Jenni "JWoww" Farley has always been candid with her fans about motherhood, and her child's latest health news is no exception.
The Jersey Shore: Family Vacation star revealed in an interview with Hollywood Life that her 2½-year-old son Greyson Valor was recently diagnosed with autism.
The mother-of-two's update comes just a few months after she opened up about the toddler's delayed speech on her reality show, explaining that he had been attending "therapy three times a week."
In a video uploaded to YouTube two weeks later, Farley, who shares Greyson and 4-year-old daughter Meilani Alexandra with estranged husband Roger Mathews, explained that her son hasn't been "hitting his milestones the way other kids were supposed to."
"I don't know if I would even call it a struggle because Greyson is still perfect to me. But it's something as a mom and a parent I'm going through and a lot of parents go through," Farley said at the time.
Since his diagnosis, Greyson has been on a path of "positive, positive progress," according to Farley. He has been in early intervention for about six months now, and currently attends "co-therapies every week." She added that they were "going to step it up a notch soon and get him ABA treatments, speech therapy."
Farley told the outlet that Greyson has "made leaps and bounds when it comes to speech," and has a better understanding of words now.
"He's understanding words better, which was his issue. Not that he couldn't speak, but he would never know what his shoe is or if you said 'Greyson,' he actually didn't even know his name at one point until he was a little over 2," she explained. "So now that he's understanding simple words, he's come so far."
The reality TV star has been very open about the ups and downs of having a non-verbal child because she wants to raise awareness, inspire other families in similar situations, and let them know that they aren't alone.
"I don't want it to just be on Jersey Shore for two minutes and be done. I want it to be information going and keep the conversation going," she shared.
Despite the fact that at some point she felt "very lonely," Farley's MTV co-stars have been very supportive, especially after Farley's post slamming Hollywood Life for labeling her son's diagnosis as an "exclusive."
"In no way would I ever "˜exclusively tell' some company about my son so he becomes their click bate [sic]. His story is too precious and no article could capture that," Farley wrote on Instagram.
"PREACH MAMA! Love you so much and such a shame they did that to you," Snooki wrote in the comments. "Disgusted reality. You're the best mommy ever! Love you bubby!!!!"
Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino commented, "Love you sis," while Pauly D added, "You are an amazing mother Jenni!!!!!"
Farley concluded that she will be "donating some of its [her skincare line] 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."
