Toni Braxton stunned fans during a recent concert at the Flamingo in Las Vegas, Nevada, when she broke down in tears while discussing her autistic son. The singer is married to musician Keri Lewis and they have two sons, Denim Cole, four, and Diezel Ky, three.
A source tells MSNBC’s The Scoop,
“She was dedicating ‘I Wanna Be (Your Baby)’ to her son, and then she said something about how people have warned her that she shouldn’t talk about it, but said that he was autistic, and then she started crying and rushed off stage. It was very emotional.”
Fans were moved by Braxton’s honesty and have shown a tremendous amount of support. One fan, who also has an autistic child, wrote to the star saying, “Please don’t lose heart. You’ll see great improvements with your little one. May God bless you and bring your little one around soon.”
Yall make sure you keep Toni and her family in your thoughts/prayer…
Toni I will pray for you and your son
I WOULD HAVE BEEN A MESS ON THAT STAGE TOO, SO SAD
Am a great fan of Toni’s, I hope her and her husband can be strong. The plus side (if there is one) is that they can probably afford the best medical care to ensure their son lives a quality life
Oh, that’s very sad. Will surely keep her and her family in my prayers. God still sits on the throne of grace and will definitely perform a miracle in their lives. Keep the faith Tony… All the best.
TOOOOOOONNNNNNNNYYYYY GIRL WHERE YA BEEN ALL MUH LIFE, NAW IM JUST JOKIN. I HOPE YOUR SON GETS BETTER. HE WILL EVENTUALLY COME AROUND. GOD TOLD ME TO TELL YOU SO. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP.
Toni needs some time off. Sit that Vegas act down and devote more time into your son.
May The Almighty bless her and her family.
TONI IF U SEE THIS
REMEMBER NOTHIN IS TOO BE FOR GOD
U AND YOURS R IN MY PRAYERS
This is really sad. My wife Toni, keep the first girl. May God give Toni and Keri the strength to care and support their son.
Keri even left his boys Mint Condition to take care of his family, he’s a great man. All the best to them.
I have a friend who has an autistic son…..he is starting to improve. He is 7 years old and “just” beginning to talk…but he “is” trying to say words. Its like his speech is that of a 2 year old. But, he understands EVERYTHING you say to him.
Austic children are usually very smart and creative.
BOUGA:
You got ONE more time to call someone else your wife! And then I am calling my lawyer..
Truly sad, but many autistic children make great improvements. In fact, one of my friend’s boyfriend was an autistic child and now he is the principal of an elementary school at age 28…India.arie said it best, THERE’S HOPE!
aw thats sad god bless you toni and your family. i have an autistic cousin and he’s the guy that everybody she be like kind hearted, thoughtful, and people like him are positive and people that everybody should be around because they are so sweet!!!!!
@ BOUGA,
I AGREE WITH LILLY, HOW MANY WIVES DO YOU HAVE?? I REALLY WANT TO KNOW HOW MANY WE ARE? I CAN’T KEEP SHARING YOU LIKE THAT! I WANT YOU ALL TO MYSELF…
@ #9;11& 12, Thank you for the inspiring testimonies. There really is hope for autistic children. All the best to everyone who is going through it.
That is just terrible, I hope they make it through this difficult time…Im blessed to have a happy healthy child, and I hope one day…she and her family can get the help they really need. May GOD bless them.
Man, may God bless her and keep her and her family in his loving embrace…
With God all things are possible! God obviously felt that Toni/Kerri were able to take this task on. Just keep the faith Toni/Kerri and things will turn around. I have a friend whose little brother is autistic and he’s 17 now and he’s very smart and creative. Toni/Kerri’s family will be in my prayers.
wow…seeing a different side to CL people….loving it
Toni and family…be blessed and know u are one with the spirit…in him everything is possible.
That is really sad & unfortunate. I couldn’t imagine going through that with my children.
