Jax Taylor Opens Up About Son Cruz’s Autism Diagnosis

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Jax Taylor is raising his glass to fatherhood.

As a lifestyle expert, I found myself reflecting deeply on my own family’s path, mirroring the journey of Brittany Cartwright, former Vanderpump Rules star, who recently shared that their 3-year-old son Cruz has been diagnosed with autism. This news serves as a reminder for all parents to appreciate the unique journeys our children embark on and to provide them with unwavering love and support throughout.

On Instagram, April 9th, Jax expressed, “My dear handsome son, you fill me with pride! Though we might encounter obstacles, know that I’ll forever stand as your greatest advocate and encourager.

Additionally, he underscored his commitment to ensuring that you and other families navigating similar paths impacted by autism understand that there are no boundaries to what can be achieved, although life may present unique challenges.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d like to share an update based on recent revelations. At age 45, I found myself reflecting upon events that transpired earlier this year, following my dear friend Brittany’s astute observations about my behavior. Her insights ultimately led to a fall diagnosis, which has since transformed my life for the better.

According to Brittany’s interview with People, published on April 9, she mentioned that he would often speak, uttering words like ‘Mommy’ and ‘Daddy.’ However, as he approached the age of two, we noticed a decline in his speech progress. Eventually, he almost completely stopped talking.

She noted that at nearly 4 years old, Cruz sometimes says a few words here and there.

The 36-year-old expressed that it can be challenging since he has not explicitly heard him say, “I love you,” but he is incredibly affectionate and demonstrates his love for me consistently each day. In essence, he’s like a devoted son to his mother.

And like Jax, Brittany knows that the sky’s the limit for their son.

She expressed that at times it can be disheartening as she wishes for him to fully experience life, and he does, just in a unique manner. What she wants others to grasp about autism is that he perceives the world in a way that’s more vivid and awe-inspiring than any of us ever will.

She went on to say, “Just because he might not be the smartest in his class, it doesn’t rule out the possibility that he could still work for NASA someday. His potential is limitless.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been following their journey closely, and recently, they announced an uplifting update. Previously, they disclosed that they sought professional help for him through speech therapy, as he had temporarily stopped verbal communication.

In the heart of April 2024, I shared on “The Valley” my firm conviction: ensuring our beloved one gets the best support possible. That’s why I’m advocating for speech therapy – to equip him with every tool and resource at his disposal. I want nothing more than to empower him with everything he needs!

Read on to revisit Brittany and Jax’s relationship.

Prior to our nuptials in 2017, I, Jax Taylor, found myself in a regrettable situation where I crossed a line with Faith Stowers, a previous SUR server. This indiscretion occurred before my marriage to Brittany Cartwright.

On a different occasion, as events unfolded on Vanderpump Rules, Jax acknowledged that he had been in a similar predicament before, confessing that he had cheated. Previously, he had spent extended periods denying his actions, but found this strategy unsuccessful for him.

However, although Britanny initially split up with him, they reconciled several months later and ultimately got married in 2020.

By February 2024, Brittany had disclosed that she and Jax, the parents of their two-year-old son named Cruz, had parted ways following four years of wedlock.

The individual from Kentucky admitted that marriages, in general, can be challenging, and they’ve had a particularly tough year. On their podcast, When Reality Hits , they shared that they and their partner, Jax, have decided to spend some time apart. To prioritize their mental health, they made the choice to move into a different residence.

Brittany noted, “I’m dealing with each day as it comes. I can’t predict what lies ahead, but for now, I’m committed to being the very best mother I can be to little Cruz.

A month down the line, the fissures in their relationship grew increasingly evident following the unveiling of Bravo’s trailer for the fresh series titled “The Valley“.

Brittany candidly shared, “I don’t sense any romantic interest from him and we never engage in intimacy,” she confessed in a sneak peek from March 11. Later on, Jax remarked, “Being married can be challenging at times.

Plus, costar Janet Caperna teased in the clip, “There’s a rumor about Jax cheating online.”

However, Jax slammed allegations of infidelity days after the trailer release.

He explained to TopMob News at the premiere of The Valley on March 14 that there are some temporary communication difficulties. He emphasized that this is not related to any infidelity or dishonesty; it’s simply a matter of communication. It may seem surprising, but sometimes people just don’t see eye-to-eye, and that’s just the way life goes.

He mentioned, “We cross paths daily,” he said. “The sole variation is we don’t share a bedroom at night. That’s all there is to it.

Contrary to whispers, Brittany clarified that Jax’s infidelity was not the reason for their split; instead, she revealed the accurate sequence of events leading to their parting ways.

After having a severe argument, I chose to gather my belongings. Since January 24, I have been residing in an Airbnb.

For the sake of my mental sanctuary, I’ve chosen to take a break, and the strength of this choice is palpable within me.

Regardless of their personal issues, the separated pair found common ground in one aspect: Both were committed to acting in the best interest of their 2-year-old child.

Jax informed TopMob, “There’s no question about it – he’s at the top, and I concur. What matters most is that he grows up with two parents who adore him immensely, ensuring he lives an extraordinary life, regardless of whether we remain together or not.

