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Arts & Culture
24 March 2025

Grimes Opens Up About ADHD And Autism Diagnosis

The singer reflects on how an earlier diagnosis could have changed her journey and critiques the influence of social media on mental health perceptions.

Grimes, the 37-year-old Canadian singer known for her unique blend of electronic and pop music, recently opened up about her mental health in a post shared on her social media account on X (formerly Twitter). On March 24, 2025, she revealed that she has been diagnosed with both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism. This candid moment resonated with many followers as Grimes reflected on how these conditions have impacted her life.

As part of her post, Grimes responded to a meme that discussed the notion that excessive reading as a child can predict signs of ADHD. Taking this conversation a step further, she expressed her concerns regarding the abundance of misinformation circulating online about mental health. According to her, "there is this subculture of accounts on mental health that are, in my opinion, extreme information risks." This highlights her perception of how easily information can be misconstrued on social media platforms.

In her heartfelt reflection, Grimes shared that her diagnosis came as a revelation this year, allowing her to understand herself more deeply. "I have been diagnosed with ADHD/autism this year and I realized that I’m probably dyslexic, which explains why I can’t spell at all without spell check,” she wrote. Her openness about struggling with dyslexia allows her audience to see the complexities of her experiences.

Grimes also shared a sense of regret about not receiving an earlier diagnosis. She expressed, "I feel like if we had known when I was a child, I would have worked a lot less hard, I would’ve taken medication, and so many obsessions and weird motivations I had would have been seen as pathological and I could’ve let go of some things that were very difficult for me." This reflection highlights a common sentiment among many individuals with ADHD: that an early diagnosis can significantly change one's approach to personal and professional challenges.

Moreover, as a busy artist and mother of three children with her ex-partner Elon Musk, Grimes's experiences provide a unique perspective on managing life while navigating mental health challenges. She indicated that educational institutions often failed to recognize or support students with such diagnoses in the past, leading to unnecessary struggles.

In her discussion, she also touched on the current trend of self-diagnosis for learning disorders, emphasizing her view that many individuals are quick to label their experiences without proper assessment. She suggested that environmental factors, especially modern technology, play a significant role in these diagnoses. Grimes stated, "I feel like a lot of ADHD is due to screen addiction and dopamine depletion." This assertion speaks to the broader discourse around how contemporary distractions impact mental health.

Grimes’s insights contribute to a larger dialogue about the growing awareness and understanding of ADHD and autism, particularly among adults. The stigma surrounding these conditions is slowly eroding as more individuals share their personal stories, lending voices to an often-misunderstood experience. By bringing her story to light, Grimes not only raises consciousness around ADHD and autism but also encourages conversations about the importance of mental health and well-being.

As discussions about mental health continue to gain traction, celebrities like Grimes can shape public perception, reducing stigma and promoting empathy. Her willingness to share her narrative serves as a reminder that even high-profile individuals face similar struggles and that support, understanding, and acknowledgment can foster change.

In summary, Grimes's announcement sheds light on the intersection of creativity, parenthood, and mental health. By articulating her own challenges and realizations connected to ADHD and autism, she invites her audience to reflect on their perceptions of mental health in the modern world. Through her platform, Grimes can inspire others to pursue a deeper understanding of themselves and advocate for early diagnosis and treatment options.

Ultimately, Grimes’s journey illustrates that mental health is a multifaceted issue affecting individuals from all walks of life. As she navigates her path forward, Grimes embodies resilience and courage, offering a relatable figure for those who may feel isolated in their struggles with mental health.