It’s hard right now Toni, but i swear it’ll get better! I know you feel like a bomb has been dropped, but while it’s a rare disorder, it’s been thoroughly studied, and your son has a great future ahead of him. I know the dream is when we have kids is that our children are born healthy, but sometimes that doesn’t happen, and while you’re down now, you will eventually come to see how this disorder just makes Diesel that much more special of a gift! I know someone who has a daughter with this disorder and she’s as smart as a whip, she just don’t talk or socialize alot, though she has her moments when she reaches out. Please don’t be disheartened, this disorder your son has just mean he requires a little more extra care, but lorrrrrd look out for the rewards!
There’s no way this would be happening to you if God knew you couldn’t handle this. You’ve already been blessed in so many ways; you’re one of the most envied women in the world when it comes to your beauty and voice; you’ve got a marriage that has lasted at least 4 years, you have your family to support you; your career (singing/broadway) is allowing you to show a great range of versatility- (my god girl you have it all)!
I luv you as a artist, much success on that. And personally you seem to be a really good person (drama free). The lord will look after his own and that includes you. Keep your head up. Normally i would say i’d pray for you, but on second thought, i think God got this…just do your best with him, love him as you have been, use the god-given resources you’ve already been blessed with, and leave the rest to God.
Take care and i look forward to hearing about Diesel’s accomplishments and/or successes.
@ Lilly and Trudy
Well, I’ve always liked Toni, before she married Keri.
And you know I’m African and very traditional, so I can have as many wives as I want, just like Akon, lol.
@ BOUGA:
The divorce papers are in the mail!! Be prepared to give me HALF of your internet site… I want alimony and I want the mercedes.
{cause you are do cute, I’ll let you hit it one more time}
NEW MOMS BEWARE: I heard a Bobby Kennedy,and a doctor yesterday on, AirAmerica radio. They were talking about how incidence of Autism used to arise in kids at the rate of 1 in 2500. It is now 1 in 166, and 1 in 80 boys.
They both stated the reason is because of aerisol vaccines. Kennedy said, prior to 1989, kids only received 3 vaccines, they now receive 22. Included in that 22 is mercury at a very dangerous level.
He said the government is aware of it and has covered it up. Also, they have shielded the pharmaceutical companies from any responibility, with the help of Sen. Frist of Tennessee.
He said their are non-aerisol vaccines available, and parents should ask for those. This info needs to be spread.
There is NOTHING too hard for God
I agree, why is she on tour at at time like this?. God can turn things around, just look at that autistic boy that made all of thoes basketball shots. Prayer makes a difference, and there is alot of things out there for kids with disabilities!!
Shag
What is an aerisol vaccine?
May God bless Toni and her Son. I always listen to Mary Mary’s Yesterday when i am feeling blue it always helps me back on my feet.
I did my master’s thesis on autism and to this day there is NO cure for autism. I know plenty of people [rich & poor} who struggle daily with their autistic children. This is far too sad and I’m glad Hollywood is finally tapping into autism. What pisses me off about autism is that SOME people are quick to think those with autism is just like Dustin Hoffman in “Rain Man” or Sean Penn in “I Am Sam.” Toni just keep your head it’ll be alright in the end.
Like someone said….autistic children usually grow up to be very smart and creative….I know it will be hard Toni, but please keep the faith. God is real!
#23-Shag. Thank you for the informative post!
Austism is a challenge; I just hope Tony remains optimistic and not fatalistic about the situation. She is in a far better predicament than most individuals who have a loved one struggling with this disorder–she has the monetary resources to get her son the best help possible. And never forget prayer!!
Vaccinations aside, diet and the environment may also be contributors.
This country really needs to investigate the rising incidence of the three A’s that are affecting young’ins: anemia, asthma, and autism.
dayum, i dont like it when pretty girls cry.all parents want there children to be healthy happy and safe. the want them to grow up and and live great lives and chieve all there dreams and to have that dream redirected or aborted is very sad and it takes parents yrs to get over that. after a lil while things will and you deal with the hand life gives you and live another day.
GOD BLESS TONI AND HER FAMILY I’LL BE PRAYING FOR THEM
Toni is really struggling with this. Austistic children are actually very intelligent children and pleasant and extremely loving. She is blessed, God picked this soul for Toni to nurture and care for. I hope she stays strong and keeps loving and doing her best as a mother! I’m sure she is a good mom…….I will defnatley ask for God to keep her encouraged.
