What You Never Knew About Ryder Evan Russaw: Faith Evans’ Youngest Child

Most people know Faith Evans as a Grammy-winning singer and one of the queens of R&B. But what many don’t know is that she’s also a proud mom of four — and her youngest child, Ryder Evan Russaw, has a truly special story.

Ryder may not be in the spotlight like his mom, but his life has touched many hearts. Born in 2007, he’s grown up quietly while living with autism. His journey has shaped Faith’s life, changed the way she sees the world, and even inspired her to help other families.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you probably didn’t know about Ryder Evan Russaw — his early life, his diagnosis, his close family, and how he’s inspired so much love and strength.

Ryder Evan Russaw Quick Bio

Who Is Ryder Evan Russaw?

Ryder Evan Russaw is the youngest child of Faith Evans and her ex-husband, Todd Russaw. He was born on March 22, 2007, in the United States and is now 18 years old in 2025.

Even though he’s part of a very famous family, Ryder is known for living a quiet, private life. He doesn’t appear in public often, and he doesn’t have any social media. But from the few things Faith has shared, it’s clear that Ryder is kind, smart, and very loved.

He is African-American, and his family follows Christianity. His big heart, strong spirit, and calm nature have made him a very special part of the Evans-Russaw family.

Faith Evans as a Mother and Music Icon

Faith Evans is famous for songs like “I’ll Be Missing You,” but to her kids, she’s just “Mom.” She gave birth to her first child before she even signed her first record deal. That tells you a lot about the kind of person she is — family first, always.

In interviews, Faith has said she never wanted to be away from her kids for too long. Even when she was recording albums or doing shows, she made sure she was always present in their lives. That’s why she never toured as much as some other artists. “I always had children,” she said simply.

She has four children: Chyna, C.J., Joshua, and Ryder. Each of them has grown up around music and creativity, but also with strong values, thanks to their mom’s care.

Ryder Evan Russaw’s Early Life and Childhood

Ryder was born into a world full of music, talent, and love. With his mom being a singer and his dad working in the music business, Ryder grew up in a creative environment. But his childhood was a little different from his siblings.

As a toddler, Ryder showed signs that he was growing at his own pace. He liked his routines, and sometimes reacted differently to things around him. His mom noticed that something was different — not in a bad way, just something that needed more attention and care.

Faith never ignored the signs. She trusted her instincts as a mom. She knew that Ryder needed support, and she started asking doctors for help. What came next would change their lives forever.

Ryder’s Autism Diagnosis and Early Signs

Before he turned three, Ryder was diagnosed with autism. It wasn’t easy to get a clear answer. Faith had to push hard to get doctors to take her seriously. But she didn’t give up. She wanted Ryder to get the help he needed early.

Autism affects how a person communicates, learns, and interacts with others. Every child with autism is different. In Ryder’s case, it meant he needed more support with learning and social skills. But it didn’t change who he was — a sweet, loving boy with so much potential.

Faith has said that getting the diagnosis early made a big difference. It helped her understand Ryder better. It also helped her prepare the right environment at home — one that was full of love, calm, and encouragement.

Life with Autism

Living with autism comes with its own challenges, but Ryder has grown into a strong and confident young man. With help from his family and specialists, he’s learned how to express himself and enjoy the world around him in his own way.

Faith often shares little moments from Ryder’s life on Instagram. You’ll see him practicing martial arts, doing volunteer work, or just smiling beside his mom. These moments show a young man who is active, healthy, and very loved.

His journey isn’t always easy, but it’s full of progress. Ryder’s story is a reminder that children with autism can thrive — especially when they have people who believe in them.

How Ryder Changed Faith Evans’ Outlook on Life

Ryder’s diagnosis didn’t just change how Faith raised him — it changed how she saw the world. She realized how important it is to advocate for children who need extra help. She became more patient, more focused, and more aware of how many other families face the same challenges.

In interviews, Faith has said that Ryder taught her things no one else could. He helped her grow as a person and made her stronger as a mother. “I want my son to have the same quality of life as any other child his age,” she once said.

Instead of feeling sad or lost, Faith turned Ryder’s journey into a mission — not just for her son, but for others too.

Ryder’s Room Inc. – Faith Evans’ Autism Foundation

After learning about Ryder’s diagnosis, Faith Evans decided to turn her love into action. She started a foundation called Ryder’s Room Inc., named after her son. The goal of this foundation is to support families raising children with autism and to bring more awareness to special needs education.

