Janelle Brown: Smarter Than Your Average Brown (Maybe)

[DakotaJustice]

Dunno, maybe instead of flying cross country every month she could spend time with her two youngest, including, you know, her son that she forced out of a successful high school career with scholarships and sports because she wanted "the privilege of raising him". 

[Dustbunny]

So in the comments for the post above from Ginger90 someone asked if Axel is autistic and people went nuts.

It looks like she deleted all the comments about him being autistic and eventually Maddie posted that he's been tested for autism.

She says that Axel has Apraxia

I googled:

https://www.webmd.com/brain/apraxia-symptoms-causes-tests-treatments#1

 

 

Edited August 29, 2020 by Dustbunny
wrong link

[CalicoKitty]

Wow.  Maddie really has her hands full.  Two children,  both with special needs.  I hope she is getting the support that she needs.

[Dustbunny]

2 minutes ago, CalicoKitty said:

Wow.  Maddie really has her hands full.  Two children,  both with special needs.  I hope she is getting the support that she needs.

she sure does ❤️

but she also makes me mad.

This might be the reason that Axel doesn't smile, his brain is struggling and can't communicate.

so what does Maddie do, she shoves a camera in his face every 5 minutes and tells him to smile and when he doesn't smile she belittles him on social media, calling him sour, cranky, etc.

[Chicklet]

2 minutes ago, Dustbunny said:

she sure does ❤️

but she also makes me mad.

This might be the reason that Axel doesn't smile, his brain is struggling and can't communicate.

so what does Maddie do, she shoves a camera in his face every 5 minutes and tells him to smile and when he doesn't smile she belittles him on social media, calling him sour, cranky, etc.

Look who raised Maddie. And knowing the problems your children have doesn't mean you are able to control your own expectations. She needs to work on those.

[Dustbunny]

10 Must-Know Facts About Apraxia

1:  People with ideomotor apraxia are unable to carry out actions upon request. The person may be able to explain how to perform the movement, but the brain cannot instruct the muscles to move. Some people with ideomotor apraxia can carry out actions following an automatic cue, such as opening the door when the doorbell rings. However, when asked to open the door, they are unable to do so.

2:  People with conceptual apraxia experience difficulties visualizing and conceptualizing an action, and are often unable to carry out tasks involving multiple steps, such as making a sandwich, or they may carry out steps in the wrong order. Conceptual apraxia can also cause problems when using tools. The person may not be able to associate the task with the correct equipment. For example, when handed a spoon they may attempt to write with it as though it were a pencil.

3:  People with orofacial apraxia have difficulty performing movements involving the structures of the face, such as the lips, cheeks, tongue, or larynx. They may be unable to whistle or make a specific expression when asked. Oculomotor apraxia makes it difficult to move the eyes voluntarily. People with the condition often find it hard to direct their eyes at a particular object. This type of apraxia is a sign of Balint's syndrome, a neurological impairment involving the eyes and hand-eye coordination.

4:  Gait and Limb-Kinetic Apraxia: These types of apraxia affect a person's ability to move their limbs. Gait apraxia refers to apraxia that affects only the lower limbs. The person may have difficulties walking or running, despite having normal muscle development. Limb-kinetic apraxia causes impairments when attempting to move limbs and extremities. People with this type of apraxia may find it difficult to carry out tasks with their hands, such as waving or brushing their teeth.

5:  Apraxia of Speech:  Apraxia of speech makes it difficult or impossible to perform the movements necessary for speaking. Acquired apraxia of speech can affect a person at any age. It causes the person to lose the ability they once had to form words. Developmental apraxia of speech is also known as childhood apraxia of speech or CAS and affects a child's ability to form words from the beginning stages of speech development. The child can usually understand speech to a far greater extent than they can express themselves verbally. Children with the condition often make considerable improvements or even recover completely with the right treatment.

6:  Causes of Apraxia: Damage to the brain causes apraxia; it is often the result of an injury or trauma such as a stroke or brain tumor. The severity and type of apraxia depend on the severity of the damage and which areas of the brain were affected. The outlier is CAS; it is unclear why childhood apraxia of speech develops. This is not usually the result of brain damage. Instead, experts believe the condition results from a problem with the signals between the brain and the facial muscles required for speech formation.

