In a candid discussion on the *LadyGang* podcast, Emily Loftiss, an influencer and stylist from Atlanta, revealed her journey of keeping her son’s autism diagnosis under wraps for almost three years. Her son, Dalton, was identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the tender age of two on Cinco de Mayo in 2022. Loftiss shared her mixed feelings about public scrutiny and the challenges that emerged as her son grew older.
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Loftiss, who is 45 years old, recalled that the decision to keep Dalton’s diagnosis private weighed heavily on her. She successfully maintained this secrecy until August 2024 when the emotional toll led her to finally share their family’s reality with her followers. “Honestly, it was getting too hard to hide,” she expressed, mentioning that Dalton would soon require leg braces due to being a toe walker—an aspect that would have raised questions from her social media audience.
As Dalton matured, Loftiss encountered increasing pressure from followers requesting updates about his spoken language. “People were messaging me, saying, ‘I want to hear his voice,’” she recounted. These requests put her in a precarious situation, leading her to reflect on the implications of sharing personal details about her child’s life. She questioned why individuals felt entitled to ask for such intimate snippets of her son’s journey, feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands for insight into his development.
Dalton’s autism diagnosis presented unique hurdles for the family, extending beyond the typical concerns of childhood milestones. Loftiss articulated a sense of anxiety as they contemplated Dalton’s future, stating, “When he’s 18, other people are thinking about college funds. We’re thinking about, ‘Is he gonna live with us? Is he gonna live in a tiny house? Are we gonna be able to have a job or drive?’” These thoughts occupied her mind regularly, causing considerable stress as she navigated through her own fears about her son’s independence.
Her husband, Jay, reportedly encouraged her to share Dalton’s diagnosis with their online community, but Loftiss hesitated. She understood that speaking publicly would invite additional scrutiny they had so far managed to avoid. Reflecting on her past struggles and the emotional challenges they entailed, she felt a deep trepidation about opening the floodgates to public opinions and unsolicited advice.
The influencer highlighted the difficulties of seeking advice from acquaintances who might lack an understanding of her family’s situation. “I just knew that when the can of worms was open, it was gonna be open,” she said, emphasising her concerns about external pressures on their family’s life. The constant barrage of suggestions from well-meaning followers added layers of emotional strain that Loftiss felt ill-prepared to manage amidst her own inner battles.
In August 2024, she publicly announced Dalton’s autism diagnosis through a heartfelt message to her followers. In her post, Loftiss beautifully articulated the complexities of their situation, sharing: “After much prayer and deliberation, we are sharing that our precious son Dalton is autistic.” She explained that Dalton was non-speaking but had started to verbalise, struggling with speech apraxia while working diligently to communicate.
Loftiss asserted the importance of setting firm boundaries in light of their decision to share Dalton’s diagnosis. “I’m putting strong boundaries to protect my peace and my family,” she declared, urging followers to reconsider sending messages about treatment or advice that could add to her emotional load.
Ultimately, Emily Loftiss’s story is one of navigating the delicate balance of public life and personal struggles. Her decision to share Dalton’s diagnosis appears to stem from a desire to be open while simultaneously protecting her family from the often harsh realities of public scrutiny. By choosing to disclose their journey, she hopes to foster understanding around autism and advocate for her son in a way that is respectful to his needs and developmental progress.