Hopefully– Toni and her husband can help drive the awareness of this disease. It’ s more common that most people think…one in 166 children are diagnosed annually. The cause is unknown and there’s no “cure”. Although, children can improve with the proper medical attention and therapy
We should all pray for a cure for this disease.
My son is autistic, he is 3 years old and making great strides. His language is delayed but he can talk and he understands everything that I say to him.
My son can write his name, knows his ABCs, can count 1-30, identify shapes and colors and count objects.
So yes autistic children are extremely intelligent.
His pre-k teacher told me that he is the most advanced child in his class acedmically he just needs to improve his langauge and social skills.
I too was a complete mess when my son was first diagnosed. It takes a while to come to terms with it.
But then I realized that AUTISM IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE. And with the proper help and support a child can make great advances.
So if I could talk to Toni I would tell her be grateful that it was diagnosed early, STAY IN PRAYER, and seek out the best help available(teachers, speech therapists, child psychologists) AND HE SHOULD BE A-0K.
I have an autistic cousin and yes Toni they are the sweetest kids you could ever want to meet. Keep that child on the alter and keep faith that with God all things are possible.
I understand Toni’s emotions. Especailly since the situation is still “fresh”. But in time things will turn around. Having a child with autism isn’t easy;but managable. In my experience there will always be a “hill to climb”,but I’ve gotten “over the hill” and my son is
a very intelligent and happy child. He surpsies me everyday. God is good!
Poor thing. I sure will Angel. LA
That is so SAD!!!!! I have 2 sons as well and I am so GREATFULL that they are both pretty normal and VERY intelligent!!!
I will be praying for Toni and her family and for more breakthroughs in medicin regarding autism
I don’t have the particulars on the “Aerisol spray.” But according to Congressman Bobby Kennedy, and a doctor who called that same show, all pediatricians are aware of the difference between the aerisol and the non-aerisol vaccines. I thinks it’s very important for new moms to look into.
I just went to the Center for Disease Control website, and there is a lot of info on vaccines in there. Just do a Google search under, CDC.
@ suga buga #25 & blk dds #6
WHAT KIND OF CRAZY TALK IS THAT! How many of us can afford to quit our jobs to take care of our families..no toni doesn’t need to quit her job, because her job is what’s going to afford her son resources in which to help him…She and her family have bills just like the rest of us, and with her lifestyle, cannot afford to quit her job. Suga buga asked why is she on tour right now. For the same damn reason she decided to do the tour, she has bills!
Right now things in her life should be a constant, where if she quit her job, her son would have to be uprooted and moved to another environment. Please, really think about what you’re posting before you do so.
I’m sure toni is constantly thinking about what she could have done and what she can do, she does not need to be made to feel guilty about working right now or anything else; she cant’ stop working, she seems to be the breadwinner though i don’t know all their personal business..and quitting her job is not a option…
Jscene: OKAY DEAR, I just asked why she was on tour? There is no need to have a baby over it. Her man is a muscian too, why cant he be on the road? Calm down, go take a laxative!!
I understand how Toni feels – I have commented before when it was first posted about her son. My son is Autistic and believe me its not easy. All autistic children are not the same – so for those of you who keep saying that god will perform miracles or that there is nothing too hard for god, although you say it with the best of intentions until you actually experience having to live with a child with autism on a day to day basis, you don’t know what it’s like. If I believed in God the way some of you do I would think us parents were cursed. It’s better to say that in life we have challenges and that through the support of family and teachers etc it helps us to try and get through it. It’s not something that children can recover from or get better, they may improve, which a lot do. I know some parents have autistic children who at the age of 9 have to wear incontinence pants because they are unable to use toilets. My son is 9 and I am fortunate that he is able to use the toilet. His main problem at the moment is speech. He has improved alot because it was diagnosed early but nevertheless some of the things he does still affects you mentally. There have been women who have commited suicide because of their child’s disability, so please don’t mention God in this way. If miracles happened our children would have been cured through simple prayer. It’s just life and things happen in life that either makes you or breaks you.
