Bella Ramsey, star of The Last of Us, opened up to Vogue about receiving an autism diagnosis after a crew member with an autistic daughter suggested they might be on the spectrum.
Bella Ramsey revealed in a 2023 interview that they had recently received a neurodivergent diagnosis. This diagnosis shed new light on their experiences as an actor, with Bella crediting their neurodivergence for their exceptional perceptiveness.
Bella explained that this heightened awareness can sometimes be overwhelming, causing them to feel paralyzed by their surroundings.
They shared a humorous example, recounting how it takes them four hours to navigate a grocery store due to their sensitivity to micro-expressions and social cues.
Ramsey admitted they had long questioned their social challenges, feeling like a “weirdo” and “loner” during their youth, and highlighted struggles with sensory issues and heightened awareness of body language.
They credited their autism with improving their acting abilities, as it taught them to observe and adapt to social dynamics.
Ramsey described the diagnosis as “freeing,” allowing them to approach life with greater self-acceptance. They also touched on their nonbinary identity, expressing discomfort with gender labels but finding comfort in the clarity provided by the autism label.
Ramsey stressed the importance of being open about their diagnosis, as it helps them live authentically and “unmask” in their daily life.
