of Joy
shed for Tisha Campbell’s
oldest son, Xen Martin!
Actress and singer, Tisha Campbell took to In-
stagram to celebrate her college-bound son
Xen Martin for applying to college on his own
and getting into the school of his dreams!
Xen Martin, the oldest son of Duane Martin and
Tisha Campbell, was diagnosed with Autism at
2 years old. Xen faced a lot of challenges, such
as speech delay and other developmental is-
sues.
When Tisha discovered that her son had au-
tism, she was worried that he wouldn’t be able
to make the same leaps and strides as other
kids. Since then, Tisha has been very open
about her son’s diagnosis.
With the support from family and friends like
actress Holly Robinson-Peete whose son Rod-
ney Peete also has autism, she’s been able to
find comfort in knowing Xen is not alone in
this, and neither is she.
Word of Xen’s acceptance into college was
particularly special to other parents whose
children have special needs, including actress
Sherri Shepherd who commented on Tisha’s
post.
“Tisha this testimony gives me hope for Jef-
frey!” she wrote. “You’re an amazing mother
CONGRATS Xen!”
Tisha has been inspiring and encouraging
moms alike to accept their children’s diagnosis
by producing a short film, and children’s book
to better understand autism.
Despite the barriers that Xen has faced, the
18-year-old has stayed on the Dean’s list in
school and is as independent as can be.
Tisha Campbell wrote in her post:
“He has stayed on the dean’s list and is holding
down two jobs because he wants to be inde-
pendent of a silver spoon He cares less about
labels. Xen, mommy’s goal was to make you as
independent of me as possible. I wanted you to
be able to survive greatly without me. I never
knew you would surpass my hopes for your fu-
ture. You are amazing man. Mommy loves you
with all my heart and soul. You and your broth-
er are my everything. Thank you for choosing
me as your vessel.”
Happy tears flowing out of her eyes says, Tisha,
when she found out that her not-so-baby boy
got into the school he had been talking about
ever since he was 8 years old!
Xen is breaking barriers and proving to the
world that your disabilities don’t have to de-
termine the outcome of your future.
Thank you, Tisha, for sharing Xen’s inspiring
and motivating accomplishment! Congratula-
tions, Xen, continue to lead by example!
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