just say I do not feel it was all Ashlee.
She and her mother are good now and to me thats all that matters.
No,I know it takes two to tango
Ashlee just rubs me the wrong way.lol.
MP is it the term foreshadowing?
I will make tapes of the show, and I will send that article to the AG, the Governor and the FDA….I have enough copies of it now.
If the show isn’t a positive experience for Jax and fam then perhaps it’s time to move on. With all this going on with Nick why would anyone try and take another family down. This season could have been devoted to mending relationships , repairing friendships but that doesn’t garner ratings. Russell Armstrong’s suicide was exploited by Bravo so if the past is any indication Nick’s autism will be as well.
This woman officially disgusts me. I did my undergrad study at a university in NC which has an excellent behavioral intervention program for children on the Autism spectrum. Depending upon the severity of the manifestations a child can get up to 35 hours a week of one on one work. The parents I worked with were all amazing advocates for their children. We usually had long waiting lists and it wasn’t rare to have a mother call every single day in an attempt to either get her child in the program or ask for help about what she could do until there was room for the child. Depending upon the severity of the outward manifestations children on the Autism spectrum can be VERY sensitive to everything that is going on around them. They can be very easily agitated and sensitive to certain sounds and bright lights so I cannot imagine the incessant drama and ever present film crew would be in the best interest of Nicholas. Structure was key in the interventions of the children I worked with and that seems to be something greatly lacking in the Laurita lifestyle.I remember one little boy I worked with would just sit on the floor and rock (his self soothing behavior) if there was any disruption in his schedule. A trip such as the one to Napa could be VERY traumatic for a child on the autism spectrum because of the seperation from his mother. Add into the situation that you have a slightly loopy sister in and out of the picture and a Mommy who seems to always be telling herself its 5 o’clock somewhere so why not have a drink. I’m sure it was incredibly beneficial for Nicholas when Jax had her drunken breakdown over Tre and ran off to Kim G for comfort. She seems to perpetually be drunk or crying while obsessing over Teresa. I also don’t think being so open about Nicholas’s condition is in his best interest. With early intervention there is a chance that he will be quite “normal”( hate that word) and I hate to see him labeled. From now on total strangers will know him as Nicholas with Autism. It would be different if he was older and able to speak about his experiences like Victoria with her brain tumor but he doesn’t get a voice because of his age.Some people are very open about overcoming illnesses or certain life obstacles while others prefer to be more private. It should be the choice of the individual. There are other ways for Jax to raise money for autism without using her son who may not appreciate being one of the faces of autism as he gets older. I wish she would leave this show and focus on getting Nick the help he needs. Although since I am a terrible black hearted person I wouldn’t mind a scene where Carowhine disapproves of Jax’s handling of the situation only to have Jax punch her in the face again.
Kiki: Well said. I rarely mention personal info, however, one of my sisters has two daughters… both autistic. The elder daughter high on the spectrum… rocking, outbursts, etc., the younger lower on the spectrum. Both nieces needed very specialized schooling and time after school devoted to them. You are to be commended for working with autistic children. TFC!! SH
All the best for your sister and her daughters miss SH
GF: Thank you. Both girls are now in their 20′s… TFC! SH
Wow, great information Kiki. I said something similar on another thread about Jac announcing this to the world – WHY?? The kid is 3 and she’ll be off the show soon. It wasn’t like this was some deep, dark secret that was about to be exposed that she simply got ahead of. I agree that for the rest of his life he will be as you put it ” Nicholas with Autism ” – there’s no shame in that, but like you said, he could get better in the years to come and might not appreciate being identified by his condition, especially if he comes to feel and act mostly ” normal”. I also agree this sheds new light on the INSANITY of Jac’s constant and recent twitter rampages against and OBSESSION with Teresa. You’d think a son with major challenges would take up most of her mental energy.
Kiki, your comment was very informative. I like everyone was suspect as to the timing of this release, obviously they need the good PR
I also questioned article going to PEOPLE why not PARENTS that is in every doctor’s office in the country.
She clearly isn’t thinking what is best for her son. Structure as you said is key, not very structured there.