7:  Diagnosis: Specialists usually diagnose apraxia through assessment of speech or movements. Doctors may ask the person to perform a series of motor tasks to identify areas of difficulty. They may also examine the patient to rule out any structural or muscular reason for the motor difficulties. Brain imaging such as MRI scans can be a useful tool in diagnosing apraxia, as they allow doctors to see injuries to the brain. However, this is not useful when diagnosing developmental apraxia.

8:  Treatment Options: Apraxia is usually treated using a combination of occupational and physical therapy. Treatment aims to help improve one's ability to make gestures and to perform simple tasks necessary for day-to-day life. This can help the person maintain a greater level of independence and enjoy a better quality of life. People with both acquired and developmental apraxia of speech will often undergo speech therapy with the goal of improving the brain's ability to plan speech movements and to make speech more intelligible.

9:  Alternative Communication Methods: People with apraxia of speech may benefit from the use of alternative forms of communication to make themselves understood. The need for this depends on the severity of the condition. Options include using communication boards and electronic aids capable of forming words and sentences. People with both acquired and developmental apraxia may learn sign language to help them communicate. For children with developmental apraxia of speech, therapists may recommend practices such as saying the words while signing to coordinate the necessary muscle movements.

10:  Apraxia vs. Aphasia: Apraxia of speech and aphasia are often confused with each other because they cause similar symptoms. However, they are two distinct conditions. Aphasia causes problems with the comprehension of language and the use of words, leading to speech difficulties. On the other hand, people with apraxia do not struggle with language comprehension. Apraxia refers only to difficulties performing the physical movements required for normal speech.

[suomi]

Autism and apraxia are highly comorbid. The presence of one means you automatically suspect and test for the other.

Removing all autism commentary doesn't seem like a good sign, in terms of comprehension and acceptance. There is no shame in a diagnosis of autism in this day and age. 

[Kyanight]

58 minutes ago, Dustbunny said:

So in the comments for the post above from Ginger90 someone asked if Axel is autistic and people went nuts.

It looks like she deleted all the comments about him being autistic and eventually Maddie posted that he's been tested for autism.

She says that Axel has Apraxia

I googled:

https://www.webmd.com/brain/apraxia-symptoms-causes-tests-treatments#1

 

 

So both of her kids have special needs.  MANY people have a special kiddo, myself included - so that was not a slam against her.  But I DO wonder if they will have more children, or consider genetic counseling first.  

[Chicklet]

Considering her BSC family, I'd be shocked if she was able to handle 2 special-needs children. She's going to need therapy herself to deal with this, obviously, and learn to deal. Hopefully her husband has a better grip on all this and might realize that being on tv isn't something that's going to help.

[Joan of Argh]

3 hours ago, suomi said:

Autism and apraxia are highly comorbid. The presence of one means you automatically suspect and test for the other.

Removing all autism commentary doesn't seem like a good sign, in terms of comprehension and acceptance. There is no shame in a diagnosis of autism in this day and age. 

I was reading the IG post and most people were saying that it was nothing to be ashamed of but then all of a sudden it all disappeared and Maddie said he has Apraxia.... people agreed with you and said that autism and apraxia are associated and tested for together.

Deleting all the comments made it look like they were hiding something or ashamed of being associated with autism.... Kind of weird to delete everything when most people were being very sensitive and supportive.

This could definitely account for Axels lack of smiles and they should have used this opportunity to educate and explain why he has a hard time smiling.

So they've known he has this condition but Maddie continued to badger him into smiling for the camera, no wonder he was throwing tantrums and destroying furniture etc....Poor kid. 🙁

 

 

[Gramto6]

This revelation leaves me sad for both of her beautiful children. Maddie has much more to deal with than we ever knew. I wish her well and hope she has the smarts to withdraw from  exposing them  to TV/SM and gets them the help they need  without exploiting them  on TV. Those precious babies deserve so much more...

[crazycatlady58]

7 hours ago, Joan of Argh said:

I was reading the IG post and most people were saying that it was nothing to be ashamed of but then all of a sudden it all disappeared and Maddie said he has Apraxia.... people agreed with you and said that autism and apraxia are associated and tested for together.

