The Revelation
Two years following the controversy surrounding her representation of autism in the film ‘Music’, globally renowned Australian pop star Sia has publicly announced her own autism diagnosis. The revelation, made during an episode of ‘Rob Has A Podcast’, has provided Sia with a sense of relief and self-acceptance that she had been seeking for 45 years.
The Artist and Her Work
Known in full as Sia Furler, the artist has made her mark in the music industry with chart-topping hits such as ‘Chandelier’, ‘Titanium’, and ‘Cheap Thrills’. However, in 2021, Sia ventured into filmmaking with ‘Music’, a musical drama about a woman who becomes the sole caregiver for her half-sister, a non-verbal teenager with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The Controversy
The decision to cast Maddie Ziegler, a non-autistic actress who had previously appeared in several of Sia’s music videos, in the lead role sparked widespread criticism. The film also faced backlash for a scene depicting Ziegler’s character in a controversial prone restraint during a sensory overload episode. Despite initially defending the film, Sia later apologized on Twitter and subsequently deleted her account.
The Diagnosis
In her podcast appearance on May 25, Sia stated, “I’m on the spectrum and I’m in recovery”. Her description of learning and practicing certain behaviors to ‘fit in’ aligns with the concept of autistic masking. This term, as explained by psychologist Emma Colvert, refers to the actions individuals take to hide or disguise aspects of their behavior that may appear different to non-autistic people.
The Struggle and Recovery
Sia, who has openly shared her journey as a recovering alcoholic, also discussed her struggles with addiction and recovery. She emphasized the importance of honesty and vulnerability in overcoming shame and fostering genuine connections.
Sia’s health
Sia’s journey serves as a testament to the power of self-discovery and acceptance. It is a reminder that every individual’s path is unique, and that understanding and embracing one’s true self is a crucial step towards personal growth and fulfillment.
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