Insights from the “Talking to Death” Podcast
Holly Madison, widely known for her role in “Girls Next Door,” disclosed her diagnosis of high-executive functioning autism in a recent episode of the “Talking to Death” podcast. Madison shared that this was a suspicion she harbored for some time, citing her tendency to lose focus during her childhood and her challenges in grasping social nuances.
This official diagnosis, received earlier in the year, illuminated for Madison that she experiences life and daily tasks without major hindrances, but often finds herself out of sync with conventional social rhythms. Her reserved nature and inclination towards introspection, she noted, sometimes lead to misunderstandings, with others interpreting her actions personally. Additionally, Madison faces challenges in identifying when others have finished speaking, occasionally causing unintended interruptions in conversations.
Madison reflected on past experiences where her actions, perceived as aloof or arrogant, led to negative judgments from others. This, she believes, stems from her struggles with social interactions. Previously hesitant to make eye contact, Madison is actively working on this aspect and making efforts to apologize if she inadvertently interrupts or talks over someone in conversations.
Her aim is to foster a better understanding of her diagnosis among those she interacts with and to highlight the need for patience in dealing with neurodivergent individuals. Madison’s journey to understanding her high-executive functioning autism has been pivotal in improving her social skills and interactions. She advocates for empathy and patience in engagements with those who might process social cues differently.
