Bella Ramsey Got Diagnosed With Autism After ‘Last of Us’ Crew Member Noticed the Signs: It’s ‘Liberating’ and ‘Freeing’ to Know

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I recently learned something quite personal about my journey on “The Last of Us.” In an exclusive chat with British Vogue, Bella Ramsey, the Emmy-nominated star of our beloved HBO show, shared that they were diagnosed with autism following observations made by a crew member during the initial season. Upon hearing this diagnosis, I found a sense of liberation and understanding about myself that I hadn’t felt before.

Previously, I’ve touched on the topic of neurodivergence without fully disclosing its meaning. However, there was always a reason I hesitated to explain it. It wasn’t until during the filming of season one of ‘The Last of Us’ that I received my autism diagnosis.

As Ramsey, I was initially mistaken as a fellow crew member for having autism due to my unique behavior and the presence of my daughter who is on the spectrum. This assumption eventually led me to seek professional help and receive a formal diagnosis. Growing up, I often felt like an outsider or a “weirdo,” and I had always wondered if I might be autistic too. My experiences align with those common among people on the autism spectrum, particularly my heightened sensitivity to other people’s subtle expressions and body language, which can sometimes be quite overwhelming.

For Ramsey, getting diagnosed was “empowering,” as it allowed them to move through life with greater compassion for themselves, acknowledging that they can’t perform the routine daily tasks that appear effortless for others.

They went on to explain, “I’ve always been observing and picking up knowledge from others.” Learning social skills and interaction techniques primarily by myself has significantly contributed to my acting abilities. Ramsey added that being on set provides a structured daily routine: “I have specific call times, instructions about what to wear, how to position myself, where to stand, and even what meals to eat.

Actress Bella Ramsey takes on the role of Ellie Williams in the highly-anticipated return of “The Last of Us,” airing April 13, exclusively on HBO.

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2025-03-21 00:46