5 Celebrity Moms Who Have a Child with Autism

As the numbers of autism increase, there are many celebrity names coming out to share their experiences about having a child with autism. Here are some of the biggest names and some highlights of what they are doing today in the community…

Holly Robinson Peete

Shifting Focus: 8 Facts About Autism the Media Is Not Covering: http://t.co/8QIJpjHPXf pic.twitter.com/jufti2ZrWK

— Identifor (@identifor) June 9, 2015

Highlights: Rose to fame for her roles on television on 21 Jump Street and Hangin with Mr. Cooper. Married to former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete. In 1997, Holly and her husband Rodney started the HollyRod Foundation to support those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. Later when their son Rodney Peete, Jr was diagnosed with autism they expanded their mission to help individuals on the spectrum. Holly is well known for her commitment as a spokesperson to help spread autism awareness and education while partnering with organizations such as Autism Speaks.

Toni Braxton

Diezel Braxton- another beautiful face of Autism. He is Toni Braxton’s son…. pic.twitter.com/1OV4xzch — Robyn (@SassyBritches15) July 4, 2012

Highlights: Multiplatinum recording artist and 7 time-Grammy winner Toni Braxton is known as one of the most prolific R&B singers of all-time. Toni’s son Diezel in 2006 was diagnosed with autism where she quickly got involved in the autism community. Today she is a spokesperson for Autism Speaks.

Jacqueline Laurita

“@AutismMeetup: #Autism is Not a Shameful Secret – Real Housewife of NJ @JacLaurita Journey http://t.co/3Nt6FKNkuv pic.twitter.com/VSPaYd4phi”

— Jacqueline Laurita (@JacLaurita) April 28, 2014

Highlights: A former cosmetologist. Jacqueline became a TV-celebrity when she appeared in the first five seasons of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Has become an active part of the autism community in New Jersey since her son was diagnosed and has used her TV platform to help spread awareness of the disorder. Has worked with organizations such as Autism Speaks to help the effort.

Tisha Martin

Love it! “@Fox4Latoya: Tisha Campbell-Martin at Megafest bringing awareness to Autism. Was just in @GoodDayFox4 pic.twitter.com/BMBL7k3ePz” — Maureen Locus (@reenlocus) August 31, 2013

Highlights: TV actress known for her starring roles in Martin and My Wife and Kids. Today Tisha works with organizations such as Autism Speaks to advocate for the cause since her son was diagnosed over a decade ago. In addition, she has produced a short film called Colored My Mind to help spread awareness along with releasing a children’s book called My Brother Doesn’t Want to Play.

Christina Mendez

My son has autism. He was diagnosed at 2.5 years old. He didn’t speak until he was 6 years old and we been… http://t.co/gmX1VJ4Zay

— Christina Mendez (@christinamendez) January 29, 2014

Highlights: Christina who is mainly known for her modeling career in NYC has become a lead advocate for those with autism. Her main charity has become Autism Speaks after her son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2.