Raquel Leviss is sending some love to Bryiana Dyrdek after the latter got candid about a new medical diagnosis.
On Monday night, Rob Dyrdek‘s wife revealed she was diagnosed with autism at age 31 — a discovery she’s taken “a few months” to “privately” get comfortable with. She explained:
“I’ve finally reached the acceptance phase of my late diagnosis and am filled with more hope and peace than ever before. So if you see me acting different, it’s because I am [a unicorn].”
Nothing wrong with being a little different! We’re loving her newfound confidence!
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On why it may have taken so long to receive such a diagnosis, the star credited her pageantry experience for helping her cultivate “socially acceptable” behavior. Reflecting on her younger self in the third person, the Iconic Beauty president said:
“It was the perfect mix that allowed her own little world to exist IN the real world AND in a socially acceptable manner. Not only that, but there were rules. And once she learned them, she didn’t have to guess on how to be. Pageantry taught her how to make eye contact, speak to others with appropriate responses, disguise her repetitive movements, still play dress up and MAKE FRIENDS?! She was on her way to be a professional masker, accidentally tricking the world into believing she was neurotypical.”
Things ultimately changed when she received an “ASD late diagnosis” in December 2022. If you don’t know, the CDC defines autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as “a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.” It can cause people to “behave, communicate, interact and learn in ways that are different from most other people.” The mother of two candidly ended her message by noting how “scared” she was to address the diagnosis in public for fear she would be “doubted, shamed, and challenged,” but now she’s focused on living her most authentic life and being a support system for others! Amazing!
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You can read more about Bryiana’s journey (below):
So many famous friends and fans were quick to head to the comment section to send positive messages the model’s way… including one very embattled Vanderpump Rules star!
Yup. Raquel Leviss, of all people, had a VERY inneresting comment to share! The 28-year-old, who was put on blast for having an affair with Tom Sandoval, sent her love and support Bryiana’s way, writing:
“I can relate
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sending you love Bryiana
“
Hmm…
The SUR waitress has never publicly discussed having autism or being neurodivergent before. Is this her subtle way of sharing similar news??
Or is she just saying she can relate to worrying about being “doubted, shamed, and challenged” when something came to light?? Hmm?
Whether or not she’s trying to disclose something, Raquel has been candid about seeking mental health support to work through her “patterns of codependency and addiction to being and feeling loved.” She mentioned in her apology after the cheating scandal was exposed (the last time she surfaced on social media btw):
“I have sought emotional validation through intimate connections that are not healthy without regard for my own well-being, sometimes negatively affecting others and often prioritizing the intimate connection over my friendships. I am taking steps to understand my behavior and make healthier choices.”
Is Raquel trying to take some important steps forward? Or is this a strategy to change the conversation surrounding her?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpiPWO3L_G5/
While what she’s talking about isn’t the same as being autistic, it seems Raquel feels a connection to Bryiana’s story somehow. This also marks one of the first times fans have noticed Raquel being active on social media since Scandoval blew up (aside from two formal statements addressing the controversy).
Do you think she’s looking for sympathy or sincerely supporting Bryiana?! Let us know (below)!
[Image via Raquel Leviss/Bryiana Dyrdek/Instagram]