Jett Travolta: Victim of Autism, Kawasaki, or Scientology?

You can't die from Autism-  It sounds like he may have had a seizure- so perhaps he had some form of epilepsy-  It is possible that this was his first seizure.  Most children with autism do not have epilepsy, though the numbers of children with autism who also have epilepsy are higher than in the general population. 

It is not helpful to judge parents from afar based on rumor and innuendo. 

I am the parent of a 14 year old severely autsitic son. Having seen video footage of Jett it indeed seems likely that he was autistic and I feel I need to say that although parents with autistic children welcome hearing about other families with similar circumstances whether they be celebrity families or not so that they don't feel so isolated, John and Kelly Travolta (whether they recognise autism as a condition or not) are not obliged to promenade their child as a poster child for mental disablilty or any other condition. Their children are entitled to privacy. Whether or not Jett was "neglected" or "mistreated" - who knows? From my own experience, living with an autistic child is exhausting and demanding. My son requires constant supervision, cannot talk, needs help with the most basic functions with regards eating and personal hygiene. He is educated in a special autistic unit but he still has extremely limited communication skills. The neighbours say Jett was allowed to sit in front of video games and eat junk food. If true then I have to say how sad...but sometimes watching videos, listening to music, tv is calming to an autistic person...and they are often extremely fussy eaters. Most parents try to do their best for their child - AS THEY SEE IT. I expect the Travoltas are no different. It is so easy to criticize when you don't have to cope with the problems others face. And, even parents with disabled children like myself  shouldn't be so quick to condemn as all children are different- no two autistic kids are alike. Autism did not kill Jett - a seizure did and that could've happened at any time even if he was supervised 24-7. Let the family grieve, pray for them and let us count our own blessings

As the mother of a 19 year old son with autism and a seizure disorder, my heart goes out to the Travoltas.  As an advocate for families who are dealing with the long term implications of autism I can totally understand the anger of those who have posted to this site AND the pain that the Travolta family has lived with and will continue to live with after this tragedy.  Scientologists are not the only ones who disavow this very real disorder.  For many of the families that I come in contact with, confronting the reality of autism within their family member(s) is just one more battle in a long line of challenges they face in their lives.

I just saw the videos of Jett and his family going from the hotel to the van on the Today Show.  I'm not sure how I missed it but I had never heard the rumors about Jett's autism before today.  However, I took one look at Jett in that video and saw so much that is familiar in my own life.  Being led by his parents, the stains on his sweatshirt, that faraway look in his eyes as well as John's body language as he led his son through the crowd of onlookers.  I saw my own son and my own reality.  So Jett was autistic.  The Travoltas are in denial.  And yes, perhaps they did little beyond providing day to day supervision to deal with Jett's needs.  Perhaps. 

However, let he who is without sin, cast the first stone.  I work hard EVERY day to help my son build a future and a better life for himself.  But I can sympathize and empathize with how the Travolta's chose to deal with their reality.  They are living in their own hell and I, for one, take no pleasure in their pain no matter how differently I have chosen to deal with the impact of autism on my family.  For those of us who touch individuals with this disorder, whether you label it as autism, treat it as a mental illness or choose to call it nothing, it is always the elephant in the room.  Believe me, whether they acknowledged it or not, they lived it.

John and Kelly are Scientologists and they are movie stars, but they are also real people and, my sense is that they were also loving, imperfect parents.  When they awake in the middle of the night from the pain of their loss, they will have to find their own way to face the morning.  I feel no need to add salt to their wound and only hope that this tragedy will help them see the light and support the important efforts many of us are part of, to assist individuals and families who live with autism spectrum disorder.

Shame on everyone here who is laying blame.  Nobody deserves the crap you people are dishing out.   As parents, we all do what we think is best for our children.  I've experienced the loss of a child and thankfully didn't have to deal with it being in the public eye.  Religion, race, culture, beliefs, age, nor nationality make any difference when a child is lost.  These people are going through the absolute worst time of their lives, and the high and mighty, all knowing, experts here think they can know the inner workings of this family.  Their choices were their own and they loved this child.   Look at your own parenting choices.  REALLY LOOK.  Can you truly point fingers and lay blame?  Again,  Shame on you.

My sympathy and respect go out to this and any family in such a time of tremendous pain and loss.

I am not a celebrity follower so when I heard of the death of Jett I was saddened by how young he was and his family had (and still has) my deepest sympathies. At the same time I felt as if there was more to the story and in reading your article I was not surprised that the cause is most likely linked to the teachings of Scientology.

