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Jett Travolta: Victim of Autism, Kawasaki, or Scientology?
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by Terri Potratz | January 2, 2009 at 04:02 pm
145961 views | 101 Recommendations | 326 comments
Read the latest updates - Jett Travolta Autopsy Report: Seizure Diagnosis 'Premature'
The tragic death of Jett Travolta has brought up some sensitive issues surrounding his health condition and the possible (and perhaps preventable) reasons that may have attributed to his untimely passing.
Both Kelly Preston and John Travolta maintained that Jett, who was 16 when he died, suffered from Kawasaki Disease, which typically affects young children (under 5). There is some suspicion that there is an immunological cause to Kawasaki disease, though this theory has not been proven. Left untreated, the disease can lead to serious heart complications due to an inflammation of blood vessels - and often death due to heart attack.
Kawasaki disease is a treatable disease, and the most effective course is intravenous immunoglobulin, a blood transfusion that is rich in antibodies. If treatment is sought, death due to complications is extremely unlikely:
With early treatment, rapid recovery from the acute symptoms can be expected and the risk of coronary artery aneurysms greatly reduced. Untreated, the acute symptoms of Kawasaki disease are self-limited (i.e. the patient will recover eventually), but the risk of coronary artery involvement is much greater. Overall, about 2% of patients die from complications of coronary vasculitis. Patients who have had Kawasaki disease should have an echocardiogram initially every few weeks, and then every 1–2 years to screen for progression of cardiac involvement.It is also not uncommon that a relapse of symptoms may occur soon after initial treatment with IVIG. This usually requires re-hospitalization and retreatment. Treatment with IVIG can cause allergic and non-allergic acute reactions, aseptic meningitis, fluid overload and, rarely, other serious reactions. Aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding from other causes and may be associated with Reye's syndrome. Overall, life-threatening complications resulting from therapy for Kawasaki disease are exceedingly rare, especially compared with the risk of non-treatment.
So what happened to Jett? Reports indicate he hit his head on a bathtub, but it is unclear whether he was having a seizure at the time, or if he slipped, or if something else preceded his fall. Was this a complication of his bout with Kawasaki disease? Or autism?
Many people suspected that Jett was autistic (videos which were once available online that 'clearly' demonstrate Jett's developmental disability can no longer be found), but Travolta and Preston are prominent Scientologists and autism is not recognized by the cult religion:
In the past there have been reports that Jett was autistic, but Travolta always denied it, saying instead that his son suffered from Kawasaki Syndrome, a disease characterized by high fever, skin rash and swelling of the lymph nodes. Travolta follows Scientology, which does not recognize autism.
One of the tenets of Scientology is that mental illness is psychosomatic, and can only be treated through spiritual healing. You may remember Tom Cruise earning significant flak for statements to Matt Lauer concerning mental illness, namely his remark that psychiatry is a pseudo-science. Because of this fundamental belief on behalf of Scientologists, Jett certainly wasn't treated for autism, and was likely not appropriately treated for Kawasaki disease either (especially if his condition was misdiagnosed, as many people suspect it was).
Last year, one website wrote an eerily prophetic post concerning this event:
Four years ago, Kelly got out her hounds-tooth coat and pipe and giant magnifying glass and used her sleuthiness to determine that the cause was environmental toxins. Specifically, carpet cleaning chemicals. Then Kelly used a Scientology endorsed program created by L. Ron Hubbard to cure him. And it worked! No, wait, did I say, "it worked"? I meant to say, "it failed completely!"The real problem of course isn’t carpet based treachery, it's that Jett has autism, and no amount of meadow-scented deception is behind it. He's never been officially diagnosed of course, since the "church" won't allow it, but outsiders who know the affliction well say the signs are clearly evident.I say we give the Scientology method a few more years to kick in. Soon, Jett will be dead. Ta-da!
Critics of Scientology have been crying 'child abuse' for years in respect to the Travolta's disregard for autism and their unwillingness to address Jett's needs.