Deleting all the comments made it look like they were hiding something or ashamed of being associated with autism.... Kind of weird to delete everything when most people were being very sensitive and supportive.

This could definitely account for Axels lack of smiles and they should have used this opportunity to educate and explain why he has a hard time smiling.

So they've known he has this condition but Maddie continued to badger him into smiling for the camera, no wonder he was throwing tantrums and destroying furniture etc....Poor kid. 🙁

 

 

Did she say when he was tested?

[ginger90]

Some of the comments on her post about her “accountability” group:

 

Signed up. Our individual sessions have helped a lot. What you said about accountability on the Live today is so true! I find myself thinking, "What would Janelle say?" every time I think about not doing something I committed to in our sessions. 🤣🤣

 

 

I participated in Janelle and Tricia's group last spring and found it profoundly motivating. They are both excellent coaches and bring different strengths to the experience. I work with Janelle one on one and she has been a huge influence on me both getting to my goal weight (I lost 100 pounds!) as well as maintaining my weight for over 6 months.

 

 

[Kohola3]

Obviously anything is possible and if it's true, that family is challenged to the nth degree.  But don't forget these people are habitual liars and mold the truth to suit their needs. 

If it is true, one would expect Maddie et al to focus entirely on the children and they cannot do that while also worshiping in the TLC temple.  So if they chose to put those kids in front of the camera, then shame on them all even if it's in the guise of "educating the public about these diseases".

[ginger90]

I recall Maddie saying something about Axel being tested when he was in preschool, daycare? She said everything was fine. Perhaps after that different testing was done, and he was diagnosed. Not a clue.

What I find disturbing is, the posts she’s made about his different behaviors over time. It just seems wrong to do that.

[Kohola3]

23 minutes ago, ginger90 said:

What I find disturbing is, the posts she’s made about his different behaviors over time. It just seems wrong to do that.

Can you imagine how he will feel when it becomes aware that the whole world was treated to evidence of his tantrums especially if he does have some sort of problem?  Do people not understand the long term consequences of posting things like that? 

I look back on things I did as a kid and I would need some serious family therapy if my parents had broadcast that for strangers to read and judge.

[Kyanight]

I wrote a post and after thinking about it a bit, I changed my mind.  Unfortunately we can't delete posts.

Edited August 30, 2020 by Kyanight

[Kohola3]

6 minutes ago, Kyanight said:

That is fantastic!  And it's also nice to hear that Janelle has been successful in helping others!

Dollars to donuts that's a fake testimonial.  No way in hell Janelle has motivated anybody to do anything.

[Sandy W]

4 hours ago, Kohola3 said:

Dollars to donuts that's a fake testimonial.  No way in hell Janelle has motivated anybody to do anything.

It seems likely that it's fake.  If this individual has maintained weight loss for 6 months, and lost 100 pounds, that takes us back at least 9 months ago that she started the program with Janelle and Tricia.  Possibly this person was enrolled with Tricia when she was coaching independently, as they are just now announcing their partnership as accountability coaches.

Edited August 30, 2020 by Sandy W

[Roslyn]

2 hours ago, Kohola3 said:

Can you imagine how he will feel when it becomes aware that the whole world was treated to evidence of his tantrums especially if he does have some sort of problem?  Do people not understand the long term consequences of posting things like that? 

I look back on things I did as a kid and I would need some serious family therapy if my parents had broadcast that for strangers to read and judge.

After I first read the tone of her posts about Axel it triggered my own childhood with my mother.  Especially after seeing the very different tone with posts about Evie.  The first thought in my head was "what happens when her kids look this shit up later on".  I don't get parents posting this stuff on social media, but then again, deep down I do get it, all too well.

My mother took every little negative thing I ever did as a kid and turned in into sympathy for herself.  Everyone had to know what a poor victim she was of such a bad seed. My entire life I was subjected to the telling and re-telling of her "funny stories" of any embarrassing moment from my life. When Maddie farms sympathy about her "un-smiling" rage filled child I cringe. I had a conversation with my daughter once and she suspects in 20 years time (or even sooner) we will hear from the children of Social Media "influencers", You tube kids and the child props of "mommy" bloggers.

