Sia’s autism announcement has been long anticipated. The famous singer had previously given hints about her diagnosis, but it wasn’t until a recent interview that she was candid about her struggles with autism. In an interview with Rob Has A Podcast, the “I’m Unstoppable” singer said that she had been autistic for 45 years but only recently felt like she could be fully herself.
It was the first time that Sia Kate Isobelle Furler, the artist behind hit songs like “Cheap Thrills” and “Chandelier,” had spoken openly about her own struggles with autism.
Also, in a certain Reality TV fan podcast, Sia made a point to congratulate Carolyn Wiger, the runner-up of The Survivor. Fans have always theorized that Wiger could be on the spectrum too, probably because of her behavior on the show, but Wiger denied having autism. However, she did acknowledge that she had been diagnosed with ADHD and is in recovery from addiction. Sia backed up Wiger’s story by saying, “I’m on the spectrum and I’m in recovery and whatever.”
Self Acceptance
She also expressed how it felt to be autistic by remarking that when they and their acquaintances finally congregate in a room full of strangers, sharing the most intimate aspects of themselves without trepidation, they experience a profound respite. By receiving acknowledgment from those around them, they no longer feel insignificant or worthless.
This acceptance enables them to view themselves in their truest form, permitting them to interact with the outer world as genuine human beings full of love rather than pretending to be something they are not.
Autism Masking
Sia’s revelation has reignited the conversation about autism masking, a concept that had previously gone largely unnoticed. Autism masking is when an autistic person masks or hides their autism to fit in with society. The prevalence of this behavior among adults on the spectrum suggests that many people trying to cope may not even realize they have autism.
Clinical Psychologist and Lecturer at King’s College London, Hannah Louise Belcher, elaborates that pretending to be ‘human’ or ‘normal,’ and to ‘fit in’ is precisely what autistic masking is. It’s an approach to fit in with the non-autistic world, typically to avoid enduring bullying and bias associated with being autistic.
She also goes on to say that young children especially may be ashamed of their differences in society and try to cover them up to gain acceptance from their peers. Also, research reveals that women and girls are better at masking or adapting, which is likely attributable to their late autism diagnosis. Although masking can serve as a coping and protective strategy, Belcher said it can be mentally draining because it requires much effort to maintain.
raising autism awareness
There is less data regarding the number of people diagnosed on the spectrum after childhood, but Sia could be indicative of a rising subset of individuals diagnosed with autism at a late age. Studies reveal that a late diagnosis of autism often impacts a person on mental health. For example, one may experience depression, anxiety, and other psychological issues.
This is why raising autism awareness is helpful & encourages people to come forward for diagnosis. It’s admirable that Sia has courageously acknowledged her autism diagnosis, thus encouraging more adults struggling with similar issues to come forward and seek help.
