Actor Wentworth Miller Reveals Hs Autism Diagnosis
The well known ‘Prison Break’ actor, Wentworth Miller, took Instagram and publicly announced on July 25, 2021 that he has autism, over a year after he was diagnosed. As a 49-year-old man, it was definitely a shock to him finding out about his “neurodiversity,” however it was not a surprise he says to Fox News.
As he shared on Instagram, he recognized that having access to a diagnosis as an adult is not something everyone is fortunate of having, and in that way he feels “having access to a diagnosis is a privilege many do not enjoy.” What’s important to understand about this diagnosis is that “he wouldn’t change it in any way,” as it’s a part of who he is and who he’s become over the 49 years of his life.
Wentworth’s diagnosis also allows people with autism to understand and notice all of the things they are capable of doing, such as being a star on a TV show and following their dreams.
If there are any questions regarding an autism diagnosis, adult resources and more, use the American Autism Association’s Help Hotline, where we provide resources that we believe will be most beneficial to you. You can also find helpful information in our adult resources section on our website as well.
His full statement can be seen here, and the caption below.
“Like everyone, life in quarantine took things from me.
But in the quiet/isolation, I found unexpected gifts.
This fall marks 1 year since I received my informal autism diagnosis. Preceded by a self-diagnosis. Followed by a formal diagnosis.
It was a long, flawed process in need of updating. IMO. I’m a middle-aged man. Not a 5-year-old.
And (it’s a “both/and”) I recognize access to a diagnosis is a privilege many do not enjoy.
Let’s just say it was a shock. But not a surprise.
There is a now-familiar cultural narrative (in which I’ve participated) that goes, “Public figure shares A, B and C publicly, dedicates platform to D, E and F.”
Good for them. /srs
And (it’s a “both/and”) that’s not necessarily what’s going to happen here. I don’t know enough about autism. (There’s a lot to know.) Right now my work looks like evolving my understanding. Re-examining 5 decades of lived experience thru a new lens.
That will take time.
Meanwhile, I don’t want to run the risk of suddenly being a loud, ill-informed voice in the room. The #autistic community (this I do know) has historically been talked over. Spoken for. I don’t wish to do additional harm. Only to raise my hand, say, “I am here. Have been (w/o realizing it).”
If anyone’s interested in delving deeper into #autism + #neurodiversity, I’ll point you toward the numerous individuals sharing thoughtful + inspiring content on Instagram, TikTok... Unpacking terminology. Adding nuance. Fighting stigma.
These creators (some quite young) speak to the relevant issues more knowledgeably/fluently than I can. (They’ve been schooling me as well.)
That’s the extent of what I’m inclined to share atm.
Oh - this isn’t something I’d change. No. I get - got - immediately being autistic is central to who I am. To everything I’ve achieved/articulated.
Oh - I also want to say to the many (many) people who consciously or unconsciously gave me that extra bit of grace + space over the years, allowed me to move thru the world in a way that made sense to me whether or not it made sense to them... thank you.
And to those who made a different choice... well. People will reveal themselves.
Another gift.
W.M.”