David Bowie’s daughter Lexi Jones details her ‘relief and validation’ as she reveals she’s been diagnosed with autism – after years of trying to fit in left her ‘isolated’ and ‘exhausted’

by

David Bowie’s daughter Lexi Jones has revealed she has been diagnosed with autism, after a ‘long and exhausting journey’ and years of struggling to fit in.

Iman’s daughter, who is 25 and the child of the renowned musician and model (now deceased), shared on Instagram about her recently confirmed diagnosis and how throughout her life she’s tried to hide that she’s not ‘typical.’

Lexi shared that she had invested significantly in expert assistance, until eventually receiving a definitive diagnosis from a specialist focusing on autism and ADHD.

In June, the artist disclosed that she had been diagnosed as autistic. She shared that this revelation brought her a sense of clarity and relief, having hidden her condition for many years unknowingly, which left her feeling exhausted and disconnected.

She posted on Instagram saying, “Autism doesn’t present with a single appearance, sound, or method. Instead, it manifests in various ways, and many of us unknowingly conceal it.

Recently, I received a diagnosis of being on the autism spectrum, which has provided clarity on many aspects of my life that I’ve grappled with silently for years.

People assigned female at birth or who identify as women frequently receive their diagnoses later in life due to a tendency to camouflage, imitate, and internalize societal expectations. However, this does not diminish the authenticity of these diagnoses in any way.

This diagnosis doesn’t alter my identity, but it provides me with a vocabulary, understanding, and comfort. I’m disclosing it because I understand I’m not alone in this experience, and because tales such as these should be acknowledged.

Additionally, she shared an intimate piece titled “The Quiet Effort: A Glimpse into Neurodivergence from My Perspective,” in which she openly discussed her lifelong feelings of being unique or distinct.

Lexi often remembered her childhood as a time of being ‘lonely’ or separate from others, and for many years she mimicked those around her and engaged in what is known as ‘camouflaging’. This term describes the conscious or unconscious effort made by individuals with autism to conceal or downplay their authentic autistic characteristics and actions so as to seem more like typical neurodevelopmental individuals.

She expressed that she’s never truly felt a sense of belonging, and this constant effort to hide her true self has drained her energy.

Alexandra Zahra Jones, more commonly known as Lexo, admitted she excelled at adapting to blend seamlessly but this wasn’t something effortless or instinctive for her. Instead, it was a skill she had to diligently and intentionally cultivate.

She wrote: It seems less like an authentic expression of my thoughts, feelings, and actions, but rather something I’ve developed through time as if it were a theatrical performance.

Instead of saying “She explained how she would get overwhelmed and ‘shut down or lash out,’ while describing her lack of sense of self as a ‘sense of pain’ that ‘chips away at my confidence and sense of worth,” you could say:

“She described feeling swamped, leading to either withdrawal or outbursts. She expressed a constant feeling of emptiness within herself as if it was causing her physical pain, eroding her self-esteem and self-worth.

She admitted to feeling concerned that her high-functioning abilities might make it seem like she was seeking attention excessively, or maybe trying to stand out distinctly.

She mentioned that she’s often been misunderstood and categorized as anxious, intense, depressive, or dramatic, yet none of these labels fully encompass her complex nature.

Instead, Lexi continued by saying, “I’m not striving to appear unique; rather, I’ve always felt distinct, and I’ve devoted a significant portion of my life to understanding the reasons behind it.

She disclosed that she had undergone an arduous and fatiguing journey, and had invested a substantial amount (thousands of dollars) in seeking solutions, so she could commence constructing a lifestyle that aligns with her true identity.

She found receiving her autism diagnosis ‘confirming’, as it provided an explanation for feelings she had experienced throughout her entire life.

In wrapping up her extensive writing, she emphasized that despite remaining the same individual, she experiences a greater capacity for self-kindness and less embarrassment concerning her identity and thoughts.

Lexi concluded: “What it’s all about isn’t conforming to a group or striving for a title. Instead, it was a moment of self-discovery – recognizing myself truly for the first time. I felt compelled to express this.

Over the weekend, the aspiring musician held a question-and-answer session on Instagram for her followers, during which she addressed questions concerning autism.

