At a Glance
- Ron Funches announces a personal diagnosis of autism on January 22, 2026.
- The revelation stems from his experience on the reality-tv show The Traitors.
- He urges fans to be kind, even on a murder-based game show.
- Why it matters: The comedian’s openness highlights the link between media exposure and self-diagnosis.
Ron Funches, the stand-up comedian and The Traitors star, publicly disclosed that he has been diagnosed with autism. The announcement came on Thursday, January 22, 2026, when he posted on Instagram Stories, saying, “the internet told me I was autistic and was right.” He credited the show for encouraging him to explore a diagnosis.
The comedian, 42, used his platform to explain how isolation and misunderstanding on the show led him to question his own behavior. In a separate Instagram post, he wrote, “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.”
The Trail of Discovery
Funches’ journey began before The Traitors aired. He had previously spoken about raising his son, Malcolm, 21, who was also diagnosed with autism. In a 2022 post for Autism Awareness Day, the comedian shared a photo of himself and his son, thanking the child for bringing autism awareness into his life.
He added, “If you have the means, please donate to @nextforautism. Their organization is working towards transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism.”
During the show, early in season 4, Funches was accused of being a traitor. He responded to a fan on Threads who expressed frustration about how contestants were treated. He clarified, “I honestly didn’t know I myself had Autism.”
On January 21, 2026, he posted a Threads update about the diagnosis process, stating, “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 start the process of going to get a diagnosis.” He added, “But I won’t be comfortable calling myself autistic until my diagnosis is done ❤️.”
The Role of The Traitors
Funches credited the show for providing the catalyst that pushed him to seek a professional evaluation. He humorously noted, “You win this round. Still not gay. Yet,” in one Instagram story, while also acknowledging the trauma of the game: “Thanks @thetraitorsus for helping me find out more about me through some type of cruel trauma.”
He further encouraged empathy, writing, “It’s a game and you never know what people are dealing with. Or what they don’t even know they are dealing with.”
Key Takeaways
- Personal revelation: Funches’ diagnosis is a direct result of his experience on a high-profile reality show.
- Advocacy: He continues to support autism awareness, urging donations to organizations that help autistic individuals.
- Empathy call: The comedian emphasizes kindness, especially in competitive environments.
The announcement underscores how media exposure can bring personal health issues to light, encouraging public dialogue about neurodiversity.
