Instagram / @lizmartinezcreations
open.
If you follow Bachelor Nation star Demi Burnett, you know that about two years ago she spoke openly about her autism diagnosis on social media.
Since receiving her doctor’s diagnosis, Demi has spoken openly about her autism online and continues to share educational videos about autism, pathological need avoidance, alcohol use, and ADHD.
Currently, during Disability Pride Month, Demi stopped by the “Bachelor Happy Hour: The Golden Hour” podcast to get candid about autism and dating.
Co-hosts Susan Knowles and Kathy Swartz asked Demi if she had any advice for people who are dating someone with autism or another disability.
She said, “I’m neurodiverse and people often ask me: should I date someone neurodiverse or someone autistic? I think that regardless of what you’re looking for in a partner, the most important thing is someone who listens to what you have to say about yourself, respects it, seeks to understand, treats you with compassion, and never uses it against you or doubts you. It doesn’t really matter. You just need someone who understands you the way you are, not their way.”
Cassie said that’s good advice that applies to any date, and Demi agreed.
Cathy also asked how partners of people with autism can support their loved ones.
Demi gave the example of her friend Cecily, who is like her right-hand woman, having a “support bag” by remembering to bring a tote bag with headphones, earplugs, water and snacks before going to events.
The Bachelor Nation star shared some other ways partners can support their autistic partner.
Demi says: “If your partner is autistic, tell them whatever special interest they have, that they like cute things, and show them you notice by talking about it or giving them a little gift. It’s really simple, just bring up that special interest in conversation so we can talk.”
She continued, “It’s sometimes hard for us to have social conversations, especially when I’m not interested in what someone is talking about or I’m not there. I can try really hard to interject without coming across as weird.”
Demi also explained that taking sensory sensitivities seriously can also be helpful, and how we can support those who live with them.
She said: “I love talking about my special interests, so it means a lot to us to be aware of those things in people with autism. And also to take seriously our sensory sensitivities, like our sensitivity to sound. It makes me so happy when someone says, ‘Hey Demi, I want you to know there’s going to be a loud noise any minute,’ and I’m always so grateful because it freaks me out inside.”
We love hearing Demi’s story and know that her speaking openly about her experiences continues to help so many others.
Check out her full conversation with Cathy and Susan on the “Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour” podcast below.
Waiting for permission to load Spotify episodes.