Folks picketed the Travolta/Preston family, saying that their refusal to seek treatment for the boy bordered on—or, you know, flat out was—child abuse. Travolta's brother Joey even produced a movie about the condition, but the family continued to shut down any reports that autism was involved.
Neighbours of the Travolta's, who also happen to be parents of an autistic child, had nothing short of shocking stories to tell with regard to Jett and how he was treated within the family:
The Kennys also claim that Kelly and John "let Jett sit in front of video games all day eating junk food, while they eat the best organic food money can buy. They exclude Jett from all social events because they are embarrassed.""Once," reports Kenny, "when Kelly took him to the movies, Jett started to have a meltdown and Kelly pointed at the nanny and ordered, 'Take care of it.'"
"Jett does not speak at all," confirms Kenny. "He has not even been taught how to communicate. We struggle every week to pay for our daughter's therapy. How dare he [Travolta] ruin his own son's chances of recovering! We want to get the word out on this."
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (326)
at 22:56 on January 2nd, 2009
It's not "wild speculation." The Travoltas are on the record for being in denial about psychiatric disorders. In short, they refuse to recognize that the brain is an ORGAN.
If this were a non-celebrity couple, they would be prosecuted.
The one who deserves our condolences is that child -- and any family who has been similarly influenced by the whacko Scientologists (which is NOT a religion...it's a cult).
at 21:23 on January 3rd, 2009
I personally think Scientology has all the characteristics of a cult but it is accorded all the rights and privileges of any mainstream religion.
at 16:41 on January 16th, 2009
I believe it is a cult that is passing as a religion because of the almighty dollar. Just read about the info on the sites about the money they sifin from people that are not celeberties with millions. Check out where all the scientogy cults are. Very affluent areas of the country. They sucker the wealthy in and bingo they are brain washed and the money flows like water.
My question is I wonder how Kate Holmes parents feel after this whole scene with the travolta trasidy? They were not crazy about ther way Catholic daughter turning to scientology.
All too crazy. Again it is the money. They can do as they plese because of the power of the buck.
Bettyin Ohio
at 12:29 on January 6th, 2009
Again, this is completely misleading. They didn't recognize Autism as a problem. However, Autism doesn't cause seizures. They WERE having him treated for his seizure disorder. He had two nanny's and they listened for him through a baby monitor. They were concerned parents.
Their religious beliefs are insane, however, I believe that any religious beliefs are. However, the most you can say about that is that he wouldn't have gotten some of the education that he would have other wise gotten. There is no pill for Autism btw. I'm certain that Jet would have lived a very comfirtable life.
at 08:23 on January 8th, 2009
More than 40% of the children who suffer from autism go on to develop seizure disorder. Seizures aren't associated with Kawasaki Syndrome, but they ARE associated with autism.
I don't know what was wrong with Jett, or what happened to Jett. My condolences and sympathies go to the Travolta family on the loss of their beautiful son.
However, despite those sympathies, I'm a little upset that IF Jett suffered from autism (and that's an IF), John and Kelly won't be prosecuted like "ordinary" would be. I believe they loved their son dearly, but I also believe if he wasn't taking medication or having therapy (and they could afford the BEST therapists), he was being neglected.
And to the social workers out there, if you don't collectively speak out about this, FORCE the US to DO something about the preferential way it treats "celebrities," then you are almost just as guilty as John and Kelly are.
at 12:27 on January 3rd, 2009
You can tell your master at the Scieno center that you tried to deflect all attention off the bloody obvious: the boy was slowly murdered by the clam bake cult!!!
at 10:49 on January 4th, 2009
OKAY everyone needs to stop going off the handle like this so soon. The poor child just passed away. Stop making your claims of child abuse and neglect. Stop making your decisions on how this "should" have been treated. Only that family and the doctor's know what that poor child had and only they can say what really happened. It sickens me to see people lash out like this. It is not our place to pass judgement on this family. Have some decientcy to allow them time to grieve. Make your insults and judgements public after the autopsy. Then you can make judgement on facts instead of speculation.
