Earlier this year, Holly Madison, the former head girlfriend of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, confirmed a long-standing suspicion—she is on the autism spectrum. The Girls Next Door alum opened up about her experience with the developmental disorder on the Talking to Death podcast.
Having felt suspicions for a while, Holly shared that her mother had noticed her tendency to “zone out” as a child. Describing her social challenges, she mentioned difficulties in recognizing cues and understanding social dynamics. Despite initially attributing these struggles to introversion and relocating, the 43-year-old sought a formal diagnosis in 2023, revealing, “Now I know.”
Acknowledging her high functioning on the spectrum, Holly emphasized that everyone’s experience is unique. In an effort to increase understanding, she shared her diagnosis publicly, expressing how her behavior sometimes led people to perceive her negatively.
Reflecting on her journey, Holly discussed her challenges during school, at the Playboy Mansion, and in social situations. Notably, she found solace and success at Hooters, where she could navigate interactions based on established rules.
Recounting her diagnosis sessions conducted remotely through Zoom, Holly learned about her high executive functioning, allowing her to lead a “normal” life. Sharing her journey was crucial for Holly to foster understanding, especially regarding her occasional interruptions during conversations.
Despite struggles with flexibility in perceiving others, Holly has learned coping mechanisms, including making more eye contact. By apologizing for interruptions and explaining her perspective, she aims to foster understanding both ways.
In this candid revelation, Holly Madison invites a closer look at neurodiversity, challenging stereotypes and advocating for a more inclusive understanding of different ways of experiencing the world.