Bella Ramsey reveals autism diagnosis while filming The Last of Us

In a recent interview, Bella Ramsey, the star of HBO's The Last of Us, disclosed that they were diagnosed with autism during the filming of the show's first season. This significant moment happened while working in Canada, where a crew member, noticing similar behaviors to their own autistic daughter, encouraged Ramsey to seek a formal assessment. The diagnosis occurred amidst their challenging experiences on set, which included the discomfort of heavy filming gear and sensory sensitivities. Ramsey reflected on previous feelings of being out of place, especially in social contexts like school, where they often felt more at ease around adults. The psychiatric evaluation cleared up many of the questions Ramsey had about their identity and experiences, leading them to understand their autism more clearly. The actor described the diagnosis as freeing, providing them a framework to navigate the world with more grace and understanding, especially when facing difficult tasks that seemed easier for others. They have spoken previously about how their neurodivergence has contributed to their growth, especially in acting, where their acute awareness of body language and micro-expressions aids their performances. A structured environment on set, where roles and instructions are clear, has been beneficial for their work. Despite some discomfort with labels when it comes to gender and sexuality, Ramsey found that identifying as autistic has helped them better understand their experiences and feelings. The actor shared how acknowledging their autism enables them to be their authentic self without the need for masking. This transparency allows them to engage genuinely with others while fulfilling their role as an artist. They emphasized that moving through life as an autistic individual is integral to their identity, stating that there is no need for others to be unaware of this aspect of themselves. In discussing the impact of their diagnosis, Ramsey emphasized that without their neurodivergence, their development as an actor might have been vastly different. They attribute their ability to learn from observing others to their autistic traits. This connection between their identity and craft has proven to be one of the most enriching aspects of their career. Meanwhile, the production of The Last of Us has also received critical acclaim for its storytelling and adaptation from the beloved video game, showcasing the talent of actors like Ramsey and Pedro Pascal as they navigate a world ravaged by a deadly infection.