“The Traitors” star Ron Funches opened up about being diagnosed with autism after being an “ally” to the community for decades.
Ron Funches Reveals Autism Diagnosis
Funches has been open about his son’s autism diagnosis in the past, but recently learned that he has the same neurodivergence.
“I’m in the middle of my diagnosis,” he told Jennifer Hudson on the Tuesday, January 27, episode of her talk show, “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” “I’m pretty [sure]. It’s looking good,” he joked.
Funches went on to say that he’s “been been part of the autism community for the past 20-plus years, but it always to me has been as an ally and a caretaker.”
The comedian went on to say that his own diagnosis has helped him to understand his son more, as well as himself.
“The messages from the community from people who say that they saw themselves in me, it’s just been beautiful,” he added.
The “Undateable” actor took to Threads on Wednesday, January 21, to share the news of his discovery.
“I thought I was just an ally and parent of an autistic child, but the way I felt I wasn’t being comprehended or understood, while I thought I was being direct and seeing some of my own mannerisms made [me] start the process of going to get a diagnosis,” Funches explained. “But I won’t be comfortable calling myself autistic until my diagnosis is done ❤️.”
He continued, “If the end result from me being isolated and feeling misunderstood on ‘The Traitors’ is that I understand myself and my son more, I consider that a victory worth sharing.”
Ron Funches’ Son Has Autism
The beloved comedian has been open about his son’s diagnosis for years. He previously celebrated Autism Awareness Day with a special message.
“Happy Autism Awareness Day! Thank you to my son who brought autism awareness into my life, and continually teaches me so much every day,” Ron wrote on Instagram in 2022. “If you have the means, please donate to @nextforautism. Their organization is working towards transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism.”
Funches opened up to Conan O’Brien during a 2020 appearance on “Conan,” telling the host that keeping his son safe is “one of the most motivating things in my life because of him being mixed race and having autism.”
“He doesn’t follow directions as easily,” he said of Malcolm, now 21. “He doesn’t respond to directions as quickly as some people would like, and I was always concerned that if he was in an altercation with a police officer that that could mean the end of his life.”
