Kelly Preston Explains Belief in Causes of Son's Autism

(Photo: Reuters/Fred Prouser)
Actor John Travolta (C) holds his Supporting Actor award he received with presenter actress Kirstie Alley (L) and his wife actress Kelly Preston (R) backstage at the Hollywood Awards gala held by the Hollywood Film Festival in Beverly Hills, California October 22, 2007.

By Sami K. Martin , Christian Post Contributor

November 20, 2012|9:16 am

Kelly Preston has spoken out about what she believes caused her late son's autism. Those factors include the environment, Kawasaki Syndrome, and her "fast and hard" labor.

Son Jett suffered from autism, which is a neural disorder that can affect social interaction and have physical consequences. Jett died when he had a seizure and hit his head in a bathtub in the Bahamas.

"Jett was autistic," Preston told The Doctors on an upcoming episode. "He had seizures when he was very young, he had Kawasaki Syndrome. I strongly believe as a mother, as does my husband, that there are certain contributing factors that lead to autism and some of it is very much the chemicals in our environment and in our food."

Preston also said that she felt her "hard and fast" labor, as well as using antibiotics while breastfeeding, may have contributed to Jett's autism. The antibiotics gave Jett a case of thrush, which is a yeast infection that can occur in the mouth or cause diaper rash in babies and toddlers. Some doctors have linked thrush with symptoms of autism, though it's uncertain exactly what can cause autism.

Jett's death has prompted Preston and husband John Travolta to speak out on behalf of families dealing with autism, which is a break from their religious beliefs. Scientology, according to one report, discourages the belief in autism; Travolta went against the church in order to speak out about Jett's disorder and death.

His death has also led Preston to encourage families to use organic products around their children and eat organic produce. Preston and Travolta welcomed son Benjamin just two years ago and have tried to raise him in a clean, healthier environment.

Preston is the latest celebrity mother to speak out about her beliefs in the cause of autism. Jenny McCarthy famously campaigned against vaccines for babies after her son was diagnosed with autism. Yet no formal cause of autism has ever been given, and scientists are still working to identify signs or indicators of the disorder.