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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
145537 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 22:55 on January 2nd, 2009
Was Jett hidden or locked in the bathroom? I know the Travolta's were hosting a giant party down at the beach with 60 VIPs...
Poor Jett!!! How long was he in there...nobody has said he was showering and slipped...and only the housekeeper checked on him...
at 22:56 on January 2nd, 2009
Was Jett hidden or locked in the bathroom? I know the Travolta's were hosting a giant party down at the beach with 60 VIPs...
Poor Jett!!! How long was he in there...nobody has said he was showering and slipped...and only the housekeeper checked on him...
at 09:48 on January 3rd, 2009
Honestly folks gets the info right.
The FAMILY was vacationing
The CARETAKER found him
at 22:56 on January 2nd, 2009
I am just very sad for the Travolta family. If Jett was an embarassment to them then you would see no images of them together, let alone a family meal at a restaurant in Paris. If they wanted to acknowledge that Jett had no problems, then you would never see them gently leading him from the restaurant. It was their way of showing a deeply cynical and judgemental world that they were a united family, as people who are constantly in the publics eye and judged.
Do not judge them for what appears to be a horrendous accident.
Instead, give your love and prayers. If all of you who claim to be such 'better' people, truly express good in your heart, then your thoughts will go out to those in pain, rather than judge and condemn them for not following your own ideals in your own world.
Life is subjective and we all share this world. What unites us is our ability to be human and recognise the feelings in others.
Hate mongering is not something which will gain you anything.
My deepest condolences to the Travoltas and my prayers are with you.
at 22:57 on January 2nd, 2009
Maybe if jett had gotten proper treatment, we wouldn't all be having this dicussion and the Travolta's wouldn't have to be grieving parents.
at 22:58 on January 2nd, 2009
Sorry, I'm not a religious person really, but the attack on Scientology as brainwashing is a bit militant isn't it? I mean really, what religion doesn't require some sort of faith in a power greater than oneself? Tell you what, if someone from your religion has not killed or been killed because of their faith, why don't you go ahead and throw the first proverbial stone. What don't we wait for the official cause and then let the officials sort it out. Again, just my humble opinion and thoughts.
at 22:59 on January 2nd, 2009
Was Jett hidden or locked in the bathroom? I know the Travolta's were hosting a giant party down at the beach with 60 VIPs...
Poor Jett!!! How long was he in there...nobody has said he was showering and slipped...and only the housekeeper checked on him...
at 23:04 on January 2nd, 2009
Poor Jett...why didn't someone get the County to intervene?
Was he locked in the bathroom to be hidden away from their big VIP party that started today?
at 23:07 on January 2nd, 2009
Re: CalifGirl and Trishlet comments...I only submitted them once...don't know why they appeared several times...It wasn't me.
at 23:13 on January 2nd, 2009
For those who are finger-wagging about tolerance, faith, and religious freedom, go ask a Scientologist what the beliefs of their "religion" actually are. You won't get a straight answer. Ask them about God. Ask them what they have faith in.
Scientology started as a self-help pyramid scam. They didn't start using the word "religion" until they realized it'd get them a tax break.
at 08:14 on January 3rd, 2009
Right! even Tom Cruise said that you can be a scientologist and a Christian...hogwash
at 23:31 on January 2nd, 2009
I am glad to read the humanity that many have offered.
It is disappointing to see the few who get their exercise by jumping to conclusions.
at 00:15 on January 3rd, 2009
I'm the mother of an autism spectrum child.
I have seen a video of Jett, and pretty much think he might *possibly* be autistic. However, the diagnostic criteria for this diagnosis is far greater then viewing a 1 minute video.
Having walked in the shoes of a family with a child with a developmental disability, I would -never- judge another family for their choices. We are not privy to the Travolta's world, nor do we know many details about the circumstances surrounding Jett's death.
Parents of children with developmental/neurological disabilities, are commonly and often criticized for their choices, the parenting, their child's behavior, and parents agonize over the choices they make each and every day. (whether typical or less typical children!)
Shame on those who try to take this tragedy and turn it into a platform of blame. I'm particularly disturbed by those who take one small sentence from a news release and magnify it into something far darker.
