“I’m learning every day.” How Denise Richards Is Raising an Adopted Daughter Who Has a Rare Genetic Disorder

Raising children with special needs requires a different level of love and care. And Denise Richards knows exactly what it is like. In 2011, she adopted a girl who was later diagnosed with a rare chromosomal disorder. But the actress has proved that a mother’s love can overcome any difficulties.

Denise has always dreamed of a big family, and at 40, she decided to adopt a child.

Denise Richards is not only a famous actress who starred in the movies Starship Troopers and Wild Things but also a mother of 3. Her elder daughters, Sam and Lola, were born when Denise was married to actor Charlie Sheen. The couple divorced in 2005. And in 2011, 40-year-old Denise decided to adopt a girl as a single mother.

In an interview, the actress explained, “I knew I wasn’t done having kids. I had always wanted to adopt, and felt that — pursuing it as a single mom, it was something that I just knew I wanted. I wasn’t done.”

Denise Richards adopted the baby at birth, following a 2-year adoption process. Her elder daughters chose the name Eloise for their little sister, and Denise gave her the middle name Joni in tribute to her late mother.

The actress revealed in an interview that she was very proud of how warmly 8-year-old Sam and 7-year-old Lola welcomed their new adopted sister. And over the years, their connection has become even stronger, “They’re so protective of her, they play with her, they love watching her grow and change, and so far I haven’t seen any jealousy.”

Baby Eloise was different from other children, so Denise suspected something was wrong.

Being an experienced mom, the actress began to notice that Eloise was different from other babies ⁠— the girl wasn’t able to sit up on her own for a very long time, and she didn’t start walking until she was 2, and only with the help of physical therapy.

Denise tried to find out the reasons for her daughter’s health problems for a long time. And when Eloise was 4,5 years old, doctors finally found the answer, the girl had a rare chromosomal disorder, Chromosome 8, Monosomy 8p.

The family kept it secret for 2,5 years. Only in 2019, Richards revealed that her 7-year-old daughter had special needs. Eloise’s disorder affects her speech, and this is why the girl can say only a few words. So, Richards began to learn sign language to communicate with her daughter.

According to Denise, Eloise needs to be watched 24/7 because sometimes she becomes too emotional and behaves like a 3-year-old. “It’s been challenging. I’m learning every day because they don’t really have a road map for her particular case.”

But Denise doesn’t lose heart and is ready to do anything she can for her beloved daughter. The actress believes that a true parent should take care of their child no matter what. “I don’t know if Eloise is ever going to talk like a typical child. But as a parent, you want what’s best for your children, and you just do it.”

Denise raised Eloise alone for 7 years, but in 2019, her second husband adopted the girl.

In 2018, the actress married Aaron Phypers, and a year later, her husband adopted her youngest daughter. When 9-year-old Eloise said “dad” for the first time, the couple almost cried with happiness. According to Richards, she can’t imagine a better father for Eloise and stepfather for Sami and Lola.

In May 2022, Eloise turned 11. A year earlier, she could say only 12 words. But according to Denise, her youngest daughter is the happiest girl in the world because she knows how to enjoy every little thing. And she’s also very fond of their dogs. The family has nicknamed Eloise the “animal whisperer” because she communicates with their dogs without words, and they listen to her.

We hope that Eloise will always be the love and joy for Denise and her family.

Do you know anyone who has children with special needs? Tell us about them.