Hallmark actress Holly Peete took to Instagram on Thursday, April 2, to share a poignant message for Autism Awareness Month, noting how those who are diagnosed with autism are just as worthy of love and acceptance as any other person.
Peete, whose son RJ Peete, 27, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 years old, went on to surpass health officials’ expectations by becoming an integral part of everyday life by forging a career path for himself in a world that doesn’t often mold to the limitations of autism.
To celebrate her son during Autism Awareness Month, Peete shared a photo of her and RJ, captioning it with a loving message for both RJ and families impacted by the neurodevelopmental disorder.
Holly Peete Shares Loving Message for Son RJ
“I wouldn’t change my son for the world… But I would change the world for my son,” reads the words that framed an image of Peete and her son.
“#waad Our babies aren’t broken. They need compassion, support, services and LOVE & ACCEPTANCE. Who are you changing the world for?? 💙🫶🏽🌏 #autism #autismo #autisme #hollyshuddle,” Peete captioned the photo.
In 1997, Peete founded the HollyRod Foundation in support of raising awareness for autism and Parkinson’s disease after her father, Matt Robinson, was diagnosed with the latter. The organization’s website describes their mission as a way to “provide compassionate care and support to those living with autism and Parkinson’s disease, and to support their families through their journey.” The foundation also offers resources and networking opportunities to those interested.
Holly Peete’s Son Soars Past Doctors’ Expectations
Peete has been a pivotal advocate for autism throughout her son’s life. She and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, have been the cornerstone of RJ’s livelihood, helping him acquire a professional job in the workforce that he’s not only passionate about but thrives at.
In explaining RJ’s job at Dodger Stadium, the HollyRod Foundation site described that when RJ was given his diagnosis as a young boy, doctors told his family he wouldn’t have the capacity to succeed socially and would be too limited to maintain a career.
“A doctor told RJ’s parents upon his diagnosis with autism at age 3 that he’d do none of that his entire life because the neurological and developmental disorder can present severe social, behavioral and communication challenges,” HollyRod’s website says. “His development into a functional, joyful and — yes — employable adult is largely the result of a doting family with the resources to access the best treatment and the contacts to provide rare opportunities.”
When the Dodgers won the World Series in 2024, RJ, who has worked as a clubhouse attendant since 2016, shared a photo on Instagram of himself holding the team’s trophy. He captioned the proud image with sheer joy for being a part of something so incredible. “Man I have no words right now I can’t believe this is actually real. I Dreamed about winning a championship all year long and it finally came true. What memory of a life time for me man. Thanks to the @dodgers for believing for me. THE CHAMP IS HERE,” RJ wrote.
The Dodgers went on to win the World Series again in 2025, prompting RJ to celebrate his team once more with another Instagram post. “B2B what a blessing,” he captioned a photo of himself on the baseball field.
I remember when the Peete family lived in the Philadelphia area. Holly did so much for autism. My friend and her husband who were very involved with the autism groups said that Holly was the absolute backbone of getting the message out there about autism. I admire her and their entire family for how they nurtured and supported RJ and as a retired nurse it thrills me to see RJ being productive and living a dream life. RJ is an awesome example of someone with autism making it and living it. Go RJ.