And also some parents because they have support from immediate family or friends are still able to work. I work 4 hours a day and I think that if you can work,it is the best thing for you. So I dont think Toni should give up her career, although it would probably depend on how serious his autism is, because it wont just affect her but her husband would be finding this just as hard as well as the rest of the family.
I have a brother that’s autistic, and the first thing Toni, and everybody needs to know is that everyc child is different. Poster Lilly said that she has a friend with a child that’s 7 who’s just starting to talk, my brother was already talking by the time he was 5. Every child is different. Autism is not something that can be cured, but it can be overcome, not with drugs or meds, but with hard work and dedication. Speach therapy, ocupational therapy and just spending LOTS of time with the child so that he doesnt get lost in his own world. Force him to be a part of ours.
My brother is 22, he is a wiz in computer games, he knows has taken various vocational courses (woodwork, cooking, baking, etc), and he’s taking his 12th grade equivalency exam.
People with autistic children, dont despair. Your child can lead a semi-normal, productive, independent life, you just have to put in the work and dedication to help them overcome their condition.
May God give Toni, and anyone out there struggling with this the patience, love and understanding they will need to help their child overcome this.
i agree with #43 autism is a learning disability not a sickness folk acting like toni is suffering what she needs to do is keep her ass home and teach him herself with patience and all the love she has inside of her treat him like a normal kid and he will be just fine patience is the key here i should know my son has austim and at first i waz scared but then i had to realise this kid did not ask to come here and if he can hear he can learn and we r doing great his speech is a lil off but he understand discipline is the key also not abuse
oh i forgot he sings i no u dee it by young joc thats how he seds it “dee” lololololoololoo it so cute to see him point at him self and say it lolol i wanted to share that lolololololol
Having a child who is “diagnosed” with autism is rough. My son, who is 12, was diagnosed at the age of two and a half. He had behavioral problems, speech delays, and problems communicating his needs. It was very difficult the first 5 years. Things are better, but my son may never have what people consider to be a normal life. That’s okay, as long as he is happy, and lives his best life. That’s all I want for him.
As much as people would like to believe, “raising him right” is not a cure. Staying home and taking care of him is all fine and good, but even the most saintly of parents need respite care, and time away from home. I had people tell me all the time that all I needed to do was to be a better parent, and my son would be better. It was extremely frustrating, since no one bothered to educate themselves on what austism was or what my son needed. I’m sure Toni Braxton spends lots of time with her children. That was the reason why Celine Dion got a Vegas gig–stability. Stability is key for autistic children. At the end of the day, Toni Braxton is a bigger name than being a member of Mint Condition. People will pay to see her. She is bringing in the money to take care of her special child in the way he needs to be taken care of. Let’s face it, when your child is diagnosed with a disablity, you will move heaven and earth to get him the best care. I only wish I could do more for my son. She’s lucky. Most of our 9 to 5′s don’t pay enough to provide our children with everything there is to offer in the way of treatment for autism. My son is getting good schooling and therapy, but I had to fight hard for that.
My son is a wonderful and loving child, but the first few years was really rough. As #43 said, we had issues with incontinence for 3 years, and he was basically nonverbal until age four, then he began to blossom. He speaks like any other child-just with a slight impediment-and he has been continent since age 5. The period of time between diagnosis and beginning to see positive changes varies for each child. I was blessed that our period of adjustment only lasted five years. Some folks’ difficulty lasts for the duration.