She playfully suggested that individuals on the autism spectrum who can effectively hide their symptoms might excel in acting, humorously adding: “In all seriousness, that’s a level of method acting like Jim Carrey and it’s truly remarkable.

As a lifestyle expert, I myself would like to share a message similar to what Lexi communicated. Having grown up with the genetic legacy of my distinguished father’s open-mindedness towards diversity and uniqueness, I urge everyone out there not to feel compelled to conceal their autistic traits in an attempt to fit societal norms. Instead, embrace your differences and let them shine brightly, for it is these unique qualities that make each one of us truly exceptional.

Following her father David’s sentiments, she emphasized: ‘However, I encourage you not to feel compelled to wear a mask merely to make others feel at ease, to fit in, or for self-protection because society can be harsh.’

In line with what dad David said, she stressed: ‘Furthermore, try not to feel the pressure to put on a mask solely for the comfort of others, to conform, or as a shield since society is unforgiving.’

Remember not to lose sight of who you truly are. While you may need to adapt or conceal certain aspects of yourself, never forget to express your true self and showcase your unique personality.

Your mask should not change your appearance drastically, but rather add a touch of sparkle to your existing features 🙂

Although being well-known due to her family’s reputation, Lexi has largely avoided the limelight throughout much of her adolescence and young adulthood.

More recently, she has started to reveal more aspects of her personal life, such as showcasing her artwork and, most recently, following in her father David’s footsteps by delving into music.

In the month of April, she unveiled her first studio album titled “Xandri”, a name derived from Greek, symbolizing ‘the protector of humanity’. This album comprises songs such as “Through All The Time”, “Moving On” and “Standing Alone”.

It seems the pressure from the public to uphold her father’s impressive legacy may have had a negative impact on the actress.

Sharing a personal reflection on my platform, I recently penned a poignant poem that delved into the emotional landscape of being the daughter of a renowned figure like David. This piece offered a rare glimpse into the unique pressures and feelings that come with such a role.

She wrote: “David Bowie’s daughter? That grabs your interest, right? Though I am the daughter of a legend, I’m much more than merely his title. People recognize the family resemblance, hear the familiar sound, but they don’t truly see me or feel a connection.

‘Others often measure me against someone else’s accomplishments, as if I should match their success. However, my goal isn’t to imitate past achievements. Instead, by enjoying what I do and finding satisfaction in it, I consider myself a winner.’

In conclusion, she emphasized to her audience that she is unique and not an imitation, adding: “I’m not aiming to duplicate his work. Instead, I’m simply seeking my own serenity.

In the year 2016, when Lexi was only fifteen, David lost his life following a prolonged struggle against liver cancer. This happened merely a few days after his 69th birthday.

Previously, she shared about the pain she experienced following her father’s passing, along with her efforts to deal with the challenges of the subsequent years.

Last year, she posted online: ‘I mistook existing for merely enduring each day, trying to fill an endless emptiness within me, indulging in harmful substances and poison.’

I found myself in circumstances I hadn’t anticipated, and inadvertently, these situations weakened the bonds within my family. As a result, I wound up feeling isolated and alone.

Instead of causing harm with harsh words, I unintentionally inflicted pain on those I hold dear, hoping they would experience a fraction of the daily suffering I endured.

Instead of acknowledging that I might lack self-reflection, it seemed simpler for me to categorize myself as having psychopathic tendencies, as a means to rationalize my hurtful behaviors.

As a child, I was incredibly kind and gentle. Yet, the transformation into someone so aggressive and furious seemed utterly incongruous with that peaceful past self.

Last year, on the anniversary of his passing, Lexi posted a touching video from her childhood where she played the piano with the radiant rocker.

In the video, it looks like a father and his daughter are seen together in a recording studio. Young Lexi seems naturally gifted as she plays the keyboard with ease.

Apart from that, she additionally posted a heartwarming snapshot showing her embracing David, his gaze filled with affection, accompanied by the caption: ‘Exactly 7 years ago. I still miss you.’

Following her arrival, people remarked that Lexi managed to help her father adjust his overly busy lifestyle and motivate him to prioritize his health following his initial heart attack.

She is related to the movie director Duncan Jones by half-siblingship; their mothers are connected through their prior marriages – Angie Bowie, who was David Bowie’s first wife, and Duncan’s mother.

Read More

2025-08-25 15:50