'The Last Of Us' Star Reveals On-Set Interaction That Made Them Realize They're Autistic

Nonbinary The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey revealed a particular experience during filming season one of the HBO action series that led to their discovery of being autistic.

The 21-year-old Primetime Emmy nominee told British Vogue that they "always wondered" if they were neurodivergent, and the confirmation came in the most unexpected way.

"I got diagnosed with autism when I was filming season one of The Last of Us," they told the publication in a profile published last month.

A crew member working on the popular series who had an autistic daughter assumed Ramsey was the same.

This observance prompted the actor to get a formal psychiatric assessment and diagnosis.

Ramsey recalled getting diagnosed as autistic as liberating, or “freeing.”

Said Ramsey:

“It enables me to walk through the world with more grace towards myself about not being able to do the easy everyday tasks that everyone else seems to be able to do.”

Those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could relate.

Redditors in the entertainment subReddit shared their stories of when they were diagnosed.

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entertainment/Reddit

entertainment/Reddit

entertainment/Reddit

The Huffington Post reached out to experts about specific signs that an undiagnosed person may be autistic, and were informed that the "telltale signs" included "a feeling of being 'different' than others, sensory differences, difficulty with social cues, and strong desires for routine, solitude and direct communication."

Ramsey said that as a child, they always felt like they didn't fit in with their classmates. They saw themself as a "weirdo," a "loner," and more comfortable being with adults over their unpredictable peers.

Fans lauded their courage to share their story.

While recalling what filming The Last of Us was like in the cold Canadian wilderness, they fidgeted and remarked that wearing heavy waterproof clothing and thermals was "too much stuff on my body."

This type of aversion is a common sensory issue prevalent among those with ASD.

Ramsey told the publication that their critically-acclaimed performance playing Ellie on The Last of Us may have benefited from their neurodivergence.

“I’ve always been watching and learning from people," they said, adding, "Having to learn more manually how to socialize and interact with the people around me has helped me with acting.”