This women should quit the show.
First off….Jax gave a story to a magazine….will she own up to it?
Second…is this “mom” who contacted them about her autistic son….is that Jax? Because that’s not really an endorsement for BLK….”a woman “aka my aunt” contacted me about her autistic son “my cousin” and that BLK helps his autism”…”we need someone to believe this sewage is good for something”…Because no adult wants to drink this stuff let’s force it on autistic children?
I know that autistic children need structure and predictable situations….often times they eat the same things and do the same things everyday…..I can’t imagine trying to get them to “change” and drink black water…if they aren’t already accustomed to it…claiming that it helped the child “behave” which is offensive to me because that means that autistic children are just “misbehaving” and need us to direct them…when in fact they see the world differently and quite beautifully (Awesome documentary called “Loving Lampposts”) is just giving the parents who have this idea their child needs to be “fixed” another “solution”…when all these children need is acceptance…..
I do believe Nicholas’ diagnosis has something to do with Jax going crazy towards Teresa. I think besides the extreme pressure from Don Chuckie to cut ties with T, maybe Jax secretly resents Teresa because they had children at the same time and “why her?” Maybe because Audriana is younger than Nicholas she feels as though Teresa should have known there was an issue and shown concern and ask about it? Like Jax said in a TH, something like, “I needed T to be my friend there for me more than ever, I was tired of our conversations being about Melissa copying her feather shirt”. When that diagnosis is given you look around at everyones healthy children and think “why me?” She was trying to find anything to be mad at Teresa about. No one is going to admit it, but a lot of people initially have that reaction. Jax is thinking, why the hell does everything come so easy for her?Jax is in financial trouble and everything they try has been unsuccessful. The Lauritas need to make money quickly and it is coming so easy for Teresa! The way Jax has been going after Teresa with such venom, it’s personal! You don’t try to ruin your friend’s reputation bc she doesnt like her SIL? Jax tweeted T’s plan to file a 2nd bankruptcy and T laughed about it. How does Teresa forgive that? Jax doesn’t have the drive and hussle like Teresa and instead of stepping up to the plate and at least trying, she takes to her computer with a bottle of wine and attacks. Maybe Jax shuts down under stress? Well, her family needs her to get off the computer, put the wine glass down and hussle! Asking for beauty information over Twitter is not getting you anywhere. Bad-mouthing people over twitter will not sell that beauty book when and if it gets published. Maybe Jax feels that as a friend, Teresa should have thrown her a bone and stop hogging the market so she can get a product of her own. She probably wanted Teresa help show her the ropes, as you expect a friend to do. Maybe Jax just assumed Teresa should help her without asking for it? Let’s face it, Teresa isnt that kind of person (still doesn’t jusify everyone’s behavior towards her). With that resentment building up and than Nicholas’s diagnosis, she just snaped. Caroline is the worst of all because with all Jax is going through Caroline shouldn’t be adding more pressure by forcing Jax to go against Teresa. Caroline did the same as Teresa, calling to discuss her hate for Teresa and dictate how to raise Ashlee rather than help Jax through her stress.
That makes a lot of sense.
Jacq doesn’t need the added stress of this HW journey. She should forcus strictly on her son. In fact, the singer, Clay Aiken, has always worked with autism children, and has raised a lot of money for a cure. Autism children love music. but, of course each child is different. Some don’t like to be touched. I read that if a baby is a preemie, it happens more frequently because that is when the
child’s brain is still maturing. Truthfully, I feel this show has run its peak and should be canceled.
I am just not enjoying it anymore. There have been too many personality changes and not to their benefit.
It is sad because Jax should not have cameras hounding her during this terrible time. However, thta is their only paycheck. What a disaster!
