MONTVILLE, NEW JERSEY: Teresa Giudice is wholeheartedly cheering on her autistic stepson and raising awareness every chance she gets, for whom she previously stated was "an adjustment for our family." Her husband, Louie 'Luis' Ruelas, too had earlier discussed his elder son's autism and how it has changed their family relations.
Luis has two boys with his ex-wife Marisa Dimartino Ruelas, Nicholas and Louie Jr, whom he divorced in 2013. On June 13, Teresa took to Instagram to share a day her family spent at New Jersey’s AUEsome Carnival Event. She wrote, "I want to give a special shoutout to my husband @louieruleas for making this beautiful vision come to life. I’m so proud of the amazing team who put this event together."
'Never truly knew autism until I lived it first hand'
Teresa also shared how she "never truly knew autism until I lived it first hand." Nicholas entered her life about three years ago, and it’s been an incredible experience for the ‘RHONJ’ star to learn about autism. Her stepson has taught her how to be open, empathetic, and patient in everyday life.
She added, “Parents of children with autism, please know I am here for you, you are not alone. Tag me with any posts you see from teachers or parents that can aid others in any way. I would love to repost to help bring these resources to those in need.”
'This is your way of scoring brownie points'
While most comments under the post were positive, fans being happy for the family and their efforts to spread awareness, some on the other hand some criticism reserved for Teresa. One user commented, "Sad you had a girlfriend Jacqueline who has a son with autism too bad you didn’t be “a friend” to her during her earlier times." Jacqueline Laurita, a 'RHONJ' alum, has always been upfront with fans about her son Nicholas Laurita's autism journey, which she verified in 2012.
Recalling an earlier episode, a user wrote, "I remember the episode she hinted that Jaqueline's son's autism was her karma...I thought that was so tacky talking about someone's kid like that. Maybe now having a step son herself with autism, she gets a glimpse what Jaqueline went through." Another person chimed in, "I remember and that was awful however she got her Karma!" A fourth user asked, "so where is her post apologizing to J about how she treated her during Nicholas diagnosis? She should NOW be speaking out how to NOT treat people with kids with needs."
A disappointed user also commented, "She knew what a hard time her "friend" was having,, missed all the milestones and now is back to being her friend now that it's convenient for her ? smh ?." One further wrote, "Isn't your new found friend again @jaclaurita son autistic so her being your best friend at one time, means you had no aknowledgement of her son. This is your way of scoring brownie points since you, your daughter and husband are one of the most hated family in BRAVO world. Not denying it's an excellent cause, but do not believe your reasoning behind it." Another commented, "Teresa didn’t write this. Best friend’s son has autism. You just woke up? Sad…" Another comment read, "Disgusting. She has known autism for years this is a new story line. BORING. OVER IT ALREADY. TAKE YOUR SPIN OFF FOR ONE SEASON AND LET IT GET CANCELLED."
