Tyrus, born George Murdoch, is a name synonymous with strength and perseverance in the world of professional wrestling. Known as “The Destroyer” during his tenure with WWE, Tyrus has faced countless challenges in the ring, but his most profound battles have been fought outside of it—as a father. In a deeply personal interview on The Sage Steele Show in 2024, Tyrus shared the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of adopting his autistic son, whom he calls “TJ,” shedding light on a journey marked by love, patience, and unwavering determination. As a father of six, including four biological children and two stepsons, Tyrus has navigated the complexities of a blended family, but adopting TJ, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at age three, brought a new set of challenges that tested his resilience in ways he never anticipated. This article explores Tyrus’s heartfelt confessions, the unique hurdles of raising an autistic child, and the profound lessons he’s learned along the way.

A New Chapter: The Decision to Adopt 🌍

Tyrus’s adoption journey began in 2018, a time when he was transitioning from his wrestling career to focus on family and advocacy. Having already fathered three children from previous relationships—all born in 2011—and welcomed his daughter Georgie with wife Ingrid Rinck in 2014, Tyrus was no stranger to the demands of parenthood. Yet, when he and Ingrid learned about TJ, a two-year-old boy in foster care who needed a permanent home, they felt an immediate connection. “I didn’t have parenting wisdom to fall back on growing up,” Tyrus admitted on The Sage Steele Show, reflecting on his own challenging childhood in foster care after being placed there due to his biological parents’ struggles. “But I knew I could give this kid a better shot.”

TJ’s early life mirrored Tyrus’s in some ways—marked by instability and uncertainty. Born to a teenage mother unable to care for him, TJ had spent his first years in foster care, a system Tyrus described as “emotionless” and “isolating” in a 2024 interview with Waterdagen. Adoption offered TJ a chance at stability, but it also came with complexities Tyrus hadn’t fully anticipated. At the time of adoption, TJ showed signs of developmental delays, such as limited eye contact and repetitive behaviors, but it wasn’t until a year later, at age three, that he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. “That diagnosis changed everything,” Tyrus confessed. “It was like stepping into a whole new world I didn’t understand.”

The Early Struggles: Navigating the Unknown 🧩

The initial years after TJ’s diagnosis were a steep learning curve for Tyrus and Ingrid. Autism, as a spectrum disorder, varies widely in its presentation, and TJ’s challenges included difficulties with communication, sensory sensitivities, and social interaction. “He wouldn’t look me in the eye, and he’d repeat the same phrase over and over,” Tyrus recalled. “Sometimes he’d have meltdowns for reasons we couldn’t figure out—like the sound of a car horn or the texture of certain foods.” These behaviors, common among autistic children as noted by the Cleveland Clinic, often stem from how the autistic brain processes sensory information, leading to overwhelm or distress.

Tyrus admitted that his lack of experience with autism made these moments overwhelming. “I’d been through a lot in my life—abuse, foster care, the grind of wrestling—but this was different,” he said. “You can’t fight autism with brute strength. You have to learn patience, something I wasn’t always good at.” The couple sought professional help, enrolling TJ in early intervention programs that included speech therapy and occupational therapy, as recommended by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). These services helped TJ develop basic communication skills, but progress was slow. “There were days I’d come home and just sit in my truck, crying,” Tyrus shared. “I felt helpless, wondering if I was doing enough.”

One of the biggest challenges was managing TJ’s lack of danger awareness, a trait Tyrus recognized as particularly daunting. “He’d wander off without understanding the risks,” Tyrus explained, echoing a concern shared in a 2015 Norfolk Family Life blog about another autistic child named Tyrus. At school, TJ had a dedicated aide to ensure his safety, but at home, Tyrus and Ingrid had to be hyper-vigilant. “We installed locks on every door, even the fridge, because he’d get into things without realizing it could hurt him,” Tyrus said. These adjustments, while necessary, added stress to an already demanding parenting dynamic.

The Emotional Toll: A Father’s Vulnerability 😢

Tyrus’s journey as an adoptive father to an autistic child also forced him to confront his own emotional vulnerabilities. Raised in a foster care system that often left him feeling isolated, Tyrus had built a tough exterior to survive. But parenting TJ required a softness he wasn’t accustomed to. “I had to learn to be okay with not knowing the answers,” he said. “That was hard for me—I’m used to fixing things, taking charge.” The emotional toll was compounded by the guilt he felt over not being able to “fix” TJ’s challenges. “You see your kid struggling to say a single word, and you blame yourself,” he admitted. “Did I miss something? Could I have done more?”

This guilt echoed the experiences of many parents of autistic children, as described in a 2017 TIME article where Areva Martin detailed her depression after her son’s diagnosis, spiraling into self-doubt with questions like, “What did I do wrong?” For Tyrus, these feelings were intensified by his own past. “I didn’t have a dad to show me how to do this,” he said, referencing his father’s absence and abusive behavior, as noted by Scopeglow. “I had to figure it out, and sometimes I felt like I was failing TJ.”

The strain also affected his relationship with Ingrid. “We’d argue over little things—like how to handle a meltdown or whether we were pushing him too hard,” Tyrus revealed. These tensions are common among parents of autistic children, as highlighted in the 2022 film Tyson’s Run, where a mother laments not giving her husband the son he wanted. But Tyrus and Ingrid worked through their differences, seeking support through counseling and autism parent groups. “We learned to be a team,” Tyrus said. “It wasn’t easy, but TJ needed us to be on the same page.”

Finding Joy: Small Victories and Big Lessons 🌈

Despite the challenges, Tyrus’s journey with TJ has been filled with moments of profound joy and growth. Over the years, TJ has made significant strides, thanks to therapies and the family’s unwavering support. “The first time he said ‘Daddy,’ I broke down,” Tyrus shared, his voice thick with emotion. “It took years, but hearing that word—it was everything.” TJ also developed a love for music, much like the autistic child in Autism Parenting Magazine who thrived through creative outlets like playing the tabla. “He loves banging on drums,” Tyrus said, smiling. “It’s his way of expressing himself when words fail.”

These small victories taught Tyrus patience and perspective. “I used to think success was a big win—like a wrestling title,” he said. “But with TJ, success is him sitting through a meal without a meltdown, or pointing to something he wants instead of crying.” The family’s move to a farm in northern New Jersey in 2024, as reported by People, provided a calming environment for TJ, with animals like turtles and exotic fish offering sensory stimulation. “The farm’s been a game-changer,” Tyrus noted. “He’s happier, more settled.”

A Father’s Advocacy: Inspiring Others 💪

Tyrus’s experience has also turned him into an advocate for adoption and autism awareness. “Adoption gave TJ a chance, just like it gave me one,” he said, reflecting on his own journey from foster care, as detailed by Brandon’s Restaurant. He encourages families to seek post-adoption support, echoing Heart to Heart Adoptions, which stresses the importance of counseling and resources. “It’s not just about taking a kid in—it’s about being there for the long haul,” he said.

Through his story, Tyrus hopes to inspire other parents of autistic children. “You’re gonna have tough days,” he admitted. “But those kids—they teach you what really matters. TJ’s my little warrior, and I’d do it all again.” His journey, filled with challenges and love, proves that the heart of a father, much like a wrestler, never gives up. 🌟👨‍👦