The Johnston family is facing fresh challenges in the upcoming season of their TLC reality series. 

In the new episodes of 7 Little Johnstons, which premiere October 14, Trent and Amber Johnston are in uncharted territory as their kids embark on their independent adult lives and they embrace their role as grandparents. But things get complicated when Trent gets some troubling news about his health. Plus, ongoing tension with their daughter Anna threatens to tear the family apart. 

Trent is diagnosed with White Matter Disease in the new season of ‘7 Little Johnstons’ 

In a teaser for the upcoming season, Trent and Amber sit down with several of their kids to deliver some sobering news. 

“The doctors did see what they call….,” he begins. 

“White Matter Disease,” Amber chimes in. 

The condition is “basically caused by sleep apnea,” Trent explains. A doctor has warned him that he needs to get serious about his health. 

“The neurologist told me that if I do not start treating my sleep apnea right away, it definitely will be the cause of my death,” he tells a producer. 

Not only is Trent concerned about his health, but he’s also worried about his kids. He and Amber warn Jonah and Alex that they should take steps to better manage their own sleep apnea. But the Johnstons are approaching the situation with their characteristic good humor, as the kids stage a fashion show to model the CPAP masks Amber has ordered. 

Anna Johnston is taking a break from her family 

While Trent manages his diagnosis, he and Amber are navigating some serious conflict within their family. Their oldest daughter, Anna, has distanced herself from her parents and siblings for her own mental health. 

In the trailer, Anna reveals that she has a new boyfriend, Darius, who she’s been seeing for about eight months. 

“I would love for him to meet my family, but this summer I have been taking a break from the family,” she explains. “For now, I’m focusing on my work, my dogs, and things that I can control.” 

Meanwhile, Anna’s parents are waiting for her to make the first move. 

“She owes her younger siblings a heartfelt apology [for] not showing up to their graduation,” Amber says, referring to the drama at the end of the last season of 7 Little Johnstons. 

Later, Trent confronts his daughter about her issues with the family. The conversation doesn’t go well.  

“How come you don’t come around?” he asks. 

“I mean, I do want to come around,” she replies. “But it’s like, for the past 10 years, we’ve gotten into these arguments … there’s a lot of stuff I’m not opening up [about].”

Trent’s hardly sympathetic. 

“There’s a lot of stuff you’re not going to open up when you’re guilty and you’re at fault,” he bluntly says. 

“OK,” a clearly exasperated Anna says. “Then I’ll walk out right now.”

7 Little Johnstons premieres Tuesday, October 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on TLC. 

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