Demi Burnett discusses her autism diagnosis, sobriety, and thriving in Bachelor Nation despite online criticism.
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Have you ever experienced unexpected life events that compelled you to reconsider?
Demi Burnett, that vibrant 30-year-old from Bachelor Nation, first caught eyes on Colton Underwood’s season, then dove deeper into Paradise seasons 6 and 7, but romance didn’t stick around.
Instead, she unearthed something profound: her autism diagnosis, which flipped her world upside down in the best possible way, turning confusion into clarity that she now wears like a badge.
What Struggles Did She Face Before the Diagnosis?
Waiting for that official word? It brewed a storm of anxiety, Burnett admits, as she yearned for validation to unlock the tools for a freer life.
Once it hit in February 2022, relief washed over her like a cool wave, helping her make sense of why connections sometimes felt off-kilter.
Now, she shrugs off social slip-ups with a knowing smile, thinking, “Maybe folks just need time to vibe with me,” rather than spiraling into self-doubt that once ate at her core.
How Has Online Backlash Shaped Her Story?
Why do critics jump in so fast, claiming she’s flipped a switch? On TikTok, the hate pours in, with comments like “You weren’t like this on The Bachelor,” and honestly, they’re onto something—back then, alcohol masked her traits, turning her into a character she barely recognized.
Nearly four years sober, Burnett sees the irony in people calling her “real” self an act, laughing it off as she embraces vulnerability that feels raw and unfiltered.
It’s a twist that highlights how sobriety stripped away the facade, letting her authentic energy shine through the noise.
What’s the Upside of Reality TV for Neurodivergent Stars?
Could a show like this be a lifeline for someone neurodivergent? Burnett thinks so, arguing it’s a playground where support flows freely, from producers catering to your every need to that sense of belonging she craved forever.
She sobbed leaving the set, not for Colton, but for the bubble of care that made her feel unstoppable—proving reality TV isn’t just drama; it’s a haven that lets autistic folks thrive in ways the real world often overlooks.
And hey, in her view, it’s perfect for people like her who turn chaos into their superpower.
How Has She Built a Supportive Community Beyond the Spotlight?
What happens when you find your tribe in the most unexpected spots? For Burnett, it’s the Fortnite crew, a group of girls who let her be 100% her—America’s Little Brat, throwing mini fits over kills, yet they cheer her on instead of shutting her down.
This silly bond has spiced up her life, contrasting the stereotypes pushed by folks like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who wrongly claim autistic people can’t hold jobs or date.
Burnett calls that out as dangerous nonsense; she’s proof we pay taxes, work hard, and live fully, demanding better resources over fearmongering.
Where Does She Stand on Love and Her Future?
Ready for romance, but where’s the real deal these days? Everyone’s swiping left and right, but Burnett craves something steady, leaning towards women lately while staying true to her bisexuality.
She’s gearing up for Netflix’s Pop the Balloon, hoping it reignites that spark in a safe space where she feels most alive.
Looking back, she’s proud of her independence, from ditching the South to scoring spots on Ellen—small wins that add up to a life she’s finally owning with zero apologies.