Why It Matters if Jett Travolta Had Autism

[Guest guest]

Why It Matters if Jett Travolta Had Autism

To Newsweek, autism is irrelevant, anyway.

We know that Newsweek doesn't give a damn about families with autism, given all

the bashing they've given us for trying to raise awareness about the connection

to vaccinces. This essay says nothing about the sanctity of vaccines, so why is

Newsweek bothering? Shut-up Newsweek, and turn into the drug package insert you

already are.

Why It Matters if Jett Travolta Had Autism

Newsweek. http://is.gd/ZZm3

By Kalb

In the aftermath of his son Jett's death, Travolta told Bahamian police

that Jett had autism. This according to police reports published by the National

Enquirer (which, while not the most respected news source, have gotten scoops on

big stories. They also pay their sources, which helps them obtain documents like

these). If true, this admission marks a long-awaited moment.

Hollywood types and autism advocates had been speculating about Jett's condition

for years before the 16-year-old died in January. Critics accused the Travoltas,

who are Scientologists, of denying their son's condition and, possibly, denying

him appropriate care. Many of them went as far as diagnosing Jett themselves. On

one site, a user posted a YouTube clip of the Travolta family in the streets of

Paris. Labeled, " Video proof of Jett Travolta's autism, " the clip showed what

the user claimed were tell-tale signs of autism, including the " 100 Mile Look. "

Despite all the chatter, the Travolta's insisted that their son had Kawasaki

Disease, an inflammation of the blood vessels. Even after his death, they never

mentioned autism.

Why does it matter now? Over at Gawker, the commenters are decrying the site's

decision to publicize the news as an " in your face, Scientology! " kind of

expose. Says commenter user_21938, " There are plenty of other opportunities to

highlight the flaws and idiocy of Scientology. You can afford to leave the

Travoltas alone. "

This alleged statement is important—but not because it exposes a supposed

inconsistency in Travolta's faith. The autism world is filled with

controversies: over vaccines, over treatments, over diagnostic labels. The

uproars cause infighting, the infighting stalls progress. If Jett was autistic,

at least the Travolta hoopla—which consumed a significant amount of time and

energy in certain circles of the autism world—can come to an end.

Consensus on Jett's diagnosis could inspire some much-needed kindness and

support in the autism world, for both the Travolta's and for the entire autism

community. Travolta also has star power, of course, and his acknowledgment, no

matter how private, could help eliminate the rampaging stigma that too often

accompanies the condition.

Something good should come out of Jett Travolta's tragic death. In this case, a

public acknowledgment of autism—along with the end of some nasty, speculative,

counter-productive infighting—might just be it. It would raise awareness and put

a face to the disorder: the face of a young man who was loved not for his

diagnosis, but for who he was.

[Guest guest]

well said Lenny

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