My heart goes out to the Travoltas for their sad and tragic loss, one that will no doubt haunt them for their lifetime; long after the tongues on internet forums stop wagging about the event.
at 00:37 on January 3rd, 2009
PLEASE let all the facts surface before we tar and feather the Travolta Family. The fact is we do not know enough information to make any judgements. Grandstanding, ranting, and speculation need to yield to prayer, compassion, and empathy for the ENTIRE Travolta family. We have no idea what steps they have or have not taken in their personal journey! God Bless the Travolta Family! I pray you survive your loss and public crucifixion at the hands of all the professional speculators!
at 00:41 on January 3rd, 2009
JOHN I HAVE BEEN YOUR FAN SINCE WELCOME BACK KOTTER, I HAVE THE ALBUM YOU RECORDED WEARING A BLUE SWEATER, I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
AS FOR KELLY , I GUESS AS A FAN I HAVE NEVER LIKED HER VERY MUCH, I JUST HOPE SHE HAS NO REGRETS ABOUT WHAT SHE AS A MOTHER DID NOT DO FOR HER SON, ESPECIALLY WITH THE RESOURCES THAT YOU BOTH HAVE.
INSTEAD OF FILMING SKY HIGH, SHE SHOULD OF BEEN A MOM TO HER SON...
at 00:42 on January 3rd, 2009
Brilliant post Terri. Very well written and researched.
at 00:43 on January 3rd, 2009
France does not recognize scientology as a church or a religion. How sad that one's mind can be trapped into the lies of Hubbard. I thank God every time I go to the doctor and take care of my health. There must be extreme clinical suffering of mind and body among those in scientology who deny when they need help. Somehow they are afraid of the judgement of their fellow scientologists. They're trapped in hell. What a terrible prison falsely presented as a church. What is the meaning of scientology? It must be money.
at 00:45 on January 3rd, 2009
Wow. I am a John Travolta fan, Face-Off is my favorite movie, and I am a mom of four. I have huge problems with Scientology. Namely, it was created by a science-fiction novelist who is quoted (I think in the early 70's) as saying he wanted to create a religion because of the money he would make. (C'mon, get real, followers!) I have not seen the van video and I didn't even know Jett had problems. I worked in the school system in resource classes with autistic children who were very loving and smiley. All that being said, if in the video they had to lead him and buckle his seat belt for him at 16, it seems to me that would put him in a such a low-end functionality that I do not think he should have ever been alone- even in the bathroom. Just my opinion. But if he was capable of playing video games as mentioned earlier, then why did he have to be buckled by someone else? I dunno. I think if there is a scientology bullcrap belief-related type of neglect, then I hope it comes to light for future families sakes. But- I also think that some of the conclusion-jumping hatemongers need to keep their mouth shut, this family is in TREMENDOUS pain.
at 00:55 on January 3rd, 2009
Since Jett died without seeing a dr. recently a autopsy will have to be done so they can put the cause of death on a death certificate, so even if John Travolta is rushing to have his son cremated, that will not be done until after the autopsy. I hope this wakes people up who are Scientologists that you can not let any neurological problem go untreated, especially seizures. If this child has been having seizures all these years, I can just imagine the scar tissue that has formed in that childs brain, that is why it is so important to take anti-seizure medication, to prevent the seizures that cause scar tissue build up. As for having Kawasaki disease for 14 years, no way, it can not last that long. I honestly feel sorry for the family, but if it is proven that this is neglect on the parents part, even if it is John Travolta and Kelly Preston, then they need to have their day in court.
at 00:59 on January 3rd, 2009
Autism does not cause death, not in and of itself it doesn't. Even most seizures do not cause death, although many people with seizure disorders die from a fall during a seizure. Mostly, because of striking their head during the fall. I have a 35 year old son with a seizure disorder, and this has always been by biggest fear. I feel very bad for these parents, they did not cause his death. He had a seizure and fell and banged his head. There but for the Grace of God go I.
at 08:19 on January 3rd, 2009
Would your opinion change if you knew he had seizures and he was not given meds due to scientology beliefs?
at 01:05 on January 3rd, 2009
This is trajic reading. I hope that none of this is true if it is I hope they are charged to the full extent of the law no matter what. How horrible to treat him this way. He is dead yes and everyone feels sadness for them at a time like this but no way if they did not at all recognise something that could have been treated horrible to think.
at 01:14 on January 3rd, 2009
One look at the video of Jett and John Travolta together (one as recent as a few weeks ago, in France) and you can plainly see that Jett is a mouth-breather. This isn’t autism, it’s retardation.
