The Last Of Us Actor Bella Ramsey Opens Up About Autism Diagnosis After Co-Star Spots Signs
Bella Ramsey called their autism diagnosis liberating after years of feeling like a loner.
Autism diagnoses often come at different points in life, and for some people, the moment of understanding can be a turning point. That was the case for actor Bella Ramsey, who learned they were autistic while working on the hit HBO series The Last of Us.
Ramsey, 21, recently shared their experience in a recent interview with British Vogue, explaining that the realization didn’t come as a shock so much as a relief. Growing up, they often felt out of sync with the world around them, struggling to understand social cues and feeling like outsiders.
“I’ve always been watching and learning from people,” Ramsey said. “Having to learn more manually how to socialise and interact with the people around me has helped me with acting.”
On the set of The Last of Us, a crew member whose daughter is autistic suggested Ramsey seek a formal assessment. After going through the evaluation, Ramsey finally had an explanation for years of feeling different.
“When I got my diagnosis, I felt free,” they told British Vogue. “It allows me to walk through the world with more grace toward myself about not being able to do the easy everyday tasks that everyone else seems to be able to do.”
They received their autism diagnosis during the filming of The Last of Us.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people communicate, relate to others, and process sensory information. According to the NHS, while common signs include difficulty with communication, heightened sensitivity to sensory input, and repetitive behaviors, the condition varies widely from person to person. Autism isn’t an illness—it’s simply a different way of experiencing the world.
Many autistic people aren’t diagnosed until adulthood. Experts say this is especially true for women and nonbinary individuals, who often learn to mask their differences and fit in socially, delaying recognition of their own needs and challenges.
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The star shared their experience with being diagnosed with autism.
Ramsey described some of the sensory issues they face, including a heightened awareness of others’ facial expressions and body language. While sometimes painful, these sensitivities sharpen their attention to detail in their craft.
Before their diagnosis, Ramsey often felt like a "loner" or a "weirdo" growing up. But instead of letting those feelings hold them back, they found ways to channel their observations into their performances.
“I’ve always been curious about why I feel different,” Ramsey said. “Now I know why, and that knowledge helps me understand myself better.”
Learning about autism has given Ramsey permission to adjust expectations—both their own and others—when it comes to everyday tasks that neurotypical people might take for granted. It also reinforced that being autistic doesn’t need to be hidden or fixed.
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Ramsey’s openness about their diagnosis adds to a growing conversation around autism awareness and acceptance. By sharing their story, they hope to make it easier for others who might recognize similar traits in themselves to seek answers.
“Autism doesn’t define me, but it explains a lot,” Ramsey said. “There’s no reason for people not to know.”
Their honesty offers a straightforward message: finding out you’re autistic can be a relief, not a setback. It’s an opportunity to understand yourself better, build self-compassion, and navigate life with more clarity about your own strengths and challenges.
Damjan
