Feel Fully Like Myself: Singer-Songwriter Sia Reveals Autism Spectrum Diagnosis

Sia has admitted that she has been diagnosed with autism, two years after expressing an apology for how she portrayed the disorder in the movie 'Music'. She revealed the diagnosis had relieved her in an interview with Rob Has A Podcast, which analyses the US reality show, Survivor.

She said, "I've felt like for 45 years, I was like, 'I've got to go put my human suit on." She added that it's only in the last two years that she has become fully herself.

Sia Reveals Autism Spectrum Diagnosis

The singer-songwriter Sia, whose real name is Sia Furler, is most recognised for her work on the albums Chandelier, Titanium, and Cheap Thrills. However, she made her filmmaking debut in 2021 with Music, a musical drama about a woman who cares for her half-sister, a teenager with non-verbal autism, alone.

She received harsh criticism for choosing Maddie Ziegler, a neurotypical actor who had participated in several of her music videos, to play the lead role. Another scene that caused controversy included Ziegler's character being restrained face-down during a bout of overstimulation. The constraint can put the individual wearing it in danger of physical injury and, in rare circumstances, death by suffocation.

Back then, Sia defended the film, claiming that it was "entirely" based on the experiences of a "neuro-atypical friend." However, the singer apologised repeatedly on Twitter before completely deactivating her account in 2021, two years after the movie received two Golden Globe nominations.

The restraint scenes will no longer be included in any upcoming printings, she declared at the time. Her research was clearly not thorough enough because she chose to listen to the incorrect individuals, which is her fault, she added.

The Australian singer at the time made no mention of having a neurotypical personality. However, she said: "I'm on the spectrum, and I'm in recovery - there's a lot of things" in her podcast interview.

The 47-year-old made an appearance on the show to congratulate Carolyn Wiger, who came second in the most recent 44th season of Survivor.

She had previously referred to Wiger as her "favourite player" and provided the single mother with a financial assistance package worth $100,000 (£80,900). Wiger won over many fans during her time on Survivor thanks to her unique, honest nature; some even enquired whether she had received an autistic diagnosis.

Later, she clarified that while she does not have autism spectrum disorder, she does have ADHD and is in recovery from addiction.

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