Faith has said that she created the foundation because she wanted to help other parents who may not have the same resources or support. “This is what we’re living,” she once explained. Through Ryder’s Room, she raises funds to donate to families who need help with therapy, school tools, or medical care.

Faith even teamed up with Ryder’s behavior specialist, Maliaka Mitchell, to host a YouTube series called Good Deeds for Special Needs. Together, they talked about real issues parents face, like how to find the right school or how to make sure every child feels included. It became a safe space for parents to learn and feel less alone.

Ryder Evan Russaw’s Life Today

Today, Ryder Evan Russaw is 18 years old and living a peaceful, happy life. He may not be on social media or in the spotlight, but his mom sometimes shares sweet updates about him online. Fans love seeing how much he’s grown and how confident he looks.

Ryder enjoys doing things that make him feel strong and calm. Faith has shared photos of him practicing martial arts, a hobby that helps him focus and stay active. He also takes part in volunteer work, showing how caring and kind he has become.

Faith often celebrates his achievements with pride. On Ryder’s 17th birthday in 2024, she wrote a heartfelt post:

“Happy 17th birthday to my baby boy Ryder! I love you so much, my Bubba, and I thank God for assigning me to care for you.”

This message showed just how deep their bond is — full of love, faith, and gratitude.

Ryder’s Bond with His Siblings

Ryder is the youngest of four children, and his bond with his siblings is strong. His big sister Chyna is a singer and songwriter who studied at New York University. His older brother C.J. Wallace is an actor and musician who also runs a creative brand in honor of his father, The Notorious B.I.G. And then there’s Joshua, who works as a DJ and music producer.

Even though they each have their own lives, the four siblings stay close. They’ve grown up watching their mother work hard while always keeping family first. They spend time together at home, at events, and during Faith’s tours.

Joshua, in particular, shares a special connection with Ryder. They are both Faith’s sons with Todd Russaw, and Joshua is known for being very protective of his little brother. Faith often says that her children are all “artsy,” but what she loves most is how supportive they are of one another.

Why Faith Evans Keeps Ryder’s Life Private

Faith Evans is open about her music career, but when it comes to Ryder, she’s careful about privacy. She believes that her son deserves a calm, safe, and normal life — one that isn’t filled with public attention.

Unlike many celebrity children, Ryder Evan Russaw does not have public social media accounts. Faith shares only small glimpses of his life, always in a respectful and loving way. She wants people to see his progress but also protect his peace.

In interviews, Faith has said she doesn’t want Ryder to be defined by fame or his condition. She wants him to live freely, make his own choices, and grow at his own pace. It’s one of the reasons fans admire her so much — she shows that even in fame, family still comes first.

Ryder Evan Russaw’s Public Appearances and Media Moments

Although Ryder isn’t often seen in public, a few rare appearances have warmed fans’ hearts. He’s been spotted attending family events, spending time at Disneyland, and appearing in fun family photos with his mom.

Whenever Faith posts about him, fans leave hundreds of sweet comments. Many say they admire her honesty and strength as a mother. Some even share their own stories of raising children with autism, saying that Ryder’s journey gives them hope.

Ryder doesn’t speak in interviews or appear on TV, but his quiet presence has inspired thousands. Through him, Faith Evans has become a voice for families who face similar struggles and joys.

A Hopeful Future for Ryder Evan Russaw

As of 2025, Ryder Evan Russaw is stepping into adulthood with love and confidence. Faith continues to guide him while giving him space to grow. With his calm personality and gentle heart, Ryder has a bright future ahead — one filled with endless possibilities.

Faith hopes he’ll keep learning, exploring his interests, and living life his own way. Whether he chooses a career in art, sports, or something completely different, she’ll be right there, cheering him on.

Ryder’s story reminds everyone that success isn’t just about fame or awards. It’s about love, patience, and family. His journey is a beautiful example of what happens when a child is raised with understanding and endless support.

Final Thoughts

The story of Ryder Evan Russaw is more than just the life of a celebrity child — it’s a story of love, courage, and growth. From his early challenges to his inspiring progress, Ryder has shown what strength looks like in real life.

Faith Evans has done more than just sing about love — she has lived it every day as a mother. Through her son’s journey, she’s brought light to autism awareness and reminded people that every child deserves the same love, joy, and opportunity.

Ryder’s life today is a quiet but powerful example of hope. He may live away from the spotlight, but his story continues to inspire families everywhere.