When actress Holly Robinson Peete’s son, Alex, was diagnosed with autism at just 3 years old, it didn’t completely catch her off guard; her mother’s intuition had been signaling something was amiss for quite some time. However, the official diagnosis was still a tough pill to swallow. “They handed us a long list of things he might never achieve, yet offered scant information on the causes or reasons behind it,” she recalls. “Every child on the spectrum is unique, and I felt isolated without anyone to share my thoughts with.”
For several years, the family kept their focus on Alex’s needs, but in 2005, they decided to advocate publicly for the importance of early autism diagnosis. The HollyRod Foundation, which Peete initially founded in 1997 in honor of her father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease, broadened its mission to include autism support. “Our aim is to provide family services,” Peete emphasizes. “Beyond the lack of awareness and resources, many communities face cultural stigmas that hinder early intervention opportunities. We strive to ensure that children and families can access the services they desperately need.”
This spring, the family appeared on the OWN reality series For Peete’s Sake to bring attention to autism. “We realized there were other celebrity families with children on the spectrum who weren’t sharing their experiences,” Peete explains. “If we had seen a family open up about their journey when Alex was diagnosed, it would have given us immense hope. So we thought, why not be that family?”
Peete believes that often, it’s parents who unintentionally perpetuate the stigma surrounding autism. “I encourage parents of children on the spectrum to engage in conversations. Kids with autism often find acceptance from their peers, who are more open-minded than their parents.”
In 2010, Peete co-authored the fictional book My Brother Charlie with her daughter, Emma, based on their family’s experiences. They later wanted to highlight Alex’s perspective, leading to their new book, Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express. “We frequently discuss how autism affects kids, but we rarely hear their stories, so I’m thrilled to have Alex’s voice included,” she shares.
One of their initiatives, the “My Brother Charlie Family Fun Day,” celebrated its fifth year, offering respite for families of children with autism. “It’s wonderful because it’s not just about autism; it’s about everyone coming together to have a great time, which fosters acceptance,” she notes.
A few years back, Alex attended an event with Peete and felt inspired by other teens with autism. He stood up and delivered a speech that received a standing ovation. “It made him realize the difference he can make, and he’s been thriving ever since,” she beams.
For more stories and insights on parenting, check out this blog post about modern family dynamics.
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In summary, Holly Robinson Peete’s advocacy for autism awareness stems from personal experience, emphasizing the need for community support and open dialogue. Her initiatives, like the HollyRod Foundation and family fun days, aim to break down barriers and foster acceptance for families navigating similar paths.
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