Jax Taylor, the former star of Vanderpump Rules and The Valley, took to Instagram on World Autism Awareness Day to share a heartfelt tribute to his son Cruz, who was diagnosed with autism in the fall of 2024. The 46-year-old reality TV star posted a series of sweet photos of himself with Cruz, now four, reflecting on how his son has profoundly changed his life.
“Today is World Autism Awareness Day,” Jax wrote alongside the photos. “My son has changed the way I see the world… with more patience, more understanding, and a deeper love than I ever knew I had in me.” The emotional post garnered an outpouring of love and support from fans, many of whom praised Jax for his openness and vulnerability.
A Special Bond
In one of the photos, Jax is seen with Cruz sitting on his shoulders, both beaming with joy. In another, Cruz is shown enjoying a sweet treat on the couch surrounded by his stuffed toys and children’s books. The third snap captured a tender moment, with Jax holding Cruz in a loving embrace, his face full of emotion.
Jax’s public acknowledgment of Cruz’s diagnosis and the way it has reshaped his life is a powerful reminder of the challenges and rewards of parenting a child on the autism spectrum. Jax, who left The Valley in July 2025 to focus on his sobriety, mental health, and co-parenting, has made it clear that his family remains his top priority.
The Journey Through Autism
Cruz’s autism diagnosis came after his parents noticed signs of developmental delay, including a regression in his speech. Jax and his ex-wife, Brittany Cartwright, who is currently in the process of finalizing their divorce, sought speech and occupational therapy for their son. Brittany previously shared that Cruz had been talking and even saying “Mommy” and “Daddy” before his regression, making the diagnosis all the more challenging.
“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. He is such a mommy’s boy,” Brittany shared, acknowledging the emotional complexities of parenting Cruz.
Navigating Co-Parenting and Moving Forward
Despite the struggles, Jax and Brittany are working hard on co-parenting their son. The couple, who publicly dealt with a tumultuous relationship on Vanderpump Rules and its spinoff The Valley, have made strides in improving their co-parenting dynamic. While their divorce has not yet been finalized, they recently reached a joint custody agreement for Cruz, ensuring that both parents play an active role in his life.
Jax’s decision to step away from the spotlight and focus on his personal growth and family has been a turning point in his life. He continues to work on his sobriety and mental health while providing a loving and supportive environment for Cruz.
Celebrating Cruz’s Progress
As Jax shared his thoughts on Cruz’s diagnosis and their journey as a family, it was clear that he remains deeply proud of his son. “He reminds me every day what really matters. Proud to be his dad today and every day,” Jax wrote, reflecting on how Cruz has impacted his life in ways he never imagined.
As Cruz continues to grow and thrive, Jax’s openness about the challenges and joys of raising a child with autism serves as a source of inspiration for many parents facing similar struggles.
