Melania Trump has opened up about the challenging moments she faced dealing with public rumors concerning her son Barron Trump’s health.

The former first lady's new memoir touches on the emotional impact of past autism speculation surrounding Barron, initially sparked by a comedian's tweet, and the broader implications of such unfounded public judgments on her family, as Fox News reports.

The rumors about Barron Trump’s health emerged from a tweet by comedian Rosie O'Donnell. During the 2016 Republican National Convention, O'Donnell shared a video suggesting Barron, who was 10 years old at the time, might have autism.

O'Donnell's tweet implied that identifying Barron as autistic could potentially highlight awareness of autism. However, Melania Trump has voiced her disapproval of the tweet, suggesting it was more an attack on her son related to the political standing of his father, Donald Trump.

Melania Trump Shares Emotional Insights

In her memoir, Melania, released this week, Melania Trump describes how misguided O'Donnell’s intentions seemed to her. She remarked that the speculation seemed less about raising awareness and more about targeting her family due to political discord.

Melania further clarified in her writing that Barron does not have autism. She expressed her distress with the misconceptions and the resultant bullying her son experienced, both in person and online.

The impact of these rumors extended deeply into the family’s personal life. Melania recalled that the experience was nothing short of devastating for her and her family, feeling as though it introduced irreparable damage.

Experts Warn Against Public Speculation

Clinical psychologist Dr. Agnesa Papazyan, known as Dr. Aggie, weighed in on the situation by emphasizing the potential harm of public speculation. According to Dr. Aggie, misinformed opinions about autism based solely on behavior can fuel stereotypes and cause inappropriate stigma.

Dr. Aggie explained that diagnoses should strictly be made by professionals, not by unqualified comments or viral social media posts. This process underscores the ethical and personal considerations involved in making such assessments.

Dr. Nechama Sorscher, also a clinical psychologist, echoed similar sentiments, likening the act of speculating on someone’s health without evidence to reckless and baseless behavior.

Dr. Sorscher highlighted the broader issue, pointing out that over 60% of children with autism experience bullying, an experience amplified by Barron's public exposure.

The Toll on Barron and Broader Implications

Melania Trump shared how heart-breaking it was to watch her child endure such scrutiny. She depicted the heartache she felt as watching her heart shatter while her son grappled with the ramifications of public rumor and bullying.

These experiences showcase how damaging public discourse, especially when unfounded, can be for individuals in the spotlight, particularly for children as young as Barron was at the time.

Beyond personal consequences, the scenario stirred discussions on how celebrity status intertwines with privacy, judgment, and family dynamics, often neglecting the well-being of those caught in the public eye.