[Grifter Lives]

On 8/25/2020 at 5:12 PM, ginger90 said:

Is it a 14-day challenge, like it says in the ad's text, or is it a 21-day challenge, like it says in the ad's photo?

Does she ditch the accountability partners with a week remaining?  Is the fee pro-rated?  

Remember: She's the Browns' financial guru (and smarter than the average Brown).

[Kyanight]

3 hours ago, Kohola3 said:

Dollars to donuts that's a fake testimonial.  No way in hell Janelle has motivated anybody to do anything.

I think you are right.  I was trying to be nice since the poster has always been pro-Browns and obviously subscribes to Strive since we get to see what Janelle posts.... but even as I wrote my reply I was wondering how someone can inspire others to exercise/eat right/lost weight when she doesn't even do it for herself.

[Joan of Argh]

6 hours ago, crazycatlady58 said:

Did she say when he was tested?

Not that I saw but I was only about halfway through reading the comments and responses when everything disappeared so she might have said more but I didn't see it.

I'm hoping that Maddie will post and fill in some of the details like she did for Evie's condition.

[ginger90]

3 hours ago, Kyanight said:

I think you are right.  I was trying to be nice since the poster has always been pro-Browns and obviously subscribes to Strive since we get to see what Janelle posts.... but even as I wrote my reply I was wondering how someone can inspire others to exercise/eat right/lost weight when she doesn't even do it for herself.

Clarification time, I guess.

I am not pro-Browns, and the Strive posts I share are on a public Facebook account, it doesn’t have anything to do with a subscription.

I shudder thinking anyone thought any of the above.
😱

Edited August 30, 2020 by ginger90

[Kyanight]

2 hours ago, ginger90 said:

5 hours ago, Kyanight said:

I think you are right.  I was trying to be nice since the poster has always been pro-Browns and obviously subscribes to Strive since we get to see what Janelle posts.... but even as I wrote my reply I was wondering how someone can inspire others to exercise/eat right/lost weight when she doesn't even do it for herself.

Clarification time, I guess.

I am not pro-Browns, and the Strive posts I share are on a public Facebook account, it doesn’t have anything to do with a subscription.

I shudder thinking anyone thought any of the above.

Aw.  I sincerely apologize. 

 Although to be honest, I certainly don't expect anyone to think as I do or believe as I do - and if anyone on the board is pro-Browns, they are just as entitled to post here as people who are not.

I still stand by the very last bit I wrote though.  If someone cannot play piano, they should not charge other people to teach them the instrument.  If you cannot sing - do not become a voice coach.  If you can't play sports.... well... you get the gist.  If you can't lose any weight over a decade or more - why are you charging people to help them lose weight?  It just seems strange to me.

[ginger90]

An example of what irritates me about Janelle.

 

 

Perhaps she should cut sugar free candy out? 

 

Stevia is shown right on the front of the package. 🤦‍♀️
 

 

[ginger90]

I wonder if she’s ever looked into stevia. Doubt it.

[DakotaJustice]

3 minutes ago, ginger90 said:

I wonder if she’s ever looked into stevia. Doubt it.

It's probably going to be her next Rockstar Ingredient.  
I'm also guessing those chips probably are way overpriced and taste crappy.  Gimme a modest amount of the real thing with real sugar over the fake stuff.  Plus they don't seem to be helping Janelle lose any weight.

[dreadfulLeigh]

4 minutes ago, ginger90 said:

I wonder if she’s ever looked into stevia. Doubt it.

Don’t give her any ideas! It’ll be her new “rockstar” food. 
 

hey, guys! Did you know there’s this natural sweetener called stevia?? Even though people have known about for years, I’m just discovering it! It allows you to continuing acting like a type 2 diabetic without killing your self as quickly! Doubly cool!

1 minute ago, DakotaJustice said:

It's probably going to be her next Rockstar Ingredient.  
I'm also guessing those chips probably are way overpriced and taste crappy.  Gimme a modest amount of the real thing with real sugar over the fake stuff.  Plus they don't seem to be helping Janelle lose any weight.

Jinx!

[Absolom]

If they are in different flavors, then they aren't chocolate chips, Janelle.  They may be candy chips, but not chocolate.  They probably are four times the cost of regular cooking chips and full of chemicals she more than likely doesn't need.  She needs to get away from the candy and especially fake candy and learn to like those vegetables without a pile of oil or cheese on them.

