Roxanne 
Brittany Cartwright has always been open about her journey as a mom, but recently, she shared a deeply personal and life-changing revelation about her son Cruz. In an interview with People, the former Vanderpump Rules star shared that Cruz, who is about to turn 4, was diagnosed with autism six months ago. While it wasn’t a complete surprise, hearing the diagnosis from his pediatrician made it feel all the more real.
“Yes, it might be challenging at times, but I couldn’t imagine my life being different,” Cartwright expressed with love and determination. “It can be sad at times because you want them to live life to the fullest, and he does, he just does it in a different way.”
From the moment Cruz was born, it seemed like everything was going smoothly. He hit every milestone early—he crawled and walked ahead of schedule and started talking early too, even picking up phrases like “Mommy” and “Hot Dog!” from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. However, as Cruz approached his second birthday, Brittany noticed some changes. His speech began to regress, and soon, he stopped talking altogether.
“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,” she said, sharing how her bond with Cruz remains strong despite communication challenges.
Recognizing that something wasn’t quite right, Brittany and her ex-husband Jax Taylor immediately sought help. Cruz began speech and occupational therapy, which also became a significant storyline on the first season of their Bravo reality show The Valley last year. These early interventions were key, and now, Brittany focuses on providing Cruz with as much support as possible during his formative years.
“This is the time he’s building his brain,” Brittany explained. “I’m just trying to do everything I possibly can to help him live the happiest life ever.” She is committed to ensuring Cruz has the resources and care he needs, not only in therapy but at home as well. “I just make sure that he never misses a class, never misses a therapy session,” she added, emphasizing her active role in his development.
Despite the challenges, Brittany believes that Cruz has boundless potential. “What I really want people to understand about autism is he sees the world so much more vibrant and amazing than any of us ever will,” she says. “It doesn’t mean that he’s not going to be the smartest in his class. It doesn’t mean he is not going to work for NASA one day. There aren’t any limitations to what he can do.”
Brittany’s faith in Cruz’s future shines through in every word she speaks. She shares that she has even found inspiration in shows like Love on the Spectrum, which have given her hope for what lies ahead. “It is the sweetest show… if Cruz is anything like that I will be so happy,” she said, reflecting on the positivity and joy that the show highlights in the lives of people on the spectrum.
Even in the midst of this journey, Brittany acknowledges the importance of self-care. After a difficult year marked by her separation from Jax and the challenges of balancing motherhood with her personal needs, she is learning to put herself first. “It is definitely hard for me to accept help. My friends are always like, ‘You need to have a little bit more time for yourself,'” she shared. “But that’s my new thing in 2025: I need to put myself first more. I need to focus on my health more.”
Still, through it all, Brittany remains focused on Cruz and the joy he brings to her life. “I’m just so proud of everything about Cruz,” she said with a glowing smile. “He is just the love of my life. He’s learning and growing every single day.” For Brittany, the challenges are worth it, as she continues to stay strong for Cruz, her “little partner in crime.”
As the The Valley returns for its second season on April 15, Brittany’s journey as a mom remains as real and relatable as ever. The struggles, the triumphs, and the unwavering love she has for Cruz shine through in everything she does.