I wish her well, and I know what she is going through. To those who chose to judge, she needs your prayers, not condemnations. Educate yourselves. Do us all a favor.
there’s hope, im sure they’re still learning about it in her family, so the more that she learns about it, the better she’ll start to feel about him growing into a completely normal and active child. she and her family are certainly in my prayers…
Toni was having problems with her husband for a while now. This was a very difficult pregnancy for Toni indeed. Also the rigors of doing that video while pregnant also took its toll. Now instead of pointing fingers, she should deal with the misstakes that were made and try to correct it. Staying home more and really connecting with her family would help alot. Your child Toni is a gift to you to choose what is more important in your life, and pay attention. Good Luck to you Ms. Toni
@ suga buga
Quit it. You asked why can’t her man be on the road cause he’s a musician too…well damn, i don’t know their personal business. He don’t have a cd out so what reason would he gave to be on the road? Please make sense. And I wasn’t having a baby over what you said, nor do i need a laxative. Just urging you to be mindful of what you post on this very sensitive subject because most mothers when something is wrong with their child automatically blame themselves for so much; now is not the time to call her job into question. Please take no offense…
@ #50 rehabloveaddict who wrote:
“Toni was having problems with her husband for a while now. This was a very difficult pregnancy for Toni indeed. Also the rigors of doing that video while pregnant also took its toll. Now instead of pointing fingers, she should deal with the misstakes that were made and try to correct it. Staying home more and really connecting with her family would help alot. Your child Toni is a gift to you to choose what is more important in your life, and pay attention. Good Luck to you Ms. Toni”
My response:
OKAY NOW I’M MAD AND I’M GOING STRAIGHT HOOD ON YOUR STUPID ASS!!!! YOU SOUND LIKE THE BIGGEST FOOL EVER! WHO THE FUCK TOLD YOU WHAT CAUSES AUTISM STUPID BITCH! WHERE IS YOUR FUCKIN MEDICAL DEGREE YOU IGNORANT ASS! YOU SOUND LIKE A TONI HATER; DON’T COME ON THIS SITE PRETENDING TO CONSOLE HER WITH THAT BULLSHIT POST, JUST TO POINT OUT ANYTHING IN HER LIFE THAT YOU PERCEIVE TO BE NEGATIVE! YOU SIMPLY DON’T LIKE HER AND ARE TAKING THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR A LOW BLOW YOU FUCKIN LOW LIFE! AND YOU HAVE THE NERVE TO COME ON HERE TALKING ABOUT RUMORS LIKE YOU ACTUALLY LIVED IN HER HOUSE AND KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON; YOU KNOW NOTHING YOU STUPID BITCH! I REALLY WANT TO KNOW WHO THE FUCK TOLD YOU STRESS CAUSES AUTISM, CAUSE IF THAT’S A FACT, EVERY GHETTO CHILD OR CHILD BORN IN URBAN AREAS SHOULD BE AUTISTIC!
I SWEAR I’M STUNNED AT YOUR HATE AND IGNORANCE…TAKE YOUR DUMB SHIT SOMEWHERE ELSE. YOU MADE NO FUCKIN SENSE AT ALL. BUT I THINK YOUR NAME TELLS IT ALL – I GUESS I SHOULD EXPECT THAT FROM SOMEONE WITH A LOG ON NAME OF “REHAB LOVE ADDICT”…YOU MUST BE STILL ON WHATEVER THE FUCK TOOK YOUR DUMB ASS TO REHAB. COME BACK ON THIS SITE WHEN YOU’RE FUCKIN SOBER YOU DUMB BITCH! I HATE SNEAKY HATERS WHO TAKE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO OFF ON SOMEONE THEY PREVIOUSLY WERE JEALOUS OF OR HATED ON BACK IN THE DAY, WHEN THEY FINALLY FIND AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO. IF I COULD FIND MORE DEROGATORY WORDS TO CALL YOU I WOULD HAVE USED THEM YOU LOW LIFE HATER!
I agree with #52. WTF is #50 talking about?! And hello, she’s a performer. That what she does. When was the last time she had an album out? Plus if you perform in Vegas, you make major gouda.
Autism can be very rough on anyone. It’s not cause by not spending QT with your fam or Being busy while your pregnant. You wanna know more I suggest you atleast go to wikipedia.org. It’s made for dumb asses like our friend rehabloveaddict
Also, my deepest prayers go out to Toni’s family. I have a close friend who’s autistic and I could just imagine what she and her entire family is going through.