[Teafortwo]

On 8/29/2020 at 7:25 PM, Dustbunny said:

This might be the reason that Axel doesn't smile, his brain is struggling and can't communicate.

My thought exactly, as soon as I read the description of apraxia. So effing sad she keeps trying to get him to smile for the camera.

ETA: in the list a few posts above, it says apraxia can be caused by stroke. I wonder if the trauma of Axel's birth could have caused this? I know she wasn't technically in "labor" for 72 hours or whatever, mostly pre-labor, but the actual labor seemed very drawn out as well. Who knows? Either way I feel she should have had him in the hospital, not at home in the dirty tub. Blechh

Edited August 31, 2020 by Teafortwo

[TurtlePower]

13 hours ago, ginger90 said:

I wonder if she’s ever looked into stevia. Doubt it.

Omg I HATE stevia. I struggled to find a protein shake that didn't have it because I hate the flavor of sweet. Why does everything have to be sweet? Gross. 

[Pickleinthemiddle]

15 hours ago, Teafortwo said:

My thought exactly, as soon as I read the description of apraxia. So effing sad she keeps trying to get him to smile for the camera.

ETA: in the list a few posts above, it says apraxia can be caused by stroke. I wonder if the trauma of Axel's birth could have caused this? I know she wasn't technically in "labor" for 72 hours or whatever, mostly pre-labor, but the actual labor seemed very drawn out as well. Who knows? Either way I feel she should have had him in the hospital, not at home in the dirty tub. Blechh

I thought the same thing, but was reluctant to post.  It was a traumatic labor and delivery.  She had made the remark that hospitals were for sick people, why go to the hospital when you are pregnant.  The reason is so you and your unborn child can be monitored during your labor.  When I went to visit my niece during labor, I noticed a bunch of nurses sitting in the station at round tables looking at TV screens on the wall.  Each one is assigned 1-2 moms to monitor the fetal monitor and mom.  They come about once every hour or two to check on you.  If you get an epidural they come and move you every hour from one side to the other.  A fetal monitor would possibly have picked up his distress.    Had she been under a doctors care, they probably would have done a C-section the second day.  Lets hope if they have any more it will be under the care of a doctor, one that deals in high risk cases.  

[laurakaye]

On 8/30/2020 at 1:23 PM, Grifter Lives said:

Is it a 14-day challenge, like it says in the ad's text, or is it a 21-day challenge, like it says in the ad's photo?

It's a 21 day challenge but you can drop out anytime after Day 14.  Or Day 7.  Or Day 1.  Janelle doesn't care as long as you pony up your $45.

 

[TurtlePower]

15 hours ago, laurakaye said:

It's a 21 day challenge but you can drop out anytime after Day 14.  Or Day 7.  Or Day 1.  Janelle doesn't care as long as you pony up your $45.

 

The only way Janelle's delusion will end is when her sycophants stop participating. They have GOT to realize this woman is an idiot in the health industry. No participation, no Strive. 

That's the problem with these reality tv people. There's always going to be a fan base to feed whatever delusion they have going on, causing the person to believe they are good at said side hustle. Nevermind the fact that Janelle looks like she's been over 250 lb for the last several years she's been playing "health coach". That, people, is what we call a CLUE. 

[Joan of Argh]

19 hours ago, TurtlePower said:

The only way Janelle's delusion will end is when her sycophants stop participating. They have GOT to realize this woman is an idiot in the health industry. No participation, no Strive. 

That's the problem with these reality tv people. There's always going to be a fan base to feed whatever delusion they have going on, causing the person to believe they are good at said side hustle. Nevermind the fact that Janelle looks like she's been over 250 lb for the last several years she's been playing "health coach". That, people, is what we call a CLUE. 

This is what drives me nuts!

Why in the world would anyone go to Janelle to get healthy and fit?

Take one look at the woman, she's FAT as a pig, has yellow teeth and swollen gums ... Read one of her posts, she's constantly battling digestive problems and hasn't got a clue when it comes to nutrition or food.

Would you take your car to a mechanic who's own car is always breaking down, leaking oil or blowing huge clouds of black smoke out the exhaust pipe?... NO because it tells you everything you need to know.... He's a shitty mechanic who doesn't know what he's doing.

