Em Rusciano breaks down as she speaks about her autism diagnosis with Abbie Chatfield: 'Just another layer of shame'

By Matt Demarco For Daily Mail Australia 05:06 22 May 2024, updated 09:43 22 May 2024

• READ MORE: Em Rusciano claims therapy for autism is like 'conversion therapy'

Em Rusciano has broken down on Abbie Chatfield's It's A Lot podcast, saying she 'felt shame' when she was diagnosed with autism.

In a no-holds-barred two-part episode of the podcast, the Australian comedian, 45, opened up about her sensory issues, ADHD, autism and other medical issues. 

Rusciano, who often shares social media posts relating to her various health issues, claimed her autism diagnosis came after a long period of shame and not fitting in. 

'Early on, when I realised I wasn't a stereotypical girl, the shame began. I never fit in,' she said as she appeared to choke up.

'The shame around menstruating, the shame around my post-baby body. So, the autism diagnosis was just another layer of shame,' Em said, visibly upset as she referred to finally receiving a diagnosis in 2022 after a doctor 'dismissed' her for 'not meeting the criteria.' 

Earlier, Em also opened up about how she did not have a sense of belonging due to her 'sensory issues' and food preferences.

'I've always had sensory issues. I only eat four different types of food. I never belonged,' Em said.

Em was also very candid and good humoured about another health condition.

'Bacterial vaginosis is no joke,' she said with a serious expression on her face. 

'When I did it in my Channel Ten special they were rapt.'

'Really?' asked Abbie, to which Em replied jokingly, 'No.'

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition in women. It occurs when the normal balance of micro-organisms in the vagina gets disrupted. 

The candid revelations come as Rusciano revealed that being accused of faking her autism and ADHD diagnosis led to depression and paranoia. 

The former radio star told Stellar Magazine earlier this month that she was unable to get out of bed as she faced public scrutiny over her admission that she was struggling with the developmental disabilities.

'It's such a wild thing to accuse someone of. I took to carrying around my diagnostic report in hardcopy and digital, that's how upsetting it was. I didn't get out of bed for a month,' Em said. 

'It was my worst fear. It really took me out and down. It made me not want to continue talking about it, but it's who I am; to shut that part off would be doing 10-year-old Em a disservice, so I spent many months picking myself up.'

She added: 'And then I got over myself and realised that I don't need the validation.'