Funny that a little $cientology Detox didn’t fix this right up. (sarcasm off).
Much about this doesn’t quite add up…for one thing, why was he not seen from “some time” Thursday until 10 AM Friday? I know when I go to bed at night I always check on my kids, but that’s just me. And he was said to be found by a "caretaker"? Who didn't see the kid for 12 or more hours?
Too bad this happened in the Bahamas - after the Anna Nicole fiasco, it's clear that spreading a few bucks around this corrupt island guarantees a well-orchestrated coverup.
at 01:45 on January 3rd, 2009
Do you really think that the Travolta family are going to read any of this - they will be grieving for their son - it has been interesting to read about this and I'm pretty freaked out that the Travolta's have kept this a secret - I thought they just tried to keep their family life private. I hope they find some kind of solace from any means - religious etc and that they can move on as a family in time and make sure their daughter has a happy life.
at 01:56 on January 3rd, 2009
Maybe in the case of Scientology we have to pass legislation similar to that dealing with the witnesses of Gehova disregarding their believe and putting all minors under the States protection over writing the Parents wishes for the well being of the Children.
at 02:50 on January 3rd, 2009
As someone with friends and loved ones along the Autism Spectrum, I am convinced Jett was at the less-functioning end of the spectrum. Someone noted he was a "mouth breather" indicating mental retardation. I was unaware of that being an indication--some people breathe out of their mouths due to blocked nasal passagess. But, a person with Autism could have mental retardation, just as they can have a very high IQ.
Many people with Autism also suffer with seizures--tho these are not part of the syndrome, merely co-morbid conditions.
While I have great sympathy for the Travolta Family at this time, I hold the Church of Scientology accountable for denying Jett medications for these neurological conditions. The rights of any religion can no longer be guaranteed when the health and well-being of another human being, particularly a child, is being put at risk. There needs to be ZERO TOLERANCE for this kind of cult brainwashing and resulting child abuse and neglect.
at 02:55 on January 3rd, 2009
Was surprised to see they included him on vacation as have been hearing for years the Travoltas have basically ignored the child....talking only of their daughter.
at 02:58 on January 3rd, 2009
You don't die from autism. What kind of nitwit would suggest that? I know there are parents who kill their autistic kids, but that doesn't make autism fatal.
And you're probably only going to die from epilepsy if you're the kind of nitwit who thinks clearing your body thetans is going to stop seizures. Oh wait. Scientology teaches exactly that.
THE TECH FAILS.
at 03:16 on January 3rd, 2009
L Ron Hubbard, a former science fiction writer, was once quoted as saying, "If you want to make a million dollars, start your own religion".
It would be a terrible shame if such a "religion" prevented the parents of a child from seeking treatment for autism. There is not yet enough known about autism, but there are ways to treat it so that one can live a richer, more easily managed life.
The video clip of Jett Travolta clearly shows that Jett suffered from something having to do with his brain and he clearly did not appear to be a normal 16 year-old in at least that respect. Kawasaki Syndrome would not present itself in such a way.
There is no reason to try to point fingers or speculate. Its far too late for that. The life of a precious son is tragic and nothing but offering comfort to his parents and his family can be done now.
However, perhaps anyone searching for a religion, meaning, purpose, or anything close, should reconsider the "Church of Scientology" if they do not acknowledge illness or disease of the mental kind; there is enough proof to the contrary. Thankfully, there is medication that helps millions live their lives every day. Should I or my child ever need such treatments, a former science fiction writer who believes in aliens would not stop me from getting what I or my child needs.
My heart goes out to Jett's family; my son is his age. May they find comfort wherever they do, and may that comfort help them to cope with their loss.
at 03:38 on January 3rd, 2009
Woah up people how about letting the authorities carry out their investigations before jumping in and labeling John and his wife bad parent's etc. My goodness I am apalled that the poor lad has been dead barely 24 hours and already his parent's have been judged and tried. The family should be allowed to grieve privatley & with dignity, just as any other family is allowed to. RIP Jett and condolences to your family.