I grew up with parents who were religious fanatics, thanks to the teachings of JW's if I had ever needed a blood transfusion my parents would have refused and I could have possibly died. Thankfully that situation never arose but if it had the courts would have intervened and I most likely would have been able to receive treatment.

The money that is poured into Scientology by all of its big name followers keeps it up in an ivory tower away from the usual checks and balances that most other religious organizations have. The sad part is that it is going to be the children that suffer and if nothing else maybe the tragic case of Jett will open up people's eyes into what is really hiding behind the name of religion.

This is a tragedy and I'm sure the Travolta's are hurting, until the autopsy report is released (if it ever is being Jett is underage) no one can pass judgment confidently.  Yet if the speculation in regard to Jett having autism (and possibly other medical conditions not recognized by their warped belief system) are true and the Travolta's did not seek proper medical treatment then they should be brought up on criminal charges regardless of their mourning.  I do feel bad for their pain as parents but because they are parents and I am a mother myself I am outraged at such neglect if it be the case.  People have some completely twisted belief systems. and hey if you want to neglect yourself of medical treatment because of them than you have that right but you do not have the right to neglect a childs condition because of your beliefs.  I am a Christian I believe the BIBLE is 100% accurate, some people like Jehova witnesses use the BIBLE as a tool to refuse medical treatment, how ridiculous "Same thing with militant Vegeterians and many voodoo type belief systems"..  All good things come from GOD including a doctors intelligence to find cures and treat illnesses.    Goodness people are sooooo warped. 

People need to realize EVERYONE is genetically unique.  Therefore what works for one person or even most people will not work for all people.  Just because someone has success with Scientology that does not mean it is a universal cure for all people. Same thing with Vegetarian diets and witch doctor methods etc... Some people believe that they were healed by a priest or pastor but don't relize GOD gave us the ability to heal on our own so yes it does come from GOD just not in the way people like to "believe" it does.  JESUS laid hands on the sick and healed them, yet even HE said when a person is sick they seek a Physician.  Philip the apostle was a Physician and not once was he rebuked by JESUS.  Too much of anything is NO GOOD, including religion. 

There may not be a "cure' for autism but their are ways of treating the symptoms of autism.  If Jett was having seizures and the Travolta's refused to seek medical treatment for this then they in my opinion are liable for negligent homicide and should be prosecuted along with their non MD Scientologist advisors.  As parents you are responsible for your child's health and well being and although you can't prevent every illness and accident you have a duty to try your best to do so with all available tools.  I don't agree with all medical treatments for all medical diseases but this again is mainly due to "militant" doctors who do the same as Religious zealots by ignoring the fact that not everything works for everyone because we are all GENETICALLY UNIQUE.  SO many doctors ignore alternative therapies that may work for some patients.  its the opposite end of the spectrum here on both sides. 

Everyone should do themselves and their children a huge favor, pay attention to your body. (as well as your bowel movements and body odor) You know when something is wrong and your body will tell you this.  Educate yourself on all possible treatments and learn how they work and the circumstances they worked under for others.  Yes the Mental and spiritual wellbeing of a patient is important but lets not ignore the physical and genetic aspect of our uniqueness.

Nobody here really knows what the kid had nor what really happened. One thing is for sure, nobody caused this to happen. Nothing criminal has happened! And it's very apparent that the Travoltas adored their son. I am sure they are suffering right now. Thank G-d they don't have the time or inclination to read your rants. I am sure if there was some way they could change what happened, including giving their own life, they would not hesitate. Give them their privacy! Crawl back into your hole Tim Kenny and anyone else that is passing judgment without a true knowledge. Don't you have anything better to do?! Why aren't you taking care of your autistic child instead of writing about someone you don't even know?! Please let me know what restaurant you work at because I am going to pass the word around about what an ahole you are. Sincerely, It's none of your business!

I am another parent of a child with autism and seizure disorder and if what they say is true then charges should be brought.  My daughter is 20 years old and I check on her at least a couple of times a night and am very aware of her bathroom time due to seizures.  She lost 6 teeth due to a seizure in the bathroom a few years back while brushing her teeth. Care must be taken at all times, its exhausting, but its what you signed on for when you decided to have a child. No one guaranteed them perfection in their offspring.  The whole thing is so sad.

