'Jersey Shore' Star Jenni 'JWoww' Farley Says Magazine Used her Son With Autism as Clickbait
On Wednesday, Hollywood Life reported that reality TV star Jenni “JWoww” Farley announced her 2-year-old son, Greyson Mathews, was diagnosed with autism. However, the “Jersey Shore” star accused the publication of turning her interview — which was intended to be about her skincare line, Naturally Woww — into clickbait about her son’s recent diagnosis.
According to Hollywood Life, Greyson’s diagnosis came after an episode of “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” on Aug. 23 when the star disclosed Greyson’s speech delay. Per the publication, although Greyson is nonverbal, Farley expressed his development is positive as his receptive language continues to improve.
Greyson receives therapies every week and has recently started applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy and speech therapy. Like many other parents, Farley expressed frustrations with “unwelcome comments” about her son’s development and his expressive and receptive speech delays.
Greyson’s autism diagnosis may not have been unexpected to Farley or her fans. She has been open about Greyson’s speech delay on her social media platforms in addition to Farley opening up on “Jersey Shore.” She also shared interventions and therapies they tried to support his speech, including a chiropractor visit and modifying his diet.
Although Hollywood Life’s article appears to be positive, the “Jersey Shore” star said she never intended the focus to be on her son. She had agreed to an interview about her Naturally Woww skincare line. While the products were mentioned in the article, Farley accused the publication of focusing on her son’s diagnosis instead and using that as “clickbait.” She took to Instagram to express her disappointment, writing:
Grey was recently diagnosed with autism. He’s also been in early intervention for over 6 months now and doing amazing. So to see his diagnosis utilized as clickbait broke my heart and pissed me. His story is too precious, no single article could capture that. The article was suppose to be about my brand @naturallywoww and how Its expanding to a children’s line in HONOR of Greyson and Meilani. @naturallywoww and I will be donating some of its profits to autism organizations that help children like my son… because that’s the only message I intend to spread in my sons name… love and acceptance.
Since Farley’s posts on social media, the reality star has received support and encouragement from her fans, with many sharing their own experiences.
I’m 28 years old and I was diagnosed with autism when they were just finding out about it and here’s a glimmer of hope @JENNIWOWW Doctors told my mom that I would never speak and be in her care for the rest of my life.. Well I moved out at 18 was talking and would never shut up!
— ????Cherie-Amour???? (@_CherieAmour_) November 29, 2018
I’m so proud of you for sharing your story! It helps me not feel so alone in this autism journey, because sometimes it feels like no one understands. The more we talk about it the more we break the stigma
— Kayla DeShon (@ShesAllGlowedUp) November 29, 2018
My son was diagnosed in October with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He is still non-verbal but each day I see him emerging more and more. I’ve spent my time learning everything I can to help him. You are his voice and he is your heart. Keep your head up. ❤????❤????
— NightmareNova (@MsNightmareNova) November 29, 2018
Early intervention WORKS! My son was diagnosed at 2 yo and we utilized EI services. Although the journey was long & not always pretty (& definitely not easy), I want to tell you it is all worth it. My son is now in a mainstream 5th gr classroom & thriving. Hang in there Mama!
— Shelley Laz (@shellndaboyz) November 29, 2018
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Ellen Stumbo is the founder of Disability Matters, an organization with the mission to encourage every church to embrace disability. Ellen is a national speaker who focuses on issues pertaining adoption, faith, disability and parenting kids with disabilities. Ellen writes for several online platforms including Focus on the Family, LifeWay, MomSense, Not Alone, Mamapedia, Group, The Mighty and the Huffington Post. Her writing also appears in several book anthologies. Ellen blogs at ellenstumbo.com and you can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.
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