Actress Megan Prescott Opens Up About Her Autism Diagnosis and Masking

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Megan Prescott, a star of the BAFTA-winning teen drama Skins, has revealed that she's been diagnosed with autism. The 31-year-old actress, who also has ADHD, was told about her diagnosis in December 2021, but admits she was nervous to share the news. She's been "exhausted, anxious, and depressed" pretending to be neurotypical, and believes that her autism diagnosis has helped her understand why she's always felt like she "never fit in". Prescott is advocating for more conversations about women with autism, highlighting the lack of resources and understanding available for women with autism.

Key Takeaways:

  • Megan Prescott, a 31-year-old actress, has been diagnosed with autism after being told about her diagnosis in December 2021.
  • Prescott also has ADHD and was previously diagnosed with it a few years ago.
  • She admits to being "exhausted, anxious, and depressed" trying to pretend to be neurotypical.
  • Prescott believes that her autism diagnosis has helped her understand why she's always felt like she "never fit in".
  • She highlights the lack of resources and understanding available for women with autism, citing the National Autistic Society's reports that women are more likely to "mask" or be mis-diagnosed.
  • Prescott wants to start a conversation about women with autism and their experiences.
  • She has been using OnlyFans during the coronavirus pandemic, which has helped her financially and has given her a platform to express herself.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 100 people are diagnosed with autism in the UK (National Autistic Society).
  • 75% of women with autism are mis-diagnosed or "mask" their symptoms (National Autistic Society).
  • Women are more likely to experience mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, due to societal pressures to conform to neurotypical norms.
  • Prescott has been using OnlyFans since April 2020, and has been financially supported by her subscribers.
  • The number of women with autism in the UK is estimated to be around 6 times higher than the number of men with autism (National Autistic Society).

Sources:

  • The article cites Megan Prescott's interview with The Sun in 2022.
  • The National Autistic Society's reports on autism diagnosis and women with autism.