In an industry built on the ability to mimic human behavior, the conversation around neurodivergence has long been relegated to the sidelines. However, a growing wave of A-list talent is stepping forward to challenge the status quo, proving that what was once labeled a “disorder” is often a creative superpower. From Oscar winners to tech moguls, these nine figures have addressed their autism diagnoses, helping to dismantle the stigma that has historically surrounded the spectrum.
The shift toward neurodiversity in Hollywood isn’t just about labels; it’s about a fundamental change in how we perceive talent and temperament. When stars like Sia or Anthony Hopkins speak openly about their experiences, they move the needle from mere awareness to active acceptance. This isn’t just celebrity gossip, it’s a cultural shift that is reshaping the narrative for millions of people who navigate the world with a neurodivergent brain.
1. Sia
The “Chandelier” singer-songwriter sparked a global conversation when she revealed her autism diagnosis in May 2023. Speaking on an episode of Rob Has a Podcast, Sia shared that she had spent 45 years feeling as though she had to “put her human suit on.” The disclosure came two years after the singer faced significant backlash for her directorial debut, Music, which was criticized for its portrayal of an autistic character and the casting of neurotypical actress Maddie Ziegler.
Sia addressed the online chatter surrounding the film with newfound perspective, stating, “I’m on the spectrum, and I’m in recovery and whatever, there’s a lot of things.” Her admission highlighted a common phenomenon in the community: the late-in-life diagnosis. By sharing her journey, Sia has helped shine a light on the “masking” that many individuals perform to fit into a neurotypical society.
2. Anthony Hopkins
Sir Anthony Hopkins, the two-time Oscar winner known for his chillingly precise performances, revealed in 2017 that he was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in his late 70s. The Silence of the Lambs actor has characterized his neurodivergence as a “great gift,” attributing his success to his obsessive focus on detail. Hopkins told The Desert Sun that his brain “deconstructs” characters, allowing him to pull them apart in ways others might not.
Despite the diagnosis, Hopkins has famously remained skeptical of the “labels” placed on human behavior. He has previously spoken about his restless nature and his lifelong feeling of being an outsider, which he now understands through the lens of his diagnosis. His career serves as a masterclass in how neurodivergent traits, such as intense focus and pattern recognition, can be harnessed for artistic excellence.
3. Bella Ramsey
Bella Ramsey, the breakout star of HBO’s The Last of Us, discovered they were neurodivergent while filming the hit series at age 18. Ramsey has been vocal about how the neurodivergence “massively” influences their acting craft, particularly their sensitivity to micro-expressions and social cues. In an interview with The Times, the Emmy-nominated actor credited their ability to connect deeply with characters to the way their brain processes the world.
Ramsey, who also identifies as non-binary, has become a leading voice for a younger generation that views neurodivergence as an intrinsic part of their identity. They told Elle that the diagnosis felt “freeing,” providing a much-needed explanation for the visual perception and social sensitivities they had experienced since childhood. For Ramsey, the film set offers a structured environment where their brain can truly thrive.
4. Grimes
The experimental pop artist and producer Grimes (born Claire Boucher) revealed her dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD in early 2025. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the singer reflected on her childhood learning struggles and the “weird obsessions” that she now recognizes as symptoms of her neurodivergence. Grimes has argued that while a younger diagnosis might have made her childhood easier, she is grateful for the resilience she built by “overcoming” certain challenges.
Grimes has also used her platform to critique the way mental health is discussed on social media, warning against “uninformed” subcultures that pathologize every trait. Having studied neuroscience at McGill University, she approaches the topic with a mix of personal lived experience and scientific interest. Her disclosure adds to the growing visibility of neurodivergent women in the music industry.
5. Susan Boyle
Susan Boyle became a global sensation on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, but it wasn’t until 2013 that she received a diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome. For years, Boyle had been told she suffered from “brain damage” due to complications at birth; a label she said left her feeling misunderstood. The singer sought out a specialist as an adult and found the diagnosis of autism to be a relief.
Boyle told The Guardian that the diagnosis helped her understand her “quirks” and the intense anxiety she often felt in the spotlight. Her story is a poignant example of how late-stage diagnoses can provide a sense of closure and self-compassion for those who grew up without the proper support. Today, she remains one of the most successful examples of neurodivergent talent in the recording industry.
6. Elon Musk
In one of the most-watched moments in Saturday Night Live history, tech billionaire Elon Musk announced during his 2021 monologue that he was “the first person with Asperger’s” to host the show. While fans were quick to point out that former cast member Dan Aykroyd had previously shared his own diagnosis, Musk’s admission was a watershed moment for neurodiversity in the business world.
Musk addressed speculation about his social behavior by telling the audience, “Look, I know I say or post strange things, but that’s just how my brain works.” By attributing his innovation at Tesla and SpaceX to his unique cognitive profile, he has reinforced the idea that neurodivergence can be a driver of high-level problem-solving and industry disruption.
7. Wentworth Miller
Prison Break star Wentworth Miller shared his autism diagnosis via Instagram in 2021, describing the news as a “shock but not a surprise.” Miller, who received the diagnosis during the quiet of the COVID-19 pandemic, was careful not to position himself as a sudden expert on the condition. Instead, he expressed a desire to “raise his hand” and acknowledge his place in the community.
Miller’s approach to his diagnosis has been praised for its humility and focus on self-discovery. He has spoken about re-examining five decades of lived experience through a new lens, noting that being autistic is “central to who I am.” His disclosure has been particularly impactful for adult men who may be navigating the diagnostic process later in life.
8. Courtney Love
Courtney Love, the iconic frontwoman of Hole and a staple of 90s alternative culture, was diagnosed with autism at the age of nine. In the 1970s, the diagnosis was often categorized differently than it is today, but Love has spoken about the speech delays and social difficulties she faced as a child. Despite the turbulence of her early career, she has frequently cited her ability to hyper-focus as a key component of her songwriting process.
Love’s history with neurodivergence offers a look at the challenges faced by autistic children before the modern understanding of the spectrum. Her success as a musician and actress (notably earning a Golden Globe nomination for The People vs. Larry Flynt) demonstrates the resilience required to navigate a high-pressure industry without the modern frameworks of support we see today.
9. Daryl Hannah
Daryl Hannah, the star of Splash and Kill Bill, has been open about her childhood diagnosis of autism. In an era when little was known about the spectrum, Hannah struggled with “debilitating shyness” and sensory sensitivities that made the Hollywood machine, specifically talk shows and premieres, extremely difficult to navigate. She has previously spoken about how she would “hide” from the spotlight to cope with the overstimulation.
Hannah’s advocacy has shifted the narrative from autism as a “battle” to one of acceptance. She has used her platform to champion environmental causes, proving that her neurodivergent perspective allows her to see the world, and its problems, through a unique and dedicated lens. Her long career stands as a testament to the fact that neurodivergent individuals have always been part of the fabric of Hollywood, even when they were forced to hide in plain sight.