Concerning the escalated conflicts, Brittany concurred, expressing her sentiment, “I simply wish not for our son to experience such a lifestyle. I don’t want him to perceive it as normal.

Brittany admitted in March that “there’s always hope,” but she just needs Jax to put in the work.

Brittany told TopMob, “I doubt anyone else will be able to love Jax as deeply as I have. We’ve been through thick and thin together, and I’m standing by his side through it all. If he makes some changes I’ve suggested, there might be a chance for us again, but for now, I need time to focus on myself. I feel powerful and proud for having the courage to make decisions that are best for me. My mental well-being is crucial.

One individual who didn’t seem too taken aback by the split between Jax and Brittany? None other than their previous SUR supervisor, Lisa Vanderpump.

As a devoted follower, I shared with TopMob that everyone had anticipated our marriage wouldn’t endure, yet I’ve always been reluctant to jump to hasty judgments.

She mentioned that she wasn’t certain about the cause, but she thought it might have been related to Jax’s misconduct. Generally, past actions can provide clues about future conduct.

I believe this is the right decision for her,” she said. “I truly feel that she deserves more and a partner who values and treats her with genuine respect.

And the couple’s The Valley costar Kristen Doute agreed with Scheana.

Kristen acknowledged being proud of Brittany for establishing limits regarding her decisions, and expressed optimism about them resolving their issues. However, she emphasized that it’s up to Jax, not Brittany, to make things right.

In the season finale on June 4th, Brittany challenged Jax over the alleged derogatory remarks he supposedly made towards her in private conversations.

According to Kristen Doute, he acknowledged, “Aren’t I terrible to you? Aren’t I rude? Haven’t I called you fat and said you’re unproductive? Haven’t I told you that you won’t have any friends if you two split up?

In an exclusive interview with TopMob News back in June, I shared that we had the option to gauge reactions from others if the situation called for it. Now, this approach may appear unusual or even a tad reckless to many, but it was the path we chose.

In July, it was revealed that Jax decided to admit himself into a healthcare facility specializing in mental health care, following Brittany’s persistent pleas for him to attend therapy sessions over the years.

The VPR alum mainly credited son Cruz as the reason he saught professional help.

Jax wrote in an Instagram post on July 31st that he’s striving to improve and is expressing this sentiment alongside a photo of him kissing his baby. He ends the post by saying, “I love you.”)

7 months following the public announcement of their separation, Brittany officially ended her relationship with Jax by filing for divorce in August 2024, as documented by TopMob. In the court documents, she cited “irreconcilable differences” and asked to be granted primary legal and physical custody of their son, Cruz, while requesting child visitation rights for Jax.

According to court papers acquired by TopMob News last year in October 2024, Jax petitioned the court for full legal and residential rights over their shared son, Cruz, to be given solely to Brittany.

Despite Jax’s declaration in his filing that he and Brittany tied the knot in June 2019, he additionally marked an option on the form stating, “Jax asserts that the couple did not enter into a legal marriage or domestic partnership.

Later on, his representative informed TopMob News, “Although Jax inadvertently filled out professional legal paperwork incorrectly, these mistakes will be swiftly corrected.

Following the ambiguous reaction by Jax regarding Brittany’s divorce filing, leading to doubts about their legal marriage status, Brittany clarified the situation.

She mentioned on TopMob News’ Instagram post about Jax’s reply mishap, “We are officially wed.” She added humorously, “Perhaps the bureaucracy of official documentation is challenging for certain individuals.

By November 2024, Brittany openly admitted to having a brief romantic involvement with one of Jax’s acquaintances after their separation, and she made no apologies about this affair.

She shared on Bravo’s Hot Mic on November 11 that there was no rule against dating within the friend group among us. Since none of us ever discussed such a thing, she reasoned, because firstly, she didn’t foresee herself getting involved with one of his friends. It wasn’t premeditated. She had no intention of pursuing one of his friends. That’s not how things transpired.

As for while she chose to move on with someone in the friend group?

She remarked, “It seemed as if it were someone I had known before, in this universe of ours.” It’s astonishing, she continued, to consider trusting others. Notably, she found herself single for the first time in Los Angeles.

Jax expressed his shock and dismay when he found out that Brittany was involved romantically with his friend Julian, stating it as an “insulting blow” to him. He shared his surprised response to their relationship.

He shared with Bravo’s Hot Mic on November 14th that if the situation were different, involving someone he wasn’t acquainted with, it wouldn’t have bothered him. However, he expressed a desire for her to meet someone new, but not someone he already knows.

He additionally shared that he discovered Brittany had been sending Julian explicit photos, further mentioning, “I uncovered her in a few instances of deception.

In March 2025, Jax confessed publicly for the first time that he had recently overcome a long struggle with cocaine addiction which spanned over several decades. Furthermore, he disclosed that he had been abstinent from both substances for almost three months.

Brittany’s repsonse?

She expressed her hope that someday he would overcome his addiction completely, but she remains uncertain. His actions continue to worry her, and it seems like his treatment plan isn’t thorough. She’s doing her best to cope with the situation, considering both herself and her son, but each day is tough and demanding. Jax has inflicted a lot of damage, and at this point, she has little faith in him. All she can wish for is that one day he will become a better person, especially for his own child.

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2025-04-10 16:22