7 Celebrity Parents Who Are Doing a Great Job Raising Their Special Needs Children

Sometimes it can be painful to see your child struggle with things that may keep them from reaching their ultimate best, but it’s not always true that disabilities are a barrier. Research shows that most kids with autism do really well by the time they reach mid-childhood. It’s important to give your child comfort and approval instead of saying that they have unusual habits. That way, they can grow accordingly and achieve success just as any other kid would.

1. David and Victoria Beckham

The beautiful fashion designer, Victoria Beckham, revealed that she has self-diagnosed dyslexia. Her children, also ambitious and determined, have this learning difficulty as well, which makes reading, writing, and spelling more difficult. She claims, “Dyslexia doesn’t run in the family, it gallops.”

Although they struggle with the academic aspect of learning, none of them have any issues pursuing their dreams. Brooklyn is a photographer, Romeo wants to be a tennis player, Cruz is a singer and dancer, and Harper is a “real little tomboy.” This family proves that when life gives you some flaws, you can turn those blemishes into a beautiful painting.

2. Keith Duffy and Lisa Smith

Irish singer Keith Duffy and his wife, Lisa, share a daughter named Mia who was diagnosed with autism. She recently graduated from Dublin City University with honors, and her parents are “the proudest parents in the world.” The parent says, “Mia herself has always pushed herself and worked hard to achieve her own goals and continues to do so. Please take the positive from this and see, believe and achieve! Yes, you can, yes we can.”

Mia claims, “I kept thinking, ’Am I smart enough?’ I guess if you have parents who love you, you should listen to them. They’re not just telling you you can do it because they’re family; it’s because you need to hear it.” It is inspiring to see so much light shining against all odds.

3. Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower have a son, Elliot, and they like to keep his life private. But in 2016, they revealed that Elliot had been diagnosed with autism. They believe it is important that “all of the issues surrounding the causes of autism be openly discussed and examined.” De Niro says, “I don’t like to get emotional, but I know exactly what he goes through.”

As a child, Elliot really enjoyed playing tennis, and he became a successful player, all thanks to his parents’ support. De Niro says, “He is more confident when he sees that he is actually good at this. That’s the best self-motivator anyone can have.” Hightower says that it’s the best gift you could give your child: “To be able to succeed within themselves and give them that motivation, confidence, the knowing of who they are.”

4. Brian Littrell

Brian Littrell, the Backstreet Boys star, has a son, Baylee, who was diagnosed with Kawasaki syndrome. This syndrome usually affects children under the age of 5, and a child with this condition generally has a high temperature for over 5 days.

Baylee’s mom, Leighanne, says, “He’s never been sick. It kind of blew us away and from then on, things escalated.” She also said she’s worried for children who are misdiagnosed, explaining, “Listen to your instincts, and hopefully, you’re wrong, but maybe you’re right.” However, despite the odds, their son is doing well, as the father explained back in 2009, “He just graduated yesterday with his orange belt in karate. He’s a normal 6-year-old and not limited in any way other than being monitored with his coronary artery.”

5. Greg Grunberg

Actor Greg Grunberg has a son, Jake, who was diagnosed with epilepsy. “All 3 of my sons are heroes, but I’m continually in awe of Jake. He’s a great student and athlete, and he doesn’t let epilepsy slow him down or define him.” Ever since Jake was diagnosed, Grunberg used his status to raise awareness of epilepsy.

“I encourage families to consult with an epilepsy specialist, not just a pediatric neurologist. Families need to be proactive about their child’s treatment and not believe that medication side effects are just something they have to live with.”

Do you have a child with special needs? How are you encouraging and motivating them to become the best version of themselves?