Jax needs to get off her ass and get a job. She use to work at a cosmetic counter. Well there are 4 malls 15 mins away from her house, why not apply for a job? What about working with Lauren? have a section of the store for her clients to come in? what about doing hair and make-up at a upscale salon? Start her own business where she comes to you for hair and make-up. no overhead costs. She would get tons of clients because they would love to have her in their house. She has absolutely no desire to work.
belladee: BubbaJax is only licensed in the state of Nevada for cosmetology. Bubba could only give “advice” to clients outside of Nevada. Bubba could not touch a client without being licensed in New Jersey…. if she did, she would be reported to the Board for 1) not displaying her license and most importantly 2) not HAVING a NJ license! Not sure if Nevada and New Jersey have reciprosity… even if they did, BubbaJax would have to get herself back to beauty school to earn hours required by New Jersey to get her NJ license. Interesting that KomaKathy has a cosmo license in NJ, but is making desserts!? Why isn’t she helping out at CatFace?? LOL!! TFC!! SH
Sorry. Couldn’t resist posting this. Just ‘cuz I love ‘Grease’ so much:
Ana: LOL!! TFC!! SH
LOVE that movie! Also a fan of the less popular Grease 2!
Grease 2 was great
That Jacqueline Laurita would PREY UPON THE COMPASSION OF THE PUBLIC by using her son’s developmental issues to avoid facing accountability for her INDEFENSIBLE behavior is OFFENSIVE TO THOSE FACED WITH THE CHALLENGES OF AUTISM.
The timing of Mrs. Laurita’s announcement couldn’t be more obvious; her PR team scheduled its release to coincide with the season’s explosive ending and the show’s upcoming reunion, where the New Jersey housewife will surely face the audience’s wrath for her shameful actions.
Mrs. Laurita had a solid YEAR to serve as an outspoken advocate for those dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders. She had every opportunity to sit down for countless interviews to SPREAD AWARENESS and SUPPORT RESEARCH. Instead, she spent precious time and energy trashing her cast mate on social media, in blogs, and on television. Now, she is attempting to hide behind the issue of Autism to garner sympathy from the audience and escape culpability for her morally questionable conduct.
It’s not surprising this group would stoop so low. After all, the audience is already anticipating their excuses:
- Caroline’s bullying and ruthlessness wasn’t her fault; she was menopausal.
- Melissa executed a devious plot to humiliate and destroy her husband’s only sibling because she was hormonal during her pregnancy.
- Jacqueline didn’t punch Caroline in the face because she has impulse control issues and she’s emotionally unstable; she was suffering from Post-Pardom Depression. (What about the arrest for assaulting an ex-boyfriend in Las Vegas?)
- Jacqueline already tried to explain away her vile treatment of her (former) best friend with claims of “low testosterone.” Unfortunately for her, the audience didn’t buy it.
Perhaps Caroline Manzo crafted this strategy? Remember, the Manzo-matriarch’s son, Albie, flunked out of law school NOT because he was too busy playing on Twitter and enjoying his newfound Bravo celebrity status; ADD was the culprit. (By the way, I’m not discounting ADD; I, myself, have ADD, as do many SUCCESSFUL professionals.)
As an aside, had Mr. Manzo not been tossed out of law school, he and his family members would know they’re walking a fine line in touting BLK’s “health benefits.” Remember the class action suit against the herbal supplement Airborne? Statements made by the Manzo and Laurita families indicate they probably DON’T. In an article in the Wyckoff-Franklin Lakes Patch, Mr. Manzo claims:
“A mother gave her autistic son BLK to drink, thinking its unique color might get him drinking more water. The boy not only drank it, he loved it, but the amazing part, he started behaving. The mother reached out to Albie, shocked, who sent her two more cases to try. Her son is stimming less and listening and following directions more. The difference, she told Manzo, is unbelievable.”
Comments, such as this, suggest THE LAURITA AND MANZO FAMILIES MAY BE POSITIONING THEMSELVES TO USE AUTISM AS A PLATFORM TO PROMOTE THEIR PRODUCT. Not only are they preying upon the “pity” of the public, they’re PREYING UPON THE HOPE OF FAMILIES DESPERATE FOR A CURE. That is truly DEPLORABLE.
They certainly have a multitude of hormonal excuses for any behaviors that reflect poorly on them.
i don’t hear any excuses from Teresa.
Teresa doesn’t take responsibility for anything. She is never wrong and there is nothing wrong with her. She says so all the time and none of us are perfect even Teresa weather she knows it or not.