Reality TV is a dangerous thing, people go to Janelle for health coaching because she's on TV and maybe they can be an insider and actually talk to her and pretend she's their friend!!!! Woooooohoooo I talked to a celebrity!!!! And she's MY personal coach!!..... Nevermind that she's an obese slob who can't even make herself healthy let alone anyone else. 🙄

Okay... End of rant.

 

[laurakaye]

8 hours ago, Joan of Argh said:

Reality TV is a dangerous thing, people go to Janelle for health coaching because she's on TV and maybe they can be an insider and actually talk to her and pretend she's their friend!!!! Woooooohoooo I talked to a celebrity!!!! And she's MY personal coach!!..... Nevermind that she's an obese slob who can't even make herself healthy let alone anyone else. 🙄

Okay... End of rant.

 

THIS.  I think the people paying real money to "Strive With Janelle" see Janelle as not only a somewhat relatable "celeb" (LOL) that they would want as their bestie, but they also see themselves in Janelle - knowing that they should lose weight but not really wanting to do the hard work.  Janelle hasn't lost a pound since she started Strive - in fact she's gained weight.  In the early seasons when she and her beloved sister wives were all going to the gym and working out with Trainer Bill, she actually was looking healthier and losing weight.  Now that she's fully aware of what kind of work goes into weight loss, she'd rather hunt for the next magic bullet rock star ingredient that's going to melt away the pounds without her having to actually do anything.  She's got more excuses than 100 Eeyores put together.  All you have to do is glance at some of the comments on one of the SW Facebook groups to know that they have PLENTY of sycophants to go around.  It boggles the mind.

[Mahamid Frauded Me]

Again she shows us her laziness, can't even fix her Strive challenge post.  I can guarantee all those bags of morsels are empty. Maybe she was popping them like I would M&M's - or she whipped up batches of cookies and settled down into her ripped pleather chair and popped them down. I would get better exercise & eating tips from a squirrel than her.   

[sandals]

Squirrels are eating the tomatoes in my garden, so yes you would.  🤗

[ginger90]

 

[DakotaJustice]

Those dogs look like they're on the chubby side...

ETA I'm used to my sisters' dogs - a Laberdoodle and a boxer. They're both very active and I can't even count the number of Chuck-it balls and throwers we've gone through.

Edited September 3, 2020 by DakotaJustice

[Kohola3]

What the heck is a chiweenie?

[Sandy W]

15 minutes ago, Kohola3 said:

What the heck is a chiweenie?

I think it's a hybrid of a chihuahua and a dachshund, both dogs are naturally slender through the body.  Janelle's dog, like her is portly.

[lookeyloo]

2 hours ago, Sandy W said:

I think it's a hybrid of a chihuahua and a dachshund, both dogs are naturally slender through the body.  Janelle's dog, like her is portly.

do they make fritos for dogs?  Or does she feed them the real thing?

[orangesmartie]

On 8/30/2020 at 5:14 AM, Joan of Argh said:

So they've known he has this condition but Maddie continued to badger him into smiling for the camera, no wonder he was throwing tantrums and destroying furniture etc....Poor kid. 🙁

 

 

This is why I'm a bit cynical that Axel has been tested/diagnosed. If it were the case, Maddie would've posted before now, milked it for sales/TV time/magazine dollars. It would gain her greater sympathy/empathy if it were known.

[Kohola3]

8 minutes ago, orangesmartie said:

This is why I'm a bit cynical that Axel has been tested/diagnosed.

I am cynical about pretty much everything they post.  It's all for the almighty dollar;  one of her sycophants probably said "my kid is like that, he has apraxia" and Maddie jumped right on it.

[ginger90]

[Kohola3]

STOP PHOTOGRAPHING FOOD!  You are making me want to hurl everytime you post some hideous picture of what might actually be delicious.  Ugh.

[deirdra]

The key to de-bittering eggplant is to slice it, salt it liberally, and let it "sweat" for 30 minutes.  Then dry off the sweat and cook it. Probably too much work for Janelle, but it works.

Edited September 4, 2020 by deirdra

[Chicklet]

Someone take away this woman's phone and computer, she's hopeless.