By Isabelle Wilson-
Former Playboy bunny Holly Madison (pictured) has recently disclosed that she has been diagnosed with autism, discovering own neurodiversity.
Neurodiversity explains the human brain function and mental illness, demonstrating that diversity in human cognition is normal and that some conditions classified as mental disorders are differences and disabilities that are not necessarily pathological.
The 43-year-old television personality shared her diagnosis on the Talking To Death podcast, highlighting the challenges she has faced in navigating social cues and emphasizing the need for patience and understanding.
Madison, known for her time at the Playboy Mansion and subsequent revelations about her experiences, expressed that she is “highly functioning” but may miss out on social cues.
Her diagnosis, characterized by high-executive functioning, sheds light on the diverse spectrum of autism and prompts reflections on how others may perceive and understand individuals with neurodevelopmental differences.
Madison revealed that her mother had long suspected her daughter might be on the autism spectrum. Reflecting on her childhood, Madison shared, “The first thing she noticed was that I would zone out a lot as a kid, and people would always ask her, ‘What is wrong with her? What is she doing?’ And my mum would just be like, ‘She’s thinking.'”
Madison acknowledged that she had always struggled with recognizing social cues, attributing it to being introverted and making excuses for her behavior.
The disclosure comes as part of a growing trend where public figures and celebrities are opening up about their neurodiversity, contributing to broader conversations about mental health, well-being, and societal expectations.
Madison’s revelation adds a layer of complexity to her past social interactions, where her lack of social awareness occasionally “rubbed people the wrong way.”
Navigating Social Challenges
While emphasizing that her experience is unique and does not represent everyone on the autism spectrum, Madison shared instances of her social challenges. She explained that she struggled with making eye contact, often found herself lost in her thoughts, and faced difficulties in recognizing when others had finished speaking.
Madison highlighted how her introverted nature and quiet demeanor were sometimes misinterpreted, leading to assumptions about her being “stuck up or snobby.”
“They think I’m, like, stuck up or snobby or think I’m better than everybody else,” she recalled. “I think because I’m more quiet, I’ve only recently learned to make eye contact [and] I’m often off in my own thoughts, so people take that as offensive.”
She added that she doesn’t “have a gauge” to tell when others are finished speaking, which leads her to accidentally interrupting people and “[pissing] people off.”
She did comment on whether the level of interruptions she is guilty of was beyond acceptable, and whether she is capable of being trained out of it.
Some traits and attitudes outside the umbrella of normal conduct that accompany some autistic people are both negative and irreversible, while some are merely different and reversible with training, influence, and self discipline.
In light of her diagnosis, Madison has embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. She admitted that some of her past social struggles, now explained by her autism diagnosis, had previously “rubbed people the wrong way.”
Today, she actively apologizes if she realizes she has interrupted someone and takes the opportunity to explain her diagnosis. Madison urges others to have patience and understanding, emphasizing that everyone operates differently.
Madison’s revelation comes at a time when discussions around neurodiversity and mental health are gaining traction.
The broader societal impact of such revelations extends beyond the individual, prompting reflection on inclusivity, acceptance, and the need for a more empathetic approach.