Aimee Lou Wood, best known for her breakout role in Sex Education and a recent appearance in The White Lotus, has shared a deeply personal revelation about her mental health. The 31-year-old actress recently opened up about being diagnosed with ADHD “with autistic traits,” shedding light on the neurodivergent experiences that shaped her childhood and early career.
A Diagnosis That Brought Clarity
In an interview with The Sunday Times’ Culture Magazine, Aimee revealed that she had long struggled with extreme shyness, which was later identified as a manifestation of neurodivergence.
“I was almost mute, very socially anxious. I couldn't sit down and eat a meal. My mum had to leave food around the house and I'd have to snack around. Now I know it was neurodivergence.”
Her childhood challenges didn’t stop there. Aimee also battled an eating disorder, which further isolated her socially. It wasn’t until adulthood that she finally received a diagnosis that helped her understand her struggles.
“I got diagnosed a few years ago with ADHD with autistic traits. But then it's been advised that I should go for an autism assessment.”
“They think that maybe it's autism that's leading the charge, and the ADHD is almost a by-product of the masking.”
Rising Fame and Identity Struggles
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Despite these personal challenges, Aimee achieved international fame, though the pressures of being in the public eye brought new difficulties. She found herself struggling with insecurities about her appearance and began to shift how she presented herself.
Aimee also went onto detail how her rapid rise to fame in Sex Education caused her to struggle with insecurities about her appearance, and she started to “desexualise herself,” by wearing less glamorous clothes.
A Complex Childhood
Born in Stockport, Aimee grew up in a home marked by instability. Her father struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, often disappearing for long periods.
“He would go out for a pint and not come back for days. He once went out and didn't come back for 10 weeks because he'd been to the World Cup in Korea.”
“He was a party animal on the scene in Manchester so he would hang out with celebrities and Manchester City football players; he had a massive ego, so that gave him validation.”
“Because of him, my mum had to carry a lot on her shoulders. She tried to protect us, and took responsibility for it, in a way.”
After her parents divorced, Aimee lived with her mother and stepfather, who paid for her to attend a private secondary school. There, she discovered her passion for acting, though she often felt out of place.
She felt out of place with her thick Stockport accent, admitting she was bullied by her “posh” classmates and teased about her “Bugs Bunny” teeth.
Body Image and Recovery
Aimee has been candid about struggling with body dysmorphia and scoliosis, challenges that were amplified during her time at drama school.
“I hated my body and didn’t want to be in it – that’s not the case any more, thank God.”
“I have scoliosis [curvature of the spine], so neutral for me is not neutral for everyone else. You go to drama school and everyone’s being straightened out. It’s not easy being told you’re moving wrong – it’s basically a tirade on your body.”
While training at RADA, her bulimia was noticed by the staff, leading to an intervention that helped set her on a path toward healing.
Through therapy, she’s been able to unpack the trauma of her upbringing and develop a healthier self-image. Her father is now sober, and their relationship has significantly improved.
“It’s hard with addicts: you feel like you spend your whole life congratulating them for getting sober, but what about the people who get left behind?”
“I guess therapy has helped me to unpick a lot. I’m learning through therapy that some people have a really steady line in life and then… poof, trauma. While others are working through a constant flow of s**t.”
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition defined by symptoms such as:
- 🔄 Inattentiveness
- 🏃 Hyperactivity
- ⚡ Impulsiveness
It often becomes noticeable in childhood, typically between ages 6 and 12, and can carry on into adulthood. Symptoms include:
✅ Constant fidgeting
✅ Poor concentration
✅ Impulsivity
✅ Difficulty with organization
✅ Forgetfulness
✅ Mood swings
✅ Trouble listening or following instructions
There’s no known cure, but with the right combination of medication, therapy, and support, individuals with ADHD can thrive.
Aimee Lou Wood’s openness is yet another reminder of the importance of mental health advocacy, neurodiversity awareness, and the power of storytelling in breaking stigmas. Her journey is not only inspiring but deeply human—a testament to resilience and self-discovery. 💛
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