‘You aren’t broken, you are you’ – Emmerdale’s Bradley Riches on being autistic in the public eye

EXCLUSIVE: Ahead of his new book, Autistically Me, Bradley opens up on what fame is really like while being autistic

Bradley is not your typical celebrity. He is not a Hollywood heartthrob or a chart-topping musician. He is not a famous athlete or a renowned actor. But he is a celebrity in his own right, a voice for the autistic community and an inspiration to many.

Ahead of the release of his new book, Autistically Me, Bradley sat down for an exclusive interview to talk about his journey to fame and what it’s really like to be in the spotlight while being autistic.

Bradley was diagnosed with autism at the age of 5. Growing up, he faced numerous challenges and struggled to fit in with his peers. But he found solace in writing, using it as a way to express himself and make sense of the world around him.

As he got older, Bradley’s passion for writing only grew stronger. He started a blog where he shared his experiences as an autistic individual, and it quickly gained a following. People resonated with his honest and raw writing, and soon he became a voice for the autistic community.

But it wasn’t until his blog caught the attention of a publishing company that Bradley’s fame truly took off. They approached him to write a book, and Autistically Me was born.

“I never imagined that my writing would lead me to this point,” Bradley says with a smile. “But I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and hopefully make a positive impact on others.”

Autistically Me is a collection of personal essays, delving into Bradley’s life as an autistic individual. From his struggles with social interactions to his passion for writing, the book offers a unique insight into the mind of someone on the autism spectrum.

But with fame comes a whole new set of challenges, especially for someone who is autistic. Bradley admits that it hasn’t been easy navigating the world of fame and constantly being in the public eye.

“Being autistic means that I have certain sensitivities and struggles that others may not understand,” he explains. “So when I’m in the spotlight, it can be overwhelming and exhausting. But I have learned to manage it and have a great support system that helps me through it.”

One of the biggest misconceptions about fame is that it automatically brings happiness and fulfillment. But for Bradley, it’s not about the fame or the recognition. It’s about using his platform to raise awareness and educate others about autism.

“I never set out to be famous. My goal has always been to spread awareness and acceptance for autism,” he says. “Fame is just a byproduct of that, and I am grateful for the opportunity to use it for a greater purpose.”

Bradley hopes that his book, Autistically Me, will not only shed light on the realities of being autistic but also inspire others to embrace their differences and pursue their passions.

“I want people to know that being autistic doesn’t define who you are. It’s just a part of you,” he says. “And with the right support and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”

As our interview comes to an end, Bradley leaves us with a message for anyone struggling with their own journey to acceptance and self-discovery.

“Embrace who you are, and don’t let anyone dim your light. You have a unique perspective and voice that the world needs to hear,” he says. “And always remember, you are enough just the way you are.”

Autistically Me is set to release next month, and we can’t wait to read Bradley’s powerful and inspiring story. He may not fit the traditional mold of a celebrity, but he is using his fame for a greater purpose – to break down barriers and create a more accepting and inclusive world for those on the autism spectrum.

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