THE Valleys star Brittany Cartwright has revealed that her son has been diagnosed with autism.
Revealing his diagnosis in a new interview, Brittany, 36, has shared how her and Jax Taylor’s son was put into speech and occupational therapy, with their search for answers being a huge focus in the first season of The Valley last year.
Speaking out about his early days and how he was developing well and saying “mommy” and “daddy”, Brittany has now revealed how when he neared the age of two she grew concerned.
She explained in an exclusive chat with People, that as he got closer to two, she and her ex Jax Taylor “started noticing that he was regressing in his speech”.
Brittany told the outlet: “He stopped talking almost completely.”
Cruz, who turns four later this month, was diagnosed with autism after his parents noticed that he had stopped speaking.
Brittany has said that he will “sporadically say different words” such as “mommy”, but then spoke about how “difficult” it is.
“It can be difficult because I’ve never heard him say, ‘I love you,’ but he is so loving, and he shows me he loves me every single day,” she added.
“He is such a mommy’s boy,” she gushed.
She went on to say how their life is now “going to look a little bit different” but affirmed how she feels as though she was meant to be his mom.
“He is everything to me, and even though he can’t talk, I know everything that he wants, everything that he needs.
‘CHALLENGING TIMES’
“We’re just so synced, it’s incredible,” she sweetly added.
Jax Taylor breaks silence on rehab and reveals two mental health diagnoses after Brittany Cartwright files for divorce
She then touched on how “challenging” things might be.
“Yes, it might be challenging at times, but I couldn’t imagine my life being different,” she said.
Brittany also spoke about how it can be “sad” because she wants her son to “live life to the fullest”.
“And he does [live life to the fullest], he just does it in a different way,” she urged.
The Cast of The Valley
Vanderpump Rules spin-off The Valley has attracted fans with its drama-filled episodes and entertaining cast. The reality show, which airs on Bravo, features some familiar faces from VPR and others as they manage their work and personal lives in California. Here is the cast of The Valley:
Jax Taylor, 44: former VPR star who is married to Brittany Cartwright, but is currently going through a separation
Brittany Cartwright, 35: former VPR star who is married to Jax Taylor, but has moved out of their marital home as they work through their issues
Kristen Doute, 41: former VPR star who is dating Luke Broderick and previously dated VPR’s Tom Sandoval and James Kennedy
Luke Broderick, 32: Kristen’s boyfriend who spends his time in The Valley and also in Colorado where he enjoys outdoor activities
Danny Booko, 40: Nia Booko’s husband who is from Michigan and works as an actor and voiceover artist
Nia Booko, 34: Danny Booko’s wife who is from Sacramento and hosts the podcast, Hold My Crown
Jesse Lally, 44: Michelle Lally’s ex-husband who is from Boston and is now a luxury real estate broker in Los Angeles
Michelle Lally, 35: Jesse Lally’s ex-wife who was born and raised in Beverly Hills and works as a real estate broker
Jason Caperna, 40: Janet Caperna’s husband who is from Los Angeles and works as a lawyer
Janet Caperna, 34: Jason Caperna’s wife who is from Ohio and formerly worked as an executive assistant
“What I really want people to understand about autism is he sees the world so much more vibrant and amazing than any of us ever will,” she added.
“It doesn’t mean that he’s not going to be the smartest in his class. It doesn’t mean he is not going to work for NASA one day. There aren’t any limitations to what he can do.”
BRITTANY AND JAX’S SPLIT
Brittany and Jax are parents to their son Cruz Michael Cauchi, whom they welcomed during their marriage.
Cruz was welcomed into the world in 2021.
The parents of the tot are now navigating a co-parenting relationship following their divorce.
In March 2024, the former couple announced their separation just before the premiere of their new reality TV series, The Valley.
The Valley marked Brittany and Jax’s return to Bravo after being fired from the network almost five years ago.
Then, six months after announcing their separation, Brittany filed for divorce from Jax in August 2024.
When she filed for divorce, she cited irreconcilable differences and requested legal and physical custody of their son.
The Valley season 2 premieres on April 15 – three days after Cruz’s birthday.
