Kris Aquino opens up about son Josh being bullied for his autism
Nightcap selfie. L-R: Josh, Bimby, and Kris. Image: Instagram/@krisaquino
When it comes to sharing stories and tips about motherhood, Queen of All Media Kris Aquino’s personal tried-and-true anecdotes are just some that fellow mothers cannot pass up on. If there’s one thing mothers love talking about, it’s the latest happenings in their children’s lives — not necessarily an act of self-indulgence, surely, but because it’s natural for mothers to care and be concerned about their children’s well-being.
Yesterday, Aquino shared on Instagram a loving picture of her and son Bimby in a tight embrace, much to the delight of the other moms and fans who religiously tune in on Aquino’s posts. She explained that Josh is not in the picture because he is still healing from a dermatological treatment.
“Josh had fractional CO2 to get rid of some acne scars developing in the sides of his face in care of Dr. Venia Javellana,” shared Aquino. “Just a tip, he was trying to build muscle mass and we fed him too much protein, which led to acne — so we decided to be proactive and deal with his skin immediately before there was permanent scarring.”
Kris and Bimby in a loving embrace. Image: Instagram/@krisaquino
Aquino also shared that Josh looked pitiful after the session, but still came home smiling. “Dra. said his pain threshold was amazing,” gushed Aquino.
It is known that Aquino’s eldest son Josh was born with autism, and for a mother caring for a child with special needs, it is anything but easy. This is why the mere mention of Josh struck a chord with the mothers and netizens, who took to the comments section to try to reach out to Aquino.
A netizen (@cathywong27) asked, “Kris, why can’t you be a spokesperson for kids [with autism] based on your experience? I’m sure there’s a lot of families out there who are unaware of this disability and are in the dark on where to go for help and simply what to do. I’m sure you would help a lot of families.”
Aquino replied to her saying she isn’t the right person because their experience has been totally different. She admitted Josh had the best intervention possible because they had the financial means. She also said it is her “balato” to her small family of three not to expose her children further as they have been bullied enough over things they have no control over, by political enemies and just plain mean-spirited people.
“It is easy to request but try mong mabasa na ‘mongoloid‘, ‘abnoy’, ‘karma ng buhay nyo’ every time may political issue na walang kasalanan si Josh & you’ll understand me,” she explained.
(It is easy to request but try reading that your child is “mongoloid,” “abnoy,” “the karma of your life” every time there’s a political issue which is not Joshua’s fault and you’ll understand me.)
Yet, another netizen (@hench7) told Aquino this kind of advocacy can be a legacy she can leave behind: “ASD are increasing yet our country has a very limited knowledge, facilities to improve these children. If your parents gave us the democracy, maybe this advocacies can be your ticket to be forever in the history of our country.”
The comment did not sit too well with Aquino, however, as she stated, “Na sensitive na ko about ‘legacy’ because nakakapagod (it is tiring) to keep your mouth shut when there are so many facts I can use to defend the place of my parents in history,” wrote Aquino. “That decision doesn’t just affect me but affects my 2 sons — do they deserve further bullying?”
Another netizen (@cctriez), on the other hand, agreed with Aquino, saying parents who are not as financially privileged as her may not appreciate the types of therapy and interventions Josh is receiving: “Since not all people can afford they might misinterpret if Kris starts advising on what needs to be done. Each family is different and can only give what they can to a child with special needs.”
Truly any parent in the world, including celebrities like Aquino, would wish for the best when it comes to their children. Children with special needs require more attention and care, and while families may differ in terms of financial means, parents try their best for the sake of their children. And perhaps, trying one’s best is all anyone could ever ask for. JB
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