at 16:33 on January 4th, 2009
If John Travolta wasnt so dumb stupid and busy having homosexual affairs with young men all over the world....he would realize his religion is stupid illogical and invented by another hedonist who lives on a boat with hundreds of concubines....his son is better off wherever he is now....
at 18:30 on January 2nd, 2009
The second I heard this story I knew it would be complicated due to Scientology. We are free to worship in any way we like as long as it does not hurt others. Travolta and Preston should be arrested. Poor Jett. Imagine being born to these two... all that money and Jett was born into a family incapable of caring for his very special needs.
at 08:08 on January 3rd, 2009
While this is tragic, something is indeed suspicious. Since Jett's disabilities were hidden in an excessive manner , that already is problematic, on top of that, there is no practical understanding of autism or any mental disorder in Scientology.
With autism or any developmental delay, it is easier to mask and manage when the afflicted is a young cute child. As a full grown man, the parents could no longer live in denial about Jett, or control him, I suspect. This is definitely not a convenient "accident" . The parents probably loved him but felt that euthanasia was the best option for Jett, for Scientology, and of course, themselves.
Ignorance is dangerous.
at 10:16 on January 3rd, 2009
to "mother of 4"
you are a cruel and sick person to say this child's death was not an accident. and to imply it was euthanasia? how can a "mother" treat parents who've just lost their first-born son so viciously, without any knowledge or proof at all? you should keep your evil accusations to yourself.
whether or not Jett Travolta was autistic, his parents appear to be loving and protective. my heart goes out to them and their daughter, who must be suffering unimaginable pain.
mother of 2
at 16:36 on January 4th, 2009
Ignorance can be deadly when it comes to our children. Its our job as parents to put ourselves aside and give our children the best possible care that they may need for anything. They are dependant on us, if we fail them in anyway it can be deadly. They will die if we dont take proper care of them, plain and simple. You reep what you sew.
at 12:53 on January 4th, 2009
You are an evil moron, accusing parents of killing the child they loved, as well as assuming they HID his disabilities, instead of doing what most loving parents would do by PROTECTING him from the intense scrutiny of the media and public. Look around, all the baseless judgments, JUST LIKE YOURS that are now flying all over the media and blogs were precisely why they kept his problems on the down low. They did not want him to be the object of scrutiny so he could live a slightly more normal life.
I feel sorry for your kids, having such an idiotic, judgmental mother, quick to point fingers and make snap, incorrect, harmful judgments, immediately thinking the worst of people. Especially now, since you have some seriously bad karma coming back to you soon.
at 14:37 on January 4th, 2009
sad but probably true
at 20:19 on January 5th, 2009
This is such an evil response to Jett's untimely death. To point fingers and make accusations that are just a figment of your imagination is unimagineable. Regardless of the believes of the parents, they lost their son, something no one should ever have to do. Who are you (we) to judge that which we have no proof of? I think you would do well to spend your energy on your four children instead of spending so much energy on writing hateful remarks about a family that is truly mourning their loss.
My condolences are with the family who have suffered this premature loss.
at 20:34 on January 5th, 2009
Ignorance is dangerous. You are on the right track, and your thoughts are headed in the right direction but Autism is not included with developmental delay. People with autism are not developmentally delayed. Visit halo-soma.org. for information which will educate you on autistic individuals.
