Rachel Fontaine talks about her invisible autism in a series of video clips

Like many women, actress Rachel Fontaine struggled for a long time before being diagnosed with high-functioning autism of the invisible type (Asperger’s) in her 40s. Interpreter of Maria Lopez’s character in the Cult Youth series Radio hell He wanted to do useful work by sharing his experience in a series of video capsules broadcast online.

Directed by Rachel Fontaine’s ex-husband, filmmaker Daniel Robbie (Louis Cyr), as part of Autism Month in Quebec, these seven one-minute capsules will be published daily on social networks (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) until Sunday.

The actress reprises the character of Maria Lopez, now turned life coach, trying to convince the real Rachel Fontaine to “come out” about this diagnosis she’s been keeping secret. Michael Charette played in this series Radio hell (aired from 1995 to 2001), appearing in one of the capsules.

This is by working with Daniel Roby on a documentary project on the same topic InvisibleRachel Fontaine came up with the idea of ​​opening up about her diagnosis of high-functioning autism of the invisible type — formerly Asperger’s syndrome.

“When I asked questions to experts, I realized that it was good. But when talking about my life, I blocked, he says. I thought I needed Maria’s courage to dive. So I hid behind her to come up with the concept of capsules. »

“Little Miracles”

With these capsules (and the documentary that will eventually follow), Rachel Fontaine hopes to help raise awareness of the importance of early detection of autism. For her, she had to wait until she went through a very difficult period, in her early forties, to decide to take steps that would allow her to understand the reasons for her discomfort.

“At some point, my brain started to stop working and I had to find a solution,” he says.

“It was a series of small miracles that saved my life. One of those minor miracles was comedian Louis T. revealed on the show that he has Asperger’s Syndrome. Everyone is talking about it [en 2016]. After seeing him talk about his experience, I decided to see a specialist, who finally confirmed my diagnosis. »

When asked why she decided to share her experience today, Rachel Fontaine cites an interview with Brigid Harrison, an autistic woman who co-founded SACCADE, an autism professional center.

“He once said in an article that if someone with Asperger’s syndrome is in pain because they are undiagnosed, they will find themselves in jail, in their parents’ basement, in psychiatry, or in the four Ps. In heaven,” she explains.

“Personally, I consider myself very lucky, because I was able to change and have a life like everyone else. But if there are people with pain, it is worth investigating. Especially women who are less likely to be diagnosed and diagnosed correctly. »

▶ For more information on Invisible Autism and to view the capsules, you can visit the site autisminvisible.com.