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Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone is the textbook definition of a Hollywood legend and a dismayed dad.
The 78-year-old American actor, screenwriter, director, and producer has ruled the action genre for decades.
He first rose to stardom in the Academy Award-winning boxing megahit Rocky (1976).
Sly was idolized for his impressively muscular physique and the tough characters he often portrayed in his blockbuster films.
Even today, Hollywoods big dog seems to be aging like fine wine.
However, Slys life isnt as perfect as it seems.
The news came as a shocking blow for the Rocky superstar and his family.
Born into Hollywood royalty, Seargeoh Stallone was never meant for the spotlight.
Who is Seargeoh Stallone?
He was diagnosed with autism at only the age of 3.
Sylvester Stallone opened up about his lesser-known son during an appearance on theDonahueshow in 1990.
Without hesitation, Sylvester answered, Yes.
I have one son.
His name is Seargeoh.
It is a void that can never be filled, Sly said of Seargeo.
His mother also noticed Sages sadness and loneliness around his younger brother.
Its like being an only child, she toldPEOPLEfor a 1985 cover story.
And it is lonely for him.
I make a run at compensate by having many sleepovers with Sages friends.
However, Seargeohs personality later changed, becoming more reserved and shunned off.
And I said well, what will he be able to do?
Sly recalls desperately asking the doctor, Could he at least become physically active?
only to get another heartwrenching No.
Seargeoh showed early signs of miscommunication, leading the parents to seek help.
Like any other parents, they were far from pleased when they first received the news.
We both broke down, Sasha recalled.
Seargeohs condition isnt rare.
I knew that Sly couldnt get as involved because of his work, Sasha told PEOPLE in 1985.
We do what we have to do.
So I just said, Give me the money, and Ill take care of it.
Sly did support his son financially, and his mother did exactly what she promised.
Sasha does the hard, in-the-trenches warfare, Sylvester said at the time.
I use my films to have premieres that raise money for the fund.
In the United States, only about 21% of individuals with disabilities, including autism, find employment.
Sly even took Seargeohs autism into consideration when he built his yard.
That seems to bring him out a little.
Sly once admitted that his relationship with his son was not typical due to his autism.
Many autistic children are violent, Seargeoh is not, he noted to PEOPLE.
Autistic kids may use aggression as self-expression, often directing it toward objects or others.
Seargeoh was diagnosed as a high-functioning autistic, which was reflected in his structured daily routine.
Sasha also highlighted how these sessions helped Seargeoh develop life skills.
He might go to a store and buy something and then give the cashier the money himself.
Sasha had to give Seargeoh extra care as he grew up.
Sly and Sasha welcomed Seargeohs older brother, Sage, in LA on May 5, 1976.
Sage famously played Robert Balboa, Jr. (Rocky Balboas son) in the drama film.
The only time Seargeoh ever appeared on the silver screen was as a newborn baby.
Since then, the world has never seen Seargeoh appearing alongside his legendary father.
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