While I feel for the Travoltas in the face of such a tragedy, it burns me up that they would deny or not accept that their son may have autism.  The signs are unquestionable.  I have been a special education teacher for over 10 years and its not hard to see the signs.  Watch the video....lack of communication, he was led by his father and caregivers (when coming out of the hotel, you see John drop his sons arm when he sees the cameras watching), his mother was holding his hand leading him, while on the steps of the building Jett leans over and stares at his mothers face (people with autism are often fascinated with things), and he stares at the flashing cameras when getting into the van.  Once in the van, he sits with his legs crossed and is self stimming with his left hand while staring at it.  The blank facial expression and all of these other examples are sure signs that Jett had autism.

Scientology does not recognize this illness and another illness was found to cover up the truth.  I'm not saying the Travoltas loved their son any less due to this, and hopefully he was receiving proper training and education to help him with his deficits.  If that is not the case, then Scientology is responsible for allowing its followers to practice child abuse.  I am not a proponent of the brain washing that Scientology creates, and I would hope that this tragic example enlightens followers of the program into rethinking their choice in life.

I am a huge fan of John Travolta's film work.  However, I believe that due to his and his wife's belief in Scientology, they ignored the possibility, if not probability that their son is autistic.  The truth will come out eventually, but if Scientology played a part in the family not adequately caring for Jett, that would be considered neglect and abuse.  I certainly hope that is not the case here but unfortunately, it really does look that way.  Shame on them!

the reason it's so upsetting to autism parents like myself, is because if jett had autism and they hid him away out of shame or embarrassment, we take it as a personal insult against our kids.  my son is nothing to be ashamed of.  he's a beautiful autistic angel.  i'm proud, not embarrassed.

I live in Wisconsin which has an ongoing case of parents being bought up on charges because they chose to pray over their daughter instead of seeking medical treatment for her and because of the lack of treatment their daughter died.  I'm tired of parents hiding behind religion instead of properly taking care of their children.  Using religion is a lame excuse for not being responsible parents.  I am a parent of 2 children and I also believe in God.  I also believe in trying the most natural ways to cure simple things, like colds, etc... but when it comes to diseases that put my childs life in danger,  there is no questioning whether or not they're going to a doctor.  As for the whether Jett had autism or not, I'll just say this, if he did and they did not seek treatment (their religion doesn't recognize autism as a disease) shame on John and Kelly!!  I know of 2 boys that grew up with my son and live very normal lifes.   

My heart is breaking for this family.  As a parent of a very special young man with seizure disorder and developmental issues all I can say is how sorry I am for their loss.  It is not fair to speculate about the care the Travolta's son was or was not given.  It is very obvious they loved this child deeply and they did what they believed to be best for him and their family. Again,  I am deeply sorry for their loss and the thoughtless comments of people that have so little information and understanding of what this family has dealt with. 

it is clear by the video showing of this child that he clearly, by all means had a severe developmental challenge. i am a teacher for children on the autistic spectrum. he profoundly exitbits similar even exact behaviors. i also have a 14 year old daughter with classic autism. even by the picture of his father carrying him, oh at maybe 7, on the beach,  i too had to carry my daughter because she would not walk on the sand. i am so very sad for there loss, that i would not be able to endure, but i am burning mad why this child is defined by having kawasaki syndrome?  unlikely. very unlikely. just because the parents are full of fame and fortune does not exclued them from being maybe unrealistic about this childs actual problems. they should be investigated like any citizen would be. fast. real fast!

This is the most horrible thing I have ever read. The only thing people should be doing right now is supporting the Travolta's. They have just experienced a tragic loss that no parent should ever have to go through. The fact that anyone would make this about someone's personal religion makes me sick. You should be ashamed of yourself. Get a life.

My heart goes out the John and Kelly Travolta. So terrible to have a child die. Like most people I have my opinions on mental illness and neurological disorders. I do respect whatever decisions parents make for their kids. It's not my place to critize there beliefs. However, I will post mine. I am a mother of a bi-polar teenage boy.Maybe for some kids medication is not the way. After years of therapy and different methods, we had to place my son on medications. It has changed his behaviors tremedously. He still has a ways to go with therapy and skill developing for social anxieties, but now has a chance, where in the past with no medication was not stable enough to embrace theraputic treatment. So the next time, anyone celebrity or not, preaches that they think they know better for your kid turn off the TV, close the magazine, because only YOU get to decide for your kids.  

