Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney has a message for those struggling with neurological disorders and learning disabilities: "you're not alone."
The Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor and producer revealed Tuesday that he was recently diagnosed with “a host of neurodevelopmental disorders and learning disabilities,” at the age of 46.
Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that typically develop during childhood, and can impact one's ability to pay attention, as well as and understand language and mathematics. This can include intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorders.
While neurodevelopmental disorders develop at an early age, many people can remain undiagnosed into adulthood if they do not exhibit typical symptoms, or if their healthcare providers fail to detect them. Lack of health care access is also a contributing factor.
McElhenney noted how he received his diagnoses at a later point in life when he shared his update, writing on Twitter: "I was recently diagnosed with a host of neurodevelopmental disorders and learning disabilities! At 46!"
While the actor is usually not so open with his personal life, he said that he wanted to encourage others who may be dealing with the same conditions, or who had gone so far in their life without knowing why they've been struggling.
"It’s not something I would normally talk about publicly but I figured there are others who struggle with similar things and I wanted to remind you that you’re not alone," he wrote. "You’re not stupid. You’re not 'bad.' It might feel that way sometimes. But it’s not true."
McElhenney said that he would dive into the full diagnosis and prognosis in an upcoming episode of The Always Sunny Podcast, which he hosts alongside his series costars Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton. The episode is set to release in the next two weeks.