@#52 you r all that with that response thank you so much autistic children every where would luv to meet you and thank you and for the record autism is random not cause by parents it just happens maybe shot at birth to 1 yr old that what they r trying to find out until then we hafto be loving parents patience is key i cant say that enough
PLEASE PEOPLE DO SOME RESEARCH….BEFORE COMMENTING ON THIS SUBJECT/POST.-That comment about “stress” causing autism,well that’s some damn “ish”! Because if that were the case then my daughter should be autistic NOT my son. I was under lots of stress when I carried my daughter. So autism has nothing to do with STRESS! *this would be directed at #50.
I can most relate to #48. It is very rough to have a child diagnosed with Autism. My cousin is autistic, and while I might not have as much time with him as people who have an autistic child or an autistic sibling, I have spent my fair share of time with him. And let me tell you, it is not easy.
Have any of you who have not had first hand/long term experience with an autistic person even researched what autism is? It’s not a learning disorder as #46 said. Please look it up on an autism site or on wikipedia before you go giving false definitions.
While I do not live with my cousin, I’ve been his occasional babysitter since birth, and caring for him is NOT easy by any means. All autistic children are different. My cousin is now 8 and is just really starting to speak in sentences. Most often he repeats what everyone says. It was so scary in the days when he couldn’t talk because sometimes he would end up with bruises after coming home from his paid babysiter and he couldn’t tell us if he was being beaten or if he fell, if he was being molested or otherwise abused. Unfortunately my aunt does not have the patience to deal with him and is constantly highly stressed and screams at him a lot. I’ve had to live with him and take care of him by myself with no help for 3 weeks and it was a crazy and very enlightening experience. He drove me up the wall but it was out of sheer love for him that I kept pushing on. And that’s only for 3 weeks! I can’t even imagine how difficult it is to take care of him as his mother.
I love my cousin very much and I have hope that he will eventually communicate as “normally” as he can and will be able to live as normal a life as any of us can live. However I do believe Toni has to pay her own bills and getting the best care for a disabled child can be very expensive. Also it has nothing to do with how rigorous you are during pregnant #50. There is no absolute definitive cause for autism, although it has been linked to the 3-in-1 booster shot. That is not the only thing that can cause autism in a child, and I am not sure what else is cited as a possible cause for autism.
Do the best you can for your child Toni. That’s all any of us can do.
1st of all id like to wish Toni all the best with what it is that she’s dealing with right now!
Secondly toni isnt on tour, she signed a 7million dollar contract to take over Dionne warwick @ the flamingo in Vegas, till March 07.
Her show is called “Toni Braxton – Revelaed”…..performing over 20 of her songs dating back to 1993, as well as tracks from her 2005 release “LIBRA” the show has seen prince, babyface, gladys knight etc come out to support & celebrate her carrer
http://www.toni-online.com has a petition that will be sent to toni’s managemengt to support her during this tough time(under the forum section) as well as news, clips, pics etc on toni.
Here’s something that popped up on google regarding the AEROSOL VACCINES. It’s about their potential use in 3rd world countries but it should provide some general background for those who are interested in the topic. I hope the link works!
http://news.zdnet.com/210...mp;tag=feed&subj=zdnn
Toni, my heart goes out to you and yours. I will definitely keep you in my prayers. Although it may seem impossible to imagine, know that “All Things Are Possible, Through He Who Strenghtens Me”…..
Keep mental measures of your son’s progress and in time you will come to appreciate where you are in life. Today isn’t as bad as yesterday and tomorrow will be better than today. If you measure it day by day, it’s a lot easier to see the varying degrees of improvements and celebrate those, rather than focus on thing Diezel in incapable of doing (for now). Try to refrain from displaying your disappointment and sadness. Although you know in your heart, it’s not dissappointment that he is your child, but rather, you wishing for better circumstances for your loved one……..he is unable to understand that.
Trust me when I say that all children (yours included) have a way of knowing when mommy/daddy are sad and that in itself will imped progress. Praise him for any accomplishments, no matter the size and he will surprise you!!
May God bless you and keep you strong…………