British reality star Sam Thompson has shared that he has been diagnosed with autism, a revelation he says has helped him better understand himself after years of feeling something “didn’t quite add up”.
The 32-year-old Made in Chelsea alumnus and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! finalist had already opened up in 2023 about living with ADHD, calling it his “superpower” and “a blessing”. But Thompson said he always suspected there was more behind the way his brain worked.
In a characteristically upbeat and humorous Instagram video posted on Sunday, Thompson dressed up as three versions of himself. The clip begins with a caption reading: “You got diagnosed with ADHD in your late twenties but something still doesn’t add up…” before a third “Sam”, wearing a bright inflatable dinosaur costume labelled “autism”, appears with a grin.
“Knew there was more to the story,” he wrote in the caption, alongside a laughing emoji – a light-hearted but impactful way to share a deeply personal moment.
Fans and followers were quick to respond, flooding the comments with messages of support. “Love this! Thank you for raising awareness and being a great role model,” one user wrote. Another added: “Welcome to the gang – life truly makes sense from this point onwards!”
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that can affect how people communicate, experience the world, and relate to others. According to the NHS, signs may include challenges with social interaction, difficulty understanding emotions, sensory sensitivities, and a strong preference for routine.
The spectrum is wide, and no two autistic people are alike. Some require little or no support, while others benefit from tailored care or assistance from loved ones or carers.
Thompson’s openness adds to a growing conversation around neurodiversity, especially among adults receiving later-in-life diagnoses. It’s also common for individuals with ADHD to also be diagnosed with autism – a co-occurrence often referred to in neurodivergent communities as AuDHD.
While autism is typically identified in early childhood, increasing awareness and evolving diagnostic criteria mean that many people are only recognised as autistic well into adulthood. Thompson’s experience reflects this reality.
The podcast host and TV personality first opened up about his ADHD diagnosis during his time in the jungle on I’m a Celebrity, stating he was “not ashamed” and wanted to help change the narrative around the condition. He later became an ambassador for ADHD UK, using his platform to encourage conversations and provide reassurance to others who may be struggling.
In one touching clip shared last year, Thompson gave heartfelt advice to two children recently diagnosed with ADHD. “It’s a superpower,” he told them, urging them to put their boundless energy into something they love.
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“Since I left the jungle, I’ve met so many children and adults who’ve told me I helped them see ADHD in a new light,” he wrote in the caption. “I want to reach as many people as I possibly can, especially young people, and show there is such magic in being neurodiverse.”
He continued, “Yes, there are some very real challenges along the way, but with the right support, it can be a superpower, it can be a blessing, and we can achieve all of our dreams.”
Thompson’s candidness is not only refreshing, but crucial in a society where mental health and neurodiversity are still stigmatised. His honesty — delivered with humour and humility — is making a difference.
And now, with both ADHD and autism diagnoses under his belt, Thompson is embracing every facet of who he is, while reminding others that self-discovery, no matter when it comes, can be empowering.
