Tisha Campbell is opening up about her son Xen’s autistic journey.
In her upcoming memoir, The A Word: A Mother’s Journey Through Autism and Love, Campbell reveals “the triumphs and challenges” Campbell has experienced. Diagnosed with autism at 18 months, Campbell shares Xen and son Ezekiel with ex-husband Duane Martin.
Campbell spoke with PEOPLE about her decision to share her story.
“Most people know me as ‘the funny one,’ and it’s true. The memories I shared in this book have moments of comedic levity. I mean, come on, guys … It’s me!” Campbell said.“However, for the very first time in my life, I’ve stepped out from behind the smiling mask I wear to show my vulnerabilities and my tenacity, while holding onto hope in the face of so much adversity.”
Campbell shared that the book is a “love letter” to autistic children and their parents.
“Every battle I fought, every door I kicked down, every night I cried But I refused to surrender was for one reason: my son, Xen,” said Campbell. “If our story puts even one family on the right path sooner, then every word was worth it. This book is my heart, my fight,t and my testimony — because my son didn’t just need a mother. He needed a warrior, and Xen made me both.”
Campbell also shared that she once covered the cost of Gabrielle Union’s therapy sessions.
“Let me just say this, I saw the potential in Gab. She was working her butt off, but I knew she was going to be even bigger than what we were witnessing at that moment,” Campbell said in a recent interview. “I wanted her to have support because this business can be so crazy. It’s just that I wanted her to be able to navigate this business. So I paid for like 10 sessions, and I said, ‘I really want you to see this therapist, and you mean a lot. You know, you’re gonna be big.’”
The A Word: A Mother’s Journey Through Autism and Love will be published on Sept. 15. It’s currently available for preorder, wherever books are sold.