7 celebrities with autism share their stories – from Courtney Love to Melanie Sykes
Over the past few years, we've seen more women and celebrities with autism talking about their experiences after decades of being ignored. While the ratio of men to women with autistic spectrum disorder is thought to be around 4:1, studies show there are biases preventing women from being diagnosed, with around 80% of autistic girls and women remain undiagnosed at 18 years old.
According to the National Autistic Society, 'Autistic characteristics in women and girls may differ from those of other autistic people. They might seem to have fewer social difficulties than autistic men and boys, but this could be because they are more likely to 'mask' their autistic traits (though the stress of doing so can result in anxiety and overwhelm).
'Some of the core characteristics of autism are having "repetitive behaviours" and highly-focused interests. Stereotyped examples of these include rocking backwards and forwards, and a fascination with trains. However, in autistic women and girls these behaviours and interests may be similar to those of non-autistic women and girls, such as twirling hair and reading books, and as such may go unnoticed despite the greater intensity or focus typical for autistic people.'
That's why it's so refreshing to hear celebrities with autism talk about their diagnoses and living with the condition.
Celebrities with autism: Lucy Bronze
The star footballer opened up about her diagnosis to BBC Sport, interviewed by Alex Scott, describing her autism as ‘her superpower’ as it allowed her to think through all of the possible processes with speed and clarity.
She was diagnosed in her late 20s, although she told Alex, 'my mum had spoken about it from a very young age and noticed things in me,' and says she finds football to be her 'hyperfocus'.
Celebrities with autism: Melanie Sykes
Presenter Melanie Sykes was diagnosed with autism at the age of 51. She described her diagnosis as 'life-affirming', writing in her magazine Frank that 'finally, so many things made sense. [...] I now have a deeper understanding of myself, my life, and the things I have endured.'
Melanie has now become a campaigner for autism, as her son also has the disorder.
Celebrities with autism: Chloe Hayden
The Australian actress, author and activist played the standout role of Quinnie in Heartbreak High, bringing authentic autism representation to the silver screen. The actress is an outspoken activist in the disability community, and her book, Different Not Less: A neurodivergent's guide to embracing your true self and finding your happily ever after, shared her empowering lived experience as a young woman with ASD.
Celebrities with autism: Courtney Love
Back in 1994, Courtney Love spoke to Rolling Stone about her autism diagnosis, 'When I talk about being introverted, I was diagnosed autistic,' she told journalist David Fricke. 'At an early age, I would not speak. Then I simply bloomed. My first visit to a psychiatrist was when I was, like, three. Observational therapy. TM for tots. You name it, I’ve been there.'
Celebrities with autism: Bella Ramsey
In their cover story for this month's British Vogue, the 21-year-old Brit opened up about their diagnosis with autism, describing it as 'liberating'.
They discuss having been diagnosed whilst filming the last season of their hit HBO show The Last of Us, after a crew member with an autistic daughter assumed the star also had it.
'It enables me to walk through the world with more grace towards myself about not being able to do the easy everyday tasks that everyone else seems to be able to do,' they said.
Celebrities with autism: Holly Madison
The TV personality, presenter, podcaster and author has been outspoken about her autism diagnosis, after long suspecting herself to be on the spectrum.
On the podcast Something Was Wrong she discussed her formal diagnosis and how it allowed her to reflect on her time at the Playboy Mansion and relationship with Hugh Hefner.
'I thought to myself I've never really connected with a guy my own age, and I have a [hard] time connecting with anybody my own age, maybe I'm just like this old soul, and I'm meant to be with older people.'
Celebrities with autism: Greta Thunberg
The Swedish activist was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome (once its own diagnosis, but now recognised under the broader autism spectrum disorder) when she was 11, along with selective mutism and OCD.
In her 2018 TEDx Talk, the climate activist called Aspergers her 'superpower'.
More health:
You Might Also Like
