Gogglebox star Tom Malone Jr. has been praised by fans after revealing he has been diagnosed with autism.
The star, who quit the Channel 4 programme last year, gave an emotional health update to his followers on Friday on Instagram.
He told fans the diagnosis was “something that both makes sense” as he has always felt “different,” reports OK! Magazine .
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Autism is a developmental disability that affects how those diagnosed talk and interact with other people and one out of 100 are found to be on the spectrum, according to the National Autistic Society UK website .
Sharing the update on social media, he said: “I don’t normally do very personal posts like this but I thought this one was important. I’ve always felt a bit different, a bit socially awkward and like I just don’t process things in the same way as everybody else.
“Finally, I have an explanation. I’ve recently been diagnosed as autistic. Something that both makes sense to me whilst at the same time is something completely new to learn about and understand more about why I am the way I am.
“Now begins the journey. This one goes out to all the kids that have ever felt misunderstood due to being a little bit different #AutismAwareness.”
Tom received praise from fans for being open and honest about having autism, as one person commented: “Love this brother, I hope this gives other people strength to own their story.”
Tom uploaded a video to Instagram Stories an hour after his autism post in which he thanked fans for their positive responses as he addressed that it was “a lot to take in”.
“So, I just want to say a massive thank you for everyone who has reached out and shown me support from my last post,” the TV star added.
“Yeah, it’s a lot to take in, but. I will get round to replying to people and yeah, thank you.”
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