NEWS'Real Housewives Of New Jersey' Star Jacqueline Laurita: My Son Has Autism
Aug. 22 2012, Published 4:41 a.m. ET
Jacqueline Laurita has revealed that her three-year-old son Nicholas is autistic.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey star welcomed her little boy in 2009 after trying for several years to conceive.
OK! GALLERY: REAL HOUSEWIFE MELISSA GORGA WEARS FAT SUIT IN TIMES SQUARE
But about a year ago the mother-of-three noticed that Nicholas' speech was beginning to regress and he stopped answering to his name or noticing when people entered the room.
"We had no idea what was going on," Jacqueline told People.
She and husband Chris shielded their boy from the reality show cameras during taping of season 4 last year and after several doctors visits for second and third opinions they received the diagnosis.
OK! GALLERY: REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS STAR BRANDI GLANVILLE HEATS UP TAO BEACH
"I worry about him being independent when he's older," Jacqueline shared. "I spend all my time researching what we can do for him."
- 'I Couldn't Care Less!': 'RHONJ' Alum Jacqueline Laurita Issues Shocking Update on Friendship With Teresa Giudice
- 'RHONJ' Arch Enemies Teresa Giudice, Jacqueline Laurita ‘Forgive’ Each Other, Reunite In ‘Mutual Disdain’ For Melissa Gorga
- Frenemies & Feuds! From Kyle Richards Vs Lisa Vanderpump To Jill Zarin Vs Bethenny Frankel & More Of The Most Memorable Housewives Fights: Photos
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
"You never want to think that your child isn't perfectly healthy," Chris added. "We didn't want to believe it was true."
Jacqueline took to Twitter on Wednesday to thank her fans for all of their support.
"We r completely grateful4the amount of understanding,compassion&support our family has received 2day!Thank u all so much!XOWe WILL give back," she wrote. (sic)
Jacqueline and Chris have another son, CJ, who is nine and the proud mama has a 21-year-old daughter, Ashley, from a previous marriage.
Other celebrities who have children with autism include Sylvester Stallone, Jenny McCarthy, Toni Braxton and Holly Robinson-Peete who have all done great things to raise awareness for the cause.
