Did Scientology Block Meds for Travolta's Son?

Dogma suggests people can cure themselves by following church
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 4, 2009 9:01 AM CST
Did Scientology Block Meds for Travolta's Son?
John Travolta.   (Getty Images)

Scientology dogma opposes medication for seizures and does not acknowledge the existence of autism, a condition that many believe John Travolta's son suffered, reports the New York Post. It's not known if Jett Travolta, who died suddenly in a Bahamas vacation condo, was taking medication for his seizures. But Scientology, which the Travoltas followed, discourages medication, including for treatment of the kind of seizures some 25% of autistic teens experience, experts told the Post.

Officials believe Jett, 16, may have fatally struck his head during a seizure. Scientology teaches that people with disabilities like autism can cure themselves by working harder on church teachings. "The Travoltas as Scientologists—and very prominent Scientologists—would never consult a doctor to deal with autism," said Rick Ross, an authority on the church. The Travoltas said their son, who was under constant care by his parents and two nannies, suffered from Kawasaki's syndrome. (More Jett Travolta stories.)

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