Love Island star Dr Alex George reveals he’s been diagnosed with autism: ‘I feel unsteady but I can finally begin to understand why I am the way I am’

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Dr Alex George has revealed he has been diagnosed with autism. 

The 34-year-old Love Island star gave his Instagram followers an update on Tuesday, following his earlier announcement that he was being evaluated.

Dr. Alex described sharing his autism diagnosis as ‘a very emotional experience.’ He explained that while it will take time to fully understand, it offers him insight into his personality and behavior.

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a range of conditions that affect how people interact with others, communicate, and behave. It’s often characterized by difficulties with social skills and a tendency toward repetitive actions.

The TV personality received an ADHD diagnosis in September 2022, and last year, in 2025, he was also diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Dr. Alex shared that they are autistic, explaining they weren’t sure how to begin the conversation and decided to be direct about it.

I recently received a diagnosis after a thorough evaluation. Reading the nearly 300-page report felt incredibly strange and unreal – it was a truly bizarre experience.

I needed a moment to process everything. I actually thought to myself, “Wow, I really might be autistic.”

It’s honestly a strange feeling, realizing you suddenly get something that always felt beyond your grasp. I’m feeling a bit disoriented, to be honest – not necessarily in a good or bad way, just… overwhelmed. It’s a lot to process, like my perspective has shifted, and I’m still finding my footing.

My psychiatrist has long suggested I get evaluated, and they were right – I now realize I won’t fully understand why until I actually go through the process. I completely agree with them now.

‘I can finally see and begin to understand why I am the way I am.

‘I have all the pieces of the jigsaw at last. It only took 34 years.’

Dr. Alex explained that he believes receiving a diagnosis will improve his relationships and help people better understand him.

The reality star now understands why he used to have odd habits, like always carrying a hair dryer or struggling to read social situations.

He went on to explain that he had a lot more to share in the future, but right now, he just needed to be honest and unburden himself. He felt like he’d been holding something back, and since his main goal with this platform was to connect with others and make them feel less alone, he wanted to finally open up.

I’m still processing what being autistic means for my life, but I wanted to share that I am on the autism spectrum.

I’m so grateful to the doctors who cared for me, and to my family and loved ones who supported me through a difficult time. I especially want to thank my mom – I love her very much.

I’m still trying to come to terms with everything that’s happened. It’s going to take me some time to fully understand and accept it.

‘I will leave you with this thought.

The most valuable thing we can do for ourselves is learn to accept who we are, and that starts with truly understanding ourselves.

 Dr Alex was flooded with supportive messages from his fans, who commended his bravery. 

They wrote: ‘You’re wonderful! Don’t ever doubt that’;

It takes a lot of courage to share that, and we want you to know we’re here for you. Healing takes time, but remember you’re loved and supported by your family, friends, and everyone here who cares about you. Sending you lots of love.

 ‘Thinking of you and glad you could share this’; ‘We’ve got you. Thank you for sharing.’ 

 Last month, Dr Alex detailed his ‘exhausting battle to be normal’ in a column for The Telegraph. 

The former Love Island contestant revealed he’s struggled with severe anxiety since he was a child. For years, he thought having a typical job and social life would fix things, but he always felt like an outsider.

Alex pointed out that many people still misunderstand ADHD. He explained that the name itself – ‘attention deficit hyperactivity disorder’ – can be misleading, as it suggests those with the condition are unable to focus and are constantly overactive.

Alex strongly disagreed with that idea, explaining that the condition is better understood as a problem with how dopamine functions in the brain.

In retrospect, it’s clear there were early indicators. Children with ADHD often struggle with sleep, and the word ‘sensitive’ kept coming up when describing me. I was easily overwhelmed by sensory input, and having a strict routine was incredibly important.

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is diagnosed by observing a person’s behaviour, according to ADHD UK.

ADHD is characterized by ongoing difficulties with paying attention and/or controlling impulsive behaviors. These challenges significantly impact daily life and development.

Alex mentioned that he started having facial tics when he was eleven years old. No one, even his parents, noticed or looked into it at the time. He only became aware of it himself because his face would ache from the constant movements.

Alex revealed the tics are now located in his hands, shoulders, and neck. 

I’ve learned he’s even tried Botox to help with his condition, hoping to calm the muscle spasms. But honestly, whenever he’s really stressed, things just seem to flare up again, no matter what he does. It’s frustrating to see, even for someone like me who’s been following his journey for a while.

In his column, Alex, the oldest of three brothers and sisters, shared memories of a childhood spent playing outside and revealed that he used to find the sound of hairdryers strangely comforting as a teenager.

He admitted he still relies on using a hairdryer to calm himself down and always brings his BaByliss model when he travels, as he gets anxious without it.

Alex shared that he’s been diagnosed with OCD and has struggled with worry and obsessive ‘what if’ thoughts since he was a child.

He explained that while people often associate Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with visible behaviors like cleaning or checking, the core of the condition is usually internal. This internal experience includes obsessive thoughts, constant rumination, and compulsive urges.

He often needed to double-check himself and would spend a long time worrying over things, replaying conversations to make sure he hadn’t offended anyone.

He realized the most effective approach for him was to face his fears directly – accepting that things might happen or they might not – and to avoid constantly checking, dwelling on negative thoughts, or seeking reassurance from others. He simply tried to tolerate the uncomfortable feelings.

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2026-02-04 04:49