Scientology kills.  It is not a harmless religion.  Unfortunately, I know personally - their practices led to the death of my little brother.  They use L. Ron Hubbard's "purification rundown" to treat damn near everything.  It consists of taking toxic doses of Niacin, running, and sweating in saunas.  Maybe that's all fine and well and good if you don't have any serious medical or mental health issues, but if you do...

Autism and epilepsy may be classified as medical conditions, but that does not mean they are viewed as such.  Ask anyone with a family member who suffers from autism or seizures about the problem of stigma. 

The scientologists trolling these forums will tell you that they would definitely approve of medical treatment for seizure disorders.  However, they are vehemently against psychiatric medications.  And here's where the dilemma comes in for someone like Jett Travolta.  The majority of seizure medications out there are also used as psychiatric medications - tegretol and depakote are used for bipolar illness, klonopin and valium for anxiety, lamictal for depression, and so on.  I seriously doubt that the scientologists would have approved of their son being on those medications - no matter the reason.  They are fanatical when it comes to that.  The belief is more important than the well-being of their own children.  And that is the hallmark of a cult. 

For all those who are condemning people posting against scientology or the denial of a child with a disorder...shame on YOU.  This is merely a discussion forum.  We are all adults and are here to discuss and debate the issue at hand.  We are all entitled to our own opinions, but there is no need to turn it into something of disrespect.

I, for one, don't know if the Travoltas hid Jett away or provided him with an education.  That is why, in my post, I said "IF".  Its no secret that they state their son had Kawasaki Syndrome......anyone watching the video provided or seeing other examples of Jett through the years can tell you this child had autism.  I don't think that they loved their son any less because of the condition, but to deny something that is there due to a religion?????  Who wouldn't want the best treatment out there that money could provide (and they certainly have the money)?  I deeply sympathize with this family losing their child , I do not sympathize with the denial due to Scientology.  I hope during their healing process they will take time to look at what this so called religion has done.

To the poster who said that because Jett was breathing out of his mouth, he was retarded......come on.  I breath out of my mouth due to a deviated septum, and last time I checked, I had my masters degree in Special Education.  That has nothing to do with it.

This was more than likely not Kawasaki syndrome or Rett syndrome. Rett syndrome occurs on the x chromosome and generally occurs in females.  The child was too old for Kawasaki. The only way to truly tell is to do a genetic test. There are many X-linked syndromes and Jett more than likely had one or a combination of more than one. From the physical appearance of Jett, autism could be a component but more than likely there is another neurodevelopmental process that affected him. The question is, will the Travolta's allow a genetic test. They obviously were in denial.

there's really no point in doing any testing now.  even if he didn't pass away, there are many conditions that don't show up with a test, autism being only one of them.  they certainly don't owe the public any info.  our curiosity is our own problem.  i only hope it's not true that he wasn't treated for autism.  that's just too sad.

I am sitting here reading and I think the Travoltas have to do all thier grieving in front of the whole world.They can't just get in thier car and drive to think...and for the rest of thier lives and careers they will be questioned about thier son's death . Is the money and the fame worth it? I also want to know, being in Scientology, where do they go when they die? Do they think they go to heaven? Do they become someone else or what? Then the fact. that the only way you can go to heaven is excepting Jesus as you savior, is sad for the Scientology followers.

Why don't all you geniuses mind your own business?

The internet is filled with strong medical information that is very clear that children suffering from autisim indeed can also suffer from seizures thus requiring proper medication.  Last night watching the news about this very tragic and sad loss for the Travolta family, and knowing nothing until this moment about rumours of Jett's autism, we felt very odd watching the video.  This very strapping handsome young man, staring off into space, with no facial reaction or expresssion, but even more stunning, holding his father's hand, being guided to the van, as you would a young child.  My prayers go out to the family.   

The key point being made here is that John did not acknowledge the autistic condition of his son, and that because of this his son died. At least this is what is strongly implied.

WTF?

Should I point a few obvious points?

1) You can't die from autism
2) Autism is not a mental illness. It's a neurological condition (Wikipedia even questions calling it a derangement)
3) There is no cure for it
4) THERE IS NO MEDICATION FOR IT
5) Autism does not equal seizure

Even if Travolta had acknowledged his son' autistic condition (supposing there was any), it would have changed absolutely nothing.

The basic assumption of those who try to blame it on Scientology influencing Travolta (if true) to be in denial about his son autistic condition is basically flawed and wrong.