Holly Madison Reveals Long-Suspected Autism Diagnosis: High Executive Functioning Autism
Holly Madison, known for her role in 'Girls Next Door,' has recently revealed her diagnosis of high-executive functioning autism After suspecting it for some time, she now shares her journey with this condition
Holly Madison Denise Truscello/WireImage
Holly Madison, 43, recently discovered that she is on the autism spectrum. During the December 8 episode of the “Talking to Death” podcast, she revealed that her suspicions were confirmed after her mother mentioned being suspicious of the same thing for a while. Madison also discussed her experiences with zoning out as a child and struggling to recognize social cues.
The former Girls Next Door star admitted, "I used to just make excuses for it. I blamed it on growing up in Alaska and then moving to Oregon in middle school, thinking it was just a big social change. I've always been very introverted, that's how I always explained it." Madison revealed in a podcast with host Payne Lindsey that she was diagnosed earlier this year.
"The doctors informed me that I have high executive functioning, which essentially means that I can go about my life and do things ‘normally,’” she stated on Friday. "Because I am more reserved, I have recently learned to make eye contact and I often get lost in my own thoughts, which some people find offensive... I simply do not operate on the same social wavelength as others, but it's not personal."
Madison also finds it challenging to determine when people have finished speaking, causing her to unintentionally interrupt them. "This tends to frustrate people," she admitted. "I am working on improving this."
Holly Madison Denise Truscello/WireImage
The ex-Playboy model has observed that, throughout her life, many people have disliked her because she unintentionally offended them with her behavior. She explained that others often perceive her as stuck up, snobby, or better than everyone else. Additionally, her tendency to interrupt conversations has caused frustration for others.
Madison remembered that she used to avoid making eye contact with others, but has since made an effort to improve in this area.
She made a note of being able to apologize to people if she interrupts or talks over them, and explains why. She also mentioned that she is focused on ensuring that individuals understand her diagnosis. "I now have a little bit more patience and don't take things as personally," she added.
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Madison concluded her podcast appearance with some simple advice about dealing with someone neurodivergent.
She advised, "Since everyone operates differently, it's important to have patience when interacting with others. You never know what challenges they may be facing or their level of social functioning."
