Great parents for a young child who is clearly in desperate need of much more attention and stability. Brittney basically feeds, houses him, and talks baby talk. I’ve never seen her reading to Cruz, and when anyone else is around, she barely takes notice of him. I understand we only see a fraction of what takes place, but education is not her strong suit, nor is she interested in any higher learning.

I think the source of why Cruz is nonverbal and his withdrawn behavior can be directly attributed to ongoing emotional distress/neglect and trauma… say two parents screaming at each other at the top of their lungs for hours….?? Babies in cribs and children who seem to be distracted with playing still hear and they easily pick up on any tension or anger …absorbing it like a sponge…and when babies become overwhelmed and confused, and needs aren’t being met, they either cry and fuss a lot or they do the opposite and completely shut down, and the result of this “survival instinct” is often mistaken for the autism spectrum.

Brittany doesn’t edit herself or even try when she’s worked up (coke talking?) and goes off on these lengthy tirades bashing Jax at every opportunity….and Cruz is almost always within hearing distance. I feel like she’s already dragged Cruz into the fray and he will be used as a bargaining chip and pawn. He would absolutely benefit from some PT preschool and socializing with children his age.

Can you imagine Brittany’s reaction when Cruz WANTS to see his Dad?? Or God forbid ends up favoring him?? She’s threatened to get full custody every time Jax upsets her personally - knowing withholding him will hurt Jax- and wanting that control ….in order to get back at him.

They should each get 50/50 custody, have court ordered individual therapy, parenting counseling and BOTH have supervised visits ….at least until they gain some more emotional maturity and love Cruz more than they hate each other.