John Travolta should open his heart and help raise awareness about autism

[Elvira]

04/10/2006

A PLEA FROM HOLLYWOOD: JOHN TRAVOLTA – OPEN YOUR HEART!

On Friday, April 7th, Hollywood, Interrupted was treated to the Los Angeles premiere of “Normal People Scare Me” – a feature-length documentary about autism, co-directed by the high functioning autistic teenager Taylor Cross and his mother, Keri Bowers. The event was sponsored by an organization called Cure Autism Now (CAN) and the new magazine, The Autism Perspective (TAP).

This enlightening film was produced by b-movie actor/director/producer and former special education teacher, Joey Travolta. Joey’s brother and sister-in-law, “Battlefield Earth” co-stars John Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston, were not present. Too bad…

…Had John and Kelly been at the screening, they might have a better understanding of the disorder reportedly affecting their 14 year-old son, Jett. Sadly, the Scientology couple cannot even publicly admit that their son is afflicted with a neurological disorder, lest – according to the incontrovertible doctrine of Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard – he be labeled a “degraded being” that brought his affliction onto himself. Instead, the Travoltas have long blamed their son’s disability on Kawasaki Syndrome-related “environmental toxins,” specifically carpet cleaning chemicals.

Rumors about Jett Travolta’s disability have been floating around for years, but when no less than five sources (including a media rep from the Autism Society of America (ASA), an executive from Cure Autism Now, a major Hollywood producer and parent of an autistic child, and a Hollywood actor-parent) reported that Jett Travolta was afflicted did we decide to deliver this story. Scientology will not even recognize the disability, let alone the myriad therapies for treating it.

The CAN and ASA officials that spoke with Hollywood, Interrupted credited Sylvester Stallone and former pro football greats Doug Flutie and Dan Marino as celebrity parents of children with autism that have helped raise awareness of the malady. These celebs reportedly share their frustration with what they perceive as Travolta’s “denial” stemming from Scientology’s rabid hatred of psychiatry and judgment of those with psychological problems as lesser humans responsible for their own maladies.

The Hollywood actor interviewed describes having autism as “like being trapped within yourself, and having difficulty letting normal people know who you really are.” Now, imagine being trapped inside a mind-control cult that prohibits you from availing your child to the treatment available. No wonder Scientology has long been plagued by suicides, and wrongful deaths.

The movie producer that spoke with Hollywood, Interrupted reports: “Kelly Preston, in her heart, wants to do the right thing for her son.” “I bet it rips her heart out,” says the actor. “But,” says the producer, “John Travolta has so far, done nothing to help raise awareness about autism.”

Tragically, Scientology does nasty things to the heart. “And to the other families who are being torn apart by this disorder,” sighs the actor. “Let me know if I can help you appeal to his heart.” Hollywood, Interrupted believes that you may have done just that.

http://www.hollywoodinterrupted.com/

[A*O]

As the parent of a mildly (thank God) autistic child I can confirm that vitamins don't work. YEARS of patience, encouragement, understanding and appropriate therapy can work wonders but the first step is for parents to accept and acknowledge that their child has a problem. Unfortunately, parental denial is VERY common (and not just Scientologist parents either).

[buttmunch]

Yeah, it's hard for parents to face up to the fact that that perfect little bundle of joy might have some hurdles to jump in life.

[tulip]

As the parent of a mildly (thank God) autistic child I can confirm that vitamins don't work. YEARS of patience, encouragement, understanding and appropriate therapy can work wonders but the first step is for parents to accept and acknowledge that their child has a problem. Unfortunately, parental denial is VERY common (and not just Scientologist parents either).

Amen A*O -- I am in the same boat as you. Early intervention is so critical. It is so sad to think that this poor child is not being given the coping skills needed. My son is amazing -- he is kind, loving, smart as heck and has a sense of humor that won't quit.

To deem someone "lesser" because they have a neurological problem (or any other problem) is disgusting. Personally, I think that egotistical, brain-washed Scientologists are the "lesser" human beings. How dare they harm their children because they can't handle life without L.Ron.

This truly is a sick, sick cult.

[SVZ]

What is wrong with these people?

The only autistic person I knew was a kid who couldn't do anything besides draw picture of horses on fire...they were gorgeous though and so lifelike it was scary.

[Bellatheball]

Wow, that's really sad on so many levels. It's sad for that kid who needs help and treatment. It's sad that a mom (reportedly) knows her child needs more and can't provide it. And it's sad that a father is so trapped in a cult that he can't see clearly enough to help his child.

MAybe there's more to this than we see. I hope so anyway.

[DVS_one]

i did not know that jett had any disabilty issues ... so they have been successful at keeping it quiet..

as for the behavior of the travoltas... utterly revolting... makes me want to puke..

[Butterfly]

Scientology makes me sick. The number 1 thing in your life is your family, not a stupid made up religion that makes you feel ashamed of your child with disability. They need to get their priorities strait. Fuckers.

[AgentOrange]

Don't provoke him. If Travolta opens his heart, the only thing that he's gonna try and raise awareness about is Scientology.

[Sojiita]

Travolta should open his heart. I suggest using a serrated steak knife.

[Delphinium]

What I want to know is why hollywood types get a free pass on child neglect. If this was a typical family the school district etc. would have stepped in by now and made sure the child received the proper help he needs. They may love their son, but it is still neglect if they do not attempt to treat his disability. Oh wait.... they are... with vitamins... sad...

[Zee]

They would suggest the Delphi school. Scientologist backed of course.

What is with these people? Do the right thing for your child not your career.

[Bellatheball]

I'm sure if they are brainwashed enough to believe this crap then they really think they are helping their kid. I do think that Travolta seems to have a bit of an evil side to him though.

[tulip]

I actually remember Kelly Preston doing a huge PR campaign about Kawasaki disease after their second baby was born. She said she was such a germ-phobe when Jett was born that she had her carpets cleaned CONSTANTLY -- and the chemicals harmed him. She was promoting having a chemical free household.

It is interesting to hear this might not be the case.

The thing about autism is that it is a spectrum disorder and no two people with it are alike. There are so many "red flags" that could point to it and you need to be diligent and follow through. There are so many therapies out there that can help. But you need to acknowledge the situation and seek the help.

[A*O]

The only autistic person I knew was a kid who couldn't do anything besides draw picture of horses on fire...they were gorgeous though and so lifelike it was scary.

You move in scientific circles SVZ - I guarantee that a very large proportion of science geeks have some form of autistic spectrum disorder and probably don't even know it themselves. It's a complex subject and there's lot of info to be Googled about it, but there is no "textbook" case of autism. Each individual is slightly and subtly different whichis often why it goes undiagnosed.

I actually remember Kelly Preston doing a huge PR campaign about Kawasaki disease after their second baby was born. She said she was such a germ-phobe when Jett was born that she had her carpets cleaned CONSTANTLY -- and the chemicals harmed him. She was promoting having a chemical free household.

Hmmmmmmm this kind of OCD behaviour can be a flag for autism and there is often a genetic link.