Los Angeles — In a recent and emotional episode of her podcast “Two Ts In A Pod,” Tamra Judge, a former cast member of “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” disclosed that she has been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. The revelation came about during Judge’s therapy session, which she chose to share with her podcast cohost Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave and her listeners.
Judge, 57, expressed a range of emotions as she came to terms with her diagnosis. “I just did my first therapy session and I found out something pretty big about myself that I didn’t know,” she confessed in the podcast, highlighting a significant personal discovery.
“The term ‘on the spectrum’ typically refers to autism spectrum disorder, a neurological and developmental condition,” medical experts note. This spectrum affects social, communication, and behavioral patterns and varies greatly in its presentation among individuals.
During the podcast, Judge explained the importance of this diagnosis in understanding her behaviors and reactions in various life situations. She reflected on her upbringing in a family that, according to her, lacked empathy and emotional warmth, which influenced her adult relationships and interactions.
“I just thought that things were black and white to me,” Judge mentioned, disclosing the challenges she has faced in processing emotions and empathizing with others. This self-revelation was described as a significant turning point in her personal growth and self-awareness.
In a touching moment on the podcast, as Judge struggled with her emotions, Mellencamp responded supportively, underscoring the bond the two share both on and off the air. Judge remarked on the deep-seated trauma from her past that she continues to work through, further underscoring the personal nature of her podcast discussions.
In terms of immediate personal impacts, Judge admitted to not having yet shared the news with her husband Eddie Judge at the time of recording, indicating the freshness of the diagnosis and her cautious approach to processing the information.
Judge also opened up about her social anxieties, which have been exacerbated by public engagements and social interactions, often leading her to seek comfort in isolation. “And it’s because the anxiety that I have when I talk to people and how I make it through the show is by drinking,” she confessed, revealing her coping mechanisms for navigating public spaces and media commitments.
Looking ahead, Judge acknowledged that her journey of self-discovery and adaptation to her diagnosis would necessitate significant life adjustments. “There’s gonna have to be a lot of huge changes,” she stated, preparing herself and her listeners for the challenges that lie ahead.
Over the years, Judge has been transparent about her health struggles, including her battles with various medical conditions and surgeries. Her openness about these personal challenges complements her latest disclosure, offering her audience an unfiltered look into the realities of her life.
In preparation for the coming months, Judge expressed both apprehension and optimism about her ability to navigate her personal and professional life with a new understanding of herself. This ongoing story of self-discovery and openness forms a central theme in Judge’s public persona, resonating with her listeners who appreciate her candor and vulnerability.