The Tragic Diagnosis: Inside Thomas Ravenel’s Son Julian’s Health Battle And The Shocking Custody Claims

The question of Thomas Ravenel's son's health diagnosis has been a central, and often heartbreaking, point of public scrutiny for years, primarily stemming from the contentious custody battle between the former Southern Charm star and his ex-girlfriend, Kathryn Dennis. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the most significant, though disputed, information publicly available remains the shocking claim made by Thomas Ravenel in court documents: that his son, Julian Rembert Ravenel, was "formerly diagnosed with FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)." This serious allegation, which Thomas attributed to Kathryn’s alleged substance use during pregnancy, casts a long shadow over the family's private struggle and adds a tragic layer to the reality TV drama.

The highly sensitive nature of the diagnosis, coupled with the high-profile custody proceedings, means fresh, independent medical updates are scarce. However, the legal and personal fallout from this claim, including Thomas Ravenel gaining full custody of both children, continues to define the family's narrative. The focus has shifted from the initial diagnosis claim to the long-term management of Julian's reported "developmental and behavioral problems" as the family navigates life largely away from the Bravo cameras.

Thomas Ravenel and Family: A Comprehensive Profile

The public profile of Thomas Ravenel is inextricably linked to his political past, his time on Bravo’s Southern Charm, and his tumultuous relationship with Kathryn Dennis. Understanding the family structure is key to grasping the context of the sensitive diagnosis claim.

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• Thomas Jonathan Jackson Ravenel:
  • Born: August 11, 1962 (Age 62 as of December 2024)
  • Career: Former South Carolina State Treasurer, Real Estate Developer, Reality TV Personality.
  • Current Life Update (2025): Thomas has announced plans to re-enter the political arena, stating his intention to run for Governor of South Carolina in 2026. He currently maintains full custody of his two children with Kathryn Dennis.
• Kathryn Calhoun Dennis:
  • Born: August 5, 1991 (Age 33 as of December 2024)
  • Career: Reality TV Personality (Southern Charm).
  • Relationship with Thomas: Their on-again, off-again relationship was a main storyline on Southern Charm, resulting in two children and a protracted custody battle.
• Children of Thomas Ravenel and Kathryn Dennis:
  • Kensington Calhoun Ravenel (Kensie): Daughter, born March 24, 2014 (approx. 11 years old).
  • Julian Rembert Ravenel (Julien/Saint): Son, born November 10, 2015 (approx. 9 years old). He is the subject of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome claim.
• Thomas Ravenel's Third Child:
  • Jonathan Jackson Ravenel: Son, born June 29, 2020, with ex-girlfriend Heather Mascoe.

The Shocking Claim: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnosis

The core of the public discussion regarding Julian Ravenel's health stems from a specific, highly publicized court filing. In 2019, amidst a heated custody dispute, Thomas Ravenel submitted documents alleging that his son had been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).

This claim was a direct accusation against Kathryn Dennis, with Ravenel alleging that the diagnosis was "due to Kathryn's excessive drug and alcohol consumption while he was in utero." The court documents further claimed that both Julian and his older sister, Kensington, were exhibiting "developmental and behavioral problems" as a consequence of their mother's alleged actions during pregnancy.

It is crucial to note the context: these were claims made within the framework of a bitter, multi-year custody battle, and the specific medical findings have not been independently verified or publicly detailed by a neutral medical source. The use of the term "formerly diagnosed" in some reports suggests a medical opinion was rendered at some point, but the full details remain sealed in court records. The public nature of the claim, however, immediately brought the serious reality of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) into the spotlight of reality television.

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Understanding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Its Impact

To understand the gravity of Thomas Ravenel's claim, one must consider what Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is and the lifelong challenges it presents. FAS is the most severe end of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), a range of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

FAS is characterized by a combination of physical and neurological issues. The consumption of alcohol during pregnancy can damage the developing brain and body of the fetus, as alcohol passes freely from the mother’s bloodstream through the placenta to the baby. The effects are permanent and can include:

• Abnormal Facial Features: Such as a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip (philtrum), small head size, and small eyes.
• Growth Problems: Being smaller than average in height and weight.
• Central Nervous System Problems: Including problems with brain structure, intellect, memory, attention, judgment, and impulse control.

The "developmental and behavioral problems" cited in the court documents are highly consistent with the known effects of FAS. Children with FASDs often struggle with learning disabilities, poor social skills, difficulty understanding consequences, and challenges with day-to-day living.

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The Custody Outcome and Julian's Current Status

The custody battle between Thomas Ravenel and Kathryn Dennis reached a significant turning point when Thomas was awarded full custody of both Kensington and Julian. While the court's decision is based on a multitude of factors, the claims regarding Julian's health and the mother's alleged conduct during pregnancy played a central role in the legal proceedings. The focus of care is now on providing Julian Rembert Ravenel with the necessary support to manage his reported challenges.

Beyond the FAS claim, another health issue mentioned in reports is that Julian has had "hearing tubes" inserted. This is a common medical procedure for children experiencing chronic ear infections, but it further highlights the need for ongoing medical attention for the young boy. The family, particularly Thomas Ravenel as the custodial parent, is responsible for managing these complex medical and behavioral needs, ensuring Julian receives the specialized educational and therapeutic interventions required for children with developmental issues.

Life Beyond the Diagnosis: Moving Forward in 2025

As the family continues to live a more private life away from the relentless glare of Southern Charm cameras, the priority remains the well-being of the children. The latest public updates on Thomas Ravenel's life center on his political aspirations—his run for Governor of South Carolina in 2026—suggesting a shift in focus from reality television to public service.

For Julian and Kensington, the current arrangement provides stability under their father's care. The legal and personal drama surrounding the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome diagnosis claim serves as a stark reminder of the hidden struggles behind the façade of reality TV fame. The family's journey is now one of private care and public reconciliation with a complicated past, with the hope that Julian Rembert Ravenel receives the best possible resources to thrive despite his reported developmental challenges.