Prison Break star Wentworth Miller goes public with his autism diagnosis: 'Being autistic is central to who I am'

Actor Wentworth Miller, best known for his roles in Prison Break and Legends of Tomorrow, is sharing his story about being diagnosed with autism as an adult. And in doing so, he’s giving those who may not have experience with the subject a Masterclass in how to talk about autism and the autistic community without drowning out the voices of actual autistic people. 

“Like everyone,” wrote Miller in a long and moving post on his Instagram account, “life in quarantine took things from me. But in the quiet/isolation, I found unexpected gifts. This fall marks 1 year since I received my informal autism diagnosis,” he explains. “Preceded by a self-diagnosis. Followed by a formal diagnosis. It was a long, flawed process in need of updating. IMO. I'm a middle-aged man. Not a 5-year-old.”

Here Miller explained how he believes the medical system, especially the mental health sector, has been lagging behind when it comes to effectively diagnosing conditions like autism across variables like age, race, and gender. Of course, there are inherent difficulties. Autistic people can present a wide range of symptoms, behaviours, and neurodivergent ways of being that don’t always fit neatly into a DSM-V description. Still, access to medical resources remains out of reach for too many, leaving people without a name for their condition and way of interacting with the world or a path towards understanding themselves.

“I recognize access to a diagnosis is a privilege many do not enjoy,” wrote Miller, adding that his own formal diagnosis was “a shock. But not a surprise.”

With that shock has come the desire to learn and process. “I don't know enough about autism. (There's a lot to know.) Right now my work looks like evolving my understanding. Re-examining 5 decades of lived experience thru a new lens,” said the actor, adding, “That will take time.” Miller is nearly 50 so it’s understandable that he’s got a lot to unpack and sift through.

“Meanwhile, I don't want to run the risk of suddenly being a loud, ill-informed voice in the room,” he wrote in his post, which was accompanied by a simple white square. “The #autistic community (this I do know) has historically been talked over. Spoken for. I don't wish to do additional harm. Only to raise my hand, say, ‘I am here. Have been (w/o realizing it).’”

The actor did offer his input on where his fans and followers could look to learn more about autism and neurodiversity — from autistic communites online.

“I'll point you toward the numerous individuals sharing thoughtful + inspiring content on Instagram, TikTok... Unpacking terminology. Adding nuance. Fighting stigma,” he said, saying that the young creators he discovered there are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the current, relevant issues surrounding autism. “They’ve been schooling me,” said Miller.

The actor ended his post with an important point, making it clear that the diagnosis isn’t one he’d wish away. “This isn't something I'd change. No. I get - got - immediately being autistic is central to who I am. To everything I've achieved/articulated.”

Finally, he thanked his supporters — the people that may not have understood him completely but backed him wholeheartedly. “To the many (many) people who consciously or unconsciously gave me that extra bit of grace + space over the years, allowed me to move thru the world in a way that made sense to me whether or not it made sense to them... thank you,” he said.

In the comments, fans, many of whom also identified themselves as autistic individuals, returned the gratitude. “This was beautiful to read, welcome to the community Wentworth,” wrote one. “Thank you for this. Got my autism diagnosis at 30 years old, and it was a peculiar gift, really,” read a comment by another fan. “Your voice, about this, is so comforting. So, so comforting.” 

BEFORE YOU GO: Wentworth Miller says he’s done with straight roles

[video_embed id='2073801']BEFORE YOU GO: Wentworth Miller says he’s done with straight roles[/video_embed]