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You Might Not Know These Celebrities Are Disabled or Neurodivergent – But They’re Changing the Conversation
Written by
Sammi Leaver
Published on
May 14, 2025
We talk a lot about representation. It’s one of those things that sounds nice in theory – until you realise how powerful it really is. Seeing people in the spotlight who are openly disabled, autistic, or raising disabled children can change lives. It reminds us that there’s no one way to be successful, funny, creative, or strong.
Here are just a few well-known UK faces who are breaking the mould, challenging stereotypes, and showing the world what inclusion really looks like.
Chris Packham
A familiar face on British TV, Chris Packham was diagnosed with Asperger’s in his 40s. He’s since become one of the most honest and impactful voices in autism advocacy. His documentary ‘Inside Our Autistic Minds’ gave the nation a real, raw insight into life on the spectrum.
“Autism is not a disease. It’s just a different way of thinking.”
Melanie Sykes
When Melanie was diagnosed as autistic at 51, it was a turning point. She described it as finally understanding herself for the first time. Since then, she’s spoken about masking, burnout, and the way neurodivergence is misunderstood in women, especially those who’ve gone undiagnosed for decades.
“I’ve been surviving instead of thriving. Now I thrive.”
Christine McGuinness
Christine has opened up publicly about her autism, as well as her experience parenting three autistic children. She’s one of the strongest advocates out there, regularly calling for better awareness, especially around how autism presents in women and girls.
“Autism in women has long been misunderstood. We’re not broken—we’re different.”
Paddy McGuinness
Comedian and presenter Paddy McGuinness may not be neurodivergent himself, but he’s used his platform to share his family’s story with honesty and humour. He and Christine fronted the BBC documentary ‘Our Family and Autism’, highlighting the joys and challenges of parenting three autistic children.
Fern Brady
If you’ve seen Fern Brady perform stand-up, you’ll know she’s sharp, brutally funny, and completely unapologetic. She was diagnosed as autistic as an adult and has since become one of the most prominent voices smashing autism stereotypes, especially around women and masking.
“People don’t expect autistic women to be funny, or talk about sex. I do both.”
Rosie Jones
Rosie Jones has cerebral palsy, and is one of the most distinctive comedy voices in the UK right now. She’s clever, cheeky, and unafraid to call out ableism in comedy and beyond.
“People think I’m brave for just existing. I’m not brave. I’m brilliant.”
Adam Pearson
Actor and presenter Adam Pearson lives with neurofibromatosis and is a fierce advocate for disability rights. His work has covered everything from beauty standards to disability hate crime, and he does it with authenticity and wit.
“It’s not about overcoming disability – it’s about society overcoming ignorance.”
Anne Hegerty
Best known as ‘The Governess’ on ‘The Chase’, Anne has spoken openly about being autistic and how it affects her daily life. Her time on ‘I’m A Celebrity’ gave viewers a rare, real glimpse into what it’s like to navigate unpredictable situations as an autistic adult.
“I’ve learned how to be ‘me’ in a world that doesn’t always accommodate people like me.”
Liz Carr
Actress and campaigner Liz Carr is unapologetically bold. A wheelchair user since childhood, she’s best known for ‘Silent Witness’, but off-screen, she’s a powerhouse for disability justice.
“Disability isn’t a tragedy. The lack of imagination in how society treats us is.”
Katie Price
Katie’s son Harvey is autistic, partially blind, and has Prader-Willi syndrome. Katie has long used her platform to raise awareness, particularly around online abuse and disability hate. She’s been at the forefront of calls to strengthen protections for vulnerable people online.
“I’ll never stop fighting for my son.”
Sophie Morgan
After a spinal injury at 18, Sophie became a wheelchair user and a trailblazer. She’s now one of the UK’s most recognisable disabled broadcasters, and a passionate advocate for inclusive travel and media.
“We don’t need to be fixed. We just need to be seen.”
Jack Carroll
Jack Carroll burst onto ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ as a teenager with cerebral palsy and a razor-sharp sense of humour. Now, he’s a full-fledged comedian using his platform to push back on pity and patronising attitudes.
“I don’t want people to laugh at me – I want them to laugh with me.”
Why This Matters
These names are just the start. Disability and neurodivergence aren’t rare, niche experiences – they’re part of everyday life. The more we see that reflected in media, comedy, music, and TV, the more normal it becomes.
At Purpl, we believe disability isn’t something to whisper about, it’s something to celebrate. Whether you’re disabled, neurodivergent, or supporting someone who is, your story matters. And thanks to voices like these, the world’s finally listening.
Sammi is autistic, has ADHD, and lives with POTS. She’s passionate about disability advocacy, accessibility, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. With a sharp sense of humour and a deep love for community, she speaks openly about the realities of being neurodivergent across all of her personal platforms, always aiming to challenge stigma, spark conversations, and remind others they’re not alone.
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