As for John Travolta he loved his son, and the pictures I have seen do not look like Jett was excluded or neglected.What evidence do you have or what right to judge? I highly disagree with scientology beliefs, and my son has long been "treated" for his autism. He is far from being cured. However, I am always searching for a cure which never seems to be within reach.
at 18:37 on January 2nd, 2009
I am a nurse. I was watching recent video taken of Jett and his family apparently going from a hotel to a van. It was obvious, through watching the video that Jett had sometype of neurologic condition. He was lead, and directed by family and caretaker. His behavior was not that of a normal 16 year old. I wondered about damage done from ongoing siezure disorder as reported, but now find that people are stating he had Autism. That would appear to be closer to the truth. Very Sad.
at 07:08 on January 3rd, 2009
I am also a nurse and noted the same leading as you did. I also noted the change in his body habitus when looking at images throughout his life and he was not at all large during his younger years, was smiling and touching his mother. My theory is that he had a seizure disorder, that that seizure disorder was never treated due to their religious beliefs, and overtime caused brain damage and neurologic symptoms. It is very sad. It is very difficult to believe that people would not seek proven medical treatment based upon their religious beliefs, especially for their children, but it happens all the time.
at 07:33 on January 3rd, 2009
As a high-functioning autistic who's worked for the past decade as a paramedic, it is glaringly obvious to me that this kid was on the autistic spectrum. I suspect that the repeated seizures also did quite a bit of neurological damage and potentiated the underlying developmental disorder. I would imagine that the Travoltas were under an incredible amount of pressure from both sides regarding Jett, and they elected to save face by adhering to their beliefs (even when it must have been obvious that something was very different about their son). I was very lucky that my mother took the approach she did: I was diagnosed at age 4, and then pulled out of the treatment regimen by my mother, who was disturbed by the levels of psychotropic medications I was being given. She put me on a special diet, and more importantly, had me mainstreamed and challenged academically. I was told from the get-go that certain behaviors would not be tolerated in society. I was allowed to develop my interests and use them as a means to interact with the "regular world". Now I have two college degrees and am in nursing school. I don't advertise my diagnosis, and certainly don't use it as an excuse to get out of anything. My patients don't care what I've got. . .they just need to know they're being cared for appropriately. There are too many people at work who whine about everything without realizing how lucky they are. Perhaps the Travoltas only saw the "extreme treatment" option for autism (drug 'em, institutionalize 'em, keep 'em in therapy for years and years, etc). but since autism is a spectrum disorder that is quite varied, there are multiple ways to treat it. We don't know what measures actually had been taken for Jett. I hope that in the future, the Church of Scientology will learn from this awful situation and recognize that autism can be treated by means their church would approve of.
at 10:35 on January 3rd, 2009
Exactly and thank you for your story. That's what I don't get - there are so many non medication therapies for ASD kids that in my opinion are no different than teaching a kids how to ride a bicycle or train for a sport. I hope some action is taken against the Travoltas - they were negligent.
at 11:09 on January 3rd, 2009
As the parent of a 16 year old autistic son, who happens to also have seizures, I can tell you that while it may be an option whether or not to medicate an autistic child, it is not an option not to at least attempt medication for recurring seizures. Certainly, if you're not going to medicate those with seizures, you'd better have them wear a helmet and watch them every minute. BTW: I watch my son every minute I can and pray to Amighty God (not L. Ron Hubbard) every day that his seizures will never put him in danger. And yes, he is under a doctor's care and is medicated. His medication controls the seizures well. He's only had 7 in just under 4 years - the first 4 were before medication; this last one, coincidentally, was on the same day Jett Travolta died.
at 23:17 on January 3rd, 2009
U don't know what the Travolta's did or didn't do.
at 23:19 on January 3rd, 2009
U don't know what the Travolta's did or didn't do.
at 21:29 on January 3rd, 2009
To: alilit34
As a paramedic myself for almost 20 years, I would like to say "WAY TO GO!" To have any type of medical condition and meeting the demands of EMS is in itself often a miracle,
The training itself is "killer", plus all the things we must due to keep our license current and to stay up with all the advances coming at us.....you get the idea!
We see more "hate and horror" in our world in one day than most people see in a lifetime, yet we are still called "ambulance drivers", "Meat wagons"...ok off my soapbox!
