Actress Bella Ramsey revealed that they were diagnosed with autism while working on the hit post-apocalyptic series The Last of Us. Ramsey, who uses they/them pronouns, spoke to British Vogue about their experience with “neurodivergence” and how receiving the autism diagnosis during filming for the show impacted them.
Ramsey shared that they had always considered themselves a “weirdo” and “loner,” and had wondered if they might be autistic. However, it wasn’t until a crew member, who had an autistic daughter, suggested that Ramsey might have the condition that they decided to seek a formal psychiatric assessment and diagnosis.
Reflecting on their journey, Ramsey mentioned that the autism diagnosis has actually helped them in their acting career by providing a deeper understanding of themselves and how they interact with others. While labels regarding gender and sexuality don’t feel comfortable for them, the label of being autistic has been freeing and has allowed them to navigate the world with more self-compassion.
Ramsey emphasized the importance of sharing their autism diagnosis as a way to be authentic and unapologetically themselves in the world. The actress expressed that being open about their autism allows them to move through life authentically and without masks.
