Toni Braxton’s son heads to Howard years after autism diagnosis

Toni Braxton‘s youngest son is headed to Howard University. Diezel Braxton-Lewis, the son Toni shares with her ex-husband Keri Lewis, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. With early detection and therapy, Toni said in 2016 that he no longer experiences severe symptoms of autism.

The 18-year-old graduated from Fusion Academy in Los Angeles, a private school that merges in-person, virtual, and hybrid learning. His mother and the entire family are proud of his accomplishments.

Toni shared a cute graduation photo of her sandwiched by her elder son Denim, 19, and giving Diezel a peck, congratulating him on his graduation in the caption.

“Congratulations @diezel.braxton! Mom is so proud of you. Howard University here he comes!”

In one 2011 interview, Toni felt she had a hand in her son’s condition directly and blamed herself for his diagnosis. All she wanted was for doctors to help her child and find a cure.

“It’s been rewarding to see how he’s grown, but I remember when I first found out. I remember blaming myself; I thought it was my fault,” she said. “I wish I knew what triggered it. Still, often, as a mom, I blame myself. I didn’t take my vitamins every day … maybe it was the medications I was on before I got pregnant.”

“They haven’t figured out what triggers it, but whatever it is, I don’t care, find a cure. Help my kid; help all the other kids,” she told OK! at the time.

What makes the Wilhemina 2018 signee’s story heartwarming is the fact that the world watched his family support him through the years as he navigated life on the spectrum.

His father, Lewis, also attended the ceremony and shared the news on his Instagram as well.

“Congratulations young King!! Words can not describe how proud of you I am @diezel.braxton!! Howard University next!!”