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Celebrities Sharing Autism or ADHD Diagnosis.

Roy

I’ read an article yesterday about Jools Oliver, Jamie Olivers wife. Also Tom Hardy and Robbie Williams have recently shared their stories of a late diagnosis.  I’m sure many of us can identify with a lot of their experiences. It takes a lot to ‘come out’ publicly, people don’t see the years of wondering why you are different. I imagine there is a higher number of neurodivergent people in the film, tv and music industries, those industries are full of creative minds.

Then came all the usual comments, “there was no autism in the 70’s, everyone is autistic now.” The usual uninformed people , it seems that the ones  who comment negatively on autism the most are people who know nothing about the subject.

  • I really appreciate when people share their diagnosis, and I agree there's likely a significant proportion of neurodivergent people across creative fields.

    I'm fascinated by how musicians create and I read a lot of interviews. There's often a sense of familiarity in how certain artists describe their inner lives and creative processes. At the same time, obviously not every unconventional or creative trait indicates neurodivergence. I believe there's simply a lot of natural overlap between intense creative focus and neurodivergent traits.

    Still, genuine openness about a formal diagnosis remains relatively rare. I think it's likely because of ongoing stigma, or the risk of that becoming the only thing people focus on. A few independent musicians who come to mind who have spoken openly about being autistic: Meg Myers, Orla Gartland, Caroline Rose, Sophie Jamieson, Bess Atwell.

    It does make a difference seeing artists speak plainly about it without romanticising or hiding it.

  • Roy said:
    Then came all the usual comments, “there was no autism in the 70’s, everyone is autistic now.”

    Idiots shout because everyone ignores them. 

    I'm in two minds about celebs coming out. I think it's great for them and it might be good for others, too, to see that being autistic doesn't mean being a failure. (Of course, there will always be those who say that because people aren't failures therefore they can't be autistic, but we're back to idiots).

    What makes me wary is some sites that claim famous historical figures were autistic. They might have been, but we rarely have enough information of their childhood. Here's an example. I can't help bracing for an onslaught of such speculation whenever celebrities come out.

  • Good that people are being open about things - anything that helps mutual understanding can be useful I think