Fame often brings a spotlight that few are truly prepared for—and for Aimee Lou Wood, that light exposed not just her talents, but also the quiet struggles she had been carrying for most of her life.
Known to millions for her breakout role in Sex Education and a recent turn in The White Lotus, Aimee has chosen to share a deeper part of herself—one that doesn’t appear on the red carpet.
In a refreshingly candid interview with The Sunday Times, the 31-year-old actress shared that she was recently diagnosed with ADHD and is currently undergoing assessment for autism.
It’s a revelation she says has helped her make sense of the intense anxiety and challenges she’s experienced since childhood.
From “Almost Mute” to Global Stardom
Aimee says that growing up, she was extremely shy—so much so that she barely spoke.
“I was almost mute,” she shared, reflecting on her early years. “Very socially anxious.
I couldn’t even sit and eat a meal.”
Her anxiety ran so deep that her mother had to scatter food around the house just so she would eat.
It wasn’t until much later that Aimee understood this behavior wasn’t just anxiety—it was part of her neurodivergence.
“I got diagnosed a few years ago with ADHD with autistic traits,” she explained.
“But now, professionals believe autism might be the primary condition, and ADHD is something I developed to mask it.”
Behind the Scenes of Fame: Insecurity, Bulimia, and the Struggle With Identity
Aimee’s fame didn’t bring instant confidence. In fact, she found herself retreating further.
The pressure of being in the spotlight led her to start “desexualising” herself, dressing down and avoiding glamour to feel more in control.
She also battled a serious eating disorder—bulimia—that became visible to staff while she was studying at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art).
This led to what she calls a “harsh but necessary” intervention, which ultimately pushed her toward healing.
“Drama school can be brutal,” she admitted. “I have scoliosis, and when they teach movement, everyone is expected to move the same.
You’re constantly being corrected, and it just piles on when you already hate your body.”
Growing Up With Chaos and Finding Her Voice
Aimee also opened up about her turbulent childhood in Stockport.
Her father struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, and would often disappear for days—or even weeks—without warning.
“He’d go out for a pint and not come back for ten weeks,” she said. Once, he vanished to attend the World Cup in Korea. “He was a party animal, always chasing validation.
It left my mum to carry the weight.”
Eventually, her parents divorced, and Aimee moved in with her mother and stepfather.
It was her stepdad who helped her attend a private school where she could finally study drama.
But even there, she never felt like she fit in. Her thick Stockport accent and prominent teeth made her the target of bullying from wealthier classmates.
Finding Confidence and Purpose Through Therapy
The constant teasing and inner doubt convinced Aimee that she would never land big roles—she didn’t look “conventional” enough.
But over time, with the help of therapy, she’s learning to embrace her identity.
“I hated my body and didn’t want to be in it,” she previously told Harper’s Bazaar.
“But that’s not the case anymore, thank God.”
Therapy has helped her address both her body image and the emotional scars of her past, particularly when it comes to her relationship with her father—who is now clean and sober.
“It’s hard with addicts,” she said. “You spend your life congratulating them for getting sober, but what about the people who had to endure everything along the way?”
Why Aimee’s Story Matters
Aimee Lou Wood’s honesty about her diagnoses and mental health struggles is more than just personal—it’s powerful.
It shines a light on the many ways neurodivergent individuals mask their symptoms just to fit in.
It also reminds us that eating disorders, trauma, and anxiety don’t vanish with fame or success.
Her story is a reminder that healing isn’t a straight line. It takes self-awareness, support, and time.
And most importantly, it proves that you can rise from pain with authenticity and strength—and still make it in a world that often demands perfection.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a behavioral condition that affects both children and adults.
It’s characterized by symptoms like inattention, restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty staying focused or completing tasks.
While it’s more commonly diagnosed in boys during childhood, many girls and adult women—like Aimee—go undiagnosed for years because their symptoms are less obvious.
ADHD is thought to be linked to genetics, brain development, and sometimes environmental factors. There’s no cure, but therapy and medication can significantly improve daily life.
