Women who get involved with the “Real Housewives” franchise are expected to bring the drama and disclose many aspects of their lives. When Jacqueline Laurita was a cast member on “Real Housewives of New Jersey” she wrestled with the decision to disclose her son Nicholas’ Autism diagnosis on camera.
She and her husband Chris Laurita told “Café Mom” they ultimately decided it was important to talk publicly what it is like to live with a child on the Autism spectrum.
The couple told “Café Mom” that Chris wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to talk so openly about Nicholas and his challenges. Jacqueline wanted to talk about it openly on camera. She said “ I was always open to having it in public, because I never want Nicholas to be ashamed of his diagnosis, but bringing it out on a show like the Housewives made me question how [producers] would handle the situation.”
The couple talked to Bravo about how they wanted this topic handled on camera. Chris said in the interview “We basically told Bravo, listen, we’re gonna bring our child on the show and help raise awareness. This is a very sensitive situation. We wanted to make sure this gets out the right way, and don’t you dare turn this into something negative. “
The Laurita’s didn’t just casually mention Nicholas’ Autism when on camera. Jacqueline and Chris gave Bravo cameras an in depth look at the family’s triumphs and struggles. At first Nicholas could not speak and he struggled to communicate with the family. Jacqueline and Chris invested in many treatments to help their son. Some of the therapies were singing with a therapist and a hyperbaric chamber. Every season we saw Nicholas improve a little more.
In one touching scene Nicholas was finally able to say “I love you” to his mom. Jacqueline told “Café Mom” “Nick has come a long way. He went from being completely non-verbal and very disengaged to pretty much saying anything — and reading way above his level.Over the last couple of years, he’s learned to understand “yes” and “no” and uses them appropriately. He’s also asking “why” and “where” questions and putting more and more sentences together. Before it was just “me” and “I want.”
Jacqueline also used her position on “Real Housewives of New Jersey” to raise awareness of Autism. She gave a speech at a public event telling Nicholas’ story.
Have you been following Nick’s journey on RHONJ? Share your thoughts in the comments below, don’t forget to check CDL for more Jacqueline Laurita news and updates.
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