Way to go. What a great addition to EMS!!
Memphis TN Paramedic
at 12:31 on January 4th, 2009
Do not take this advise of a paramedic, obviously she plays Doctor..or one who thinks she can save the world..bet you can not wait for for the next siren so you can save everyone.
Get off your high horse..thank goodness most techs I am in contact with do not try and diagnose in our magnium hospital.
at 11:02 on February 2nd, 2009
I don't believe you have any of the credentials you just stated. You couldn't even form sentences or words properly. Didn't you take an English classes in all your "education"? My guess is you are a teenager. Get a real education, then come back and have an opinion.
at 11:56 on January 4th, 2009
Thank you so much for contributing to my understanding of what the autism spectrum can mean in terms of human potential. Your thoughtful and informed response here is much appreciated. Your choice to serve in health care will benefit many. Thank you again!
at 17:34 on January 4th, 2009
Thank you alilit34 for your comments which I found refreshingly well informed and articulate. I totally agree with your sentiment and working in the Medical field myself I feel I am justified in commenting. I acknowledge that whilst there is a place for medication and drug therapy in treating illnesses and disease states, however, I feel that Medical Practitioners are sometimes too "Gung-ho" in their prescribing of them. Psychotropic medications such as atypical antipsychotics and then let's not forget Methylphenidate (Ritalin) are seen as a "quick fix" a lot of the time for treatment of Autism, Conduct Disorder and ADHD. These drugs can have serious side effects and I know as a parent that I would wish to exclude all other natural treatment options first before having my child medicated with these heavy medications.
I commend your Mother on her choices, it has been proven that dietary changes play a major role in outcomes and I only wish that more parents would recognise this.
Well done on your achievements!
at 17:40 on January 4th, 2009
There is no reason to believe that the Travolta family didn't do exactly as your mother did and treat his seizures[whatever the cause]from a holistic approach.I work with special needs children-mostly children with autism and no one approach works for everyone.Most of the families I deal with work more holistically as the medications-especially in younger children-can sometimes do more harm than good.I also work with a child with a history of seizures though never diagnosed with autism[rather the opposite,the parents were told their child is not on the autistic spectrum]yet the child exhibits many autistic tendencies.Where I agree the practice of Scientology to me sounds like the garbeldy gook of wacky wafers,there is no reason to believe,nor any proof that Jett's family denied him treatment for his disabilities.There are many holistic therapies that work as well if not better than medications without the side effects.Plus,we don't know if Jett continuosly had seizures-alot of people with a history of seizures can go years without a recurrence.I have a friend with MS-she takes meds for her seizures and she will go 2-3 years without a seizure and then have several in a matter of a couple of weeks.Jett may have slipped and hit his head which caused the seizure or had the seizure first,there is no way to know which happened first.To say the parents were negligent without having all the facts is malicious and cruel.The media has a tendency to get it wrong when they report on a story.We should hold some compassion for the family and friends of Jett who suffering the loss of a loved one.
at 10:33 on January 8th, 2009
I think we need to have some compassion for Jett and others like him who are being deprived of necessary and life saving medical treatements and medications due to their parents' wacky beliefs.
The Travoltas said Jett was taking depakote for seizures (it causes weight gain, too), but they took him off it when it stopped working. However, there are a LOT of other good seizure medications out there that they could have tried. And there's therapy for autism, but first, that autism has to be acknowledged by the parents.
I have much, much sympathy for John and Kelly over Jett's death, but I feel the worst for Jett. He was the victim here, not John, not Kelly. They are going to go on with their lives (of course, they'll always know grief over their son's death), they will go on living a wealthy lifestyle, with jets parked in their backyard, but Jett, because of lack of medical care due to freaky Scientology beliefs, has been deprived of his life. Many children with autism, with proper therapy, live near-normal lives. Perhaps Jett could have done so. At least he could have probably lived. He didn't. That's the real tragedy.