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

Em Rusciano has broken down on Abbie Chatfield’s It’s A Lot podcast, saying she was ‘ashamed’ 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.

Ruciano, who often shares posts on social media about her various health issues, claimed her autism diagnosis came after a long period of shame and feeling like she didn’t belong.

‘When I realized early on that I was not a stereotypical girl, the shame started. “I’ll never fit in,” she said, feeling like she was choking.

‘The shame around menstruation, the shame around my post-baby body. So being diagnosed with autism was just another layer of shame,” Em said, visibly upset as she referred to the fact that she finally received a diagnosis in 2022 after a doctor “fired” her for “not meeting the criteria.”

‘The shame around menstruation, the shame around my post-baby body. So the autism diagnosis was just another layer of shame,” Em said, visibly upset. Bottom of the photo: Abbie Chatfield

Previously, Em also shared that she lacked a sense of connection due to her “sensory issues” and food preferences.

‘I’ve always had sensory problems. I only eat four different foods. I never fit in,” Em said.

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

Previously, Em also shared that she lacked a sense of connection due to her “sensory issues” and food preferences

“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 impressed.’

‘Real?’ Abbie asked, to which Em jokingly replied, “No.”

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition in women. It occurs when the normal balance of microorganisms in the vagina is disturbed.

The candid revelations come as Rusciano revealed that the accusation of falsifying her autism and ADHD diagnosis led to depression and paranoia.

Ruciano broke down during the casual conversation with Abbie (photo)

The former radio star said this Stellar magazine earlier this month, she said she couldn’t get out of bed as she faced public criticism for her admission that she was struggling with developmental disabilities.

“It’s such a wild thing to accuse someone of. I started carrying my diagnostic report with me both on paper and digitally, that’s how disturbing it was. I didn’t get out of bed for a month,” Em said.

‘It was my biggest fear. It really got me up and down. It made me not want to talk about it anymore, but it is who I am; To close that part would be a disservice to ten-year-old Em, so I had to pick myself up for months.”

She added, “And then I got over myself and realized I don’t need the validation.”