Rosie O'Donnell continues to adjust to her new life in Ireland with her family after making the radical decision to leave the United States and start a new life chapter. The actress and comedian is getting real about their experience and how they are settling into their new home.
Rosie shared details of how her 12-year-old child, Clay, is adapting to the country, amid their autism and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) diagnosis. The media personality shared the challenges they have faced when it comes to Clay's specific food preferences.
She took to social media to share a video, opening up about the move with her fans and followers on TikTok, admitting that meal planning is a bit tricky. "We just lost bacon sandwiches," she shared. "She decided she’s had enough of bacon sandwiches and doesn’t really want them anymore in her lunch. Which is difficult, because what to replace it with is the question."
Back in September 2022, O'Donnell opened up about Clay's autism diagnosis for the first time in an emotional interview with People. "I didn’t want [Clay] to feel shame about [their] diagnosis," she shared at the time. "I have told [them] from the start that autism is [their] superpower."
Despite these challenges at the time of their move, she expressed her unconditional love for her child. “Autism isn’t easy. And it’s a mystery. But I could not love this child anymore. I could not.”
Rosie also praised Clay's resilience, especially in light of the big move to Ireland. "I’m so, so proud and so impressed with their resilience," she said. "It’s not easy to move to another country, and we really felt as a family this was the safest and best thing for us to do."
"They’re doing so well in Ireland," she added, showing her immense pride in her child’s ability to handle such a significant life change. Rosie first teased her move to Ireland with a playful Instagram post on March 7, sharing a selfie in a car with a caption about her "little used car" to explore the countryside on the "wrong side of the road."
She later confirmed her relocation in a TikTok video on March 11, revealing that she had moved her family overseas for a fresh start and a safer environment.
Reflecting on her journey as a mother to a child with autism, Rosie stated. "I am learning to have compassion much deeper than I ever did. To really listen and communicate in a way I never had to with my other kids. The sense of vulnerability that comes with having a kid with autism has been a gift to me."