Love on the Spectrum’s Shelley opens up on how she and James navigate each other’s autism
'It shows up differently in people'
Exclusive: Shelley from Love on the Spectrum has sat down to reveal how she and James navigate their relationship, having both been diagnosed with autism. She only recently got her diagnosis, but went through the entirety of school without any idea she has autism.
She told us about their relationship: “I actually think it’s wonderful because James and I just click and we understand each other. I can look at him and understand what he’s thinking or needing, and he’s actually learning to look at me and understand how I feel.”
“I think, where we’re both on the spectrum, we really have a deep understanding of how we may struggle in different situations. It’s just wonderful because if he is struggling or getting a bit stressed over things, I can calm him down,” Shelley added.
Shelley described their relationship as “very loving and great,” going on to say that Love on the Spectrum has “helped with how every person with autism is different.” She said, “Growing up in Southampton, England, I wasn’t diagnosed and went to a normal school.”
She added, “I was picked on a little bit for just being a bit different. I now have all of these people saying, ‘Oh, you can tell she’s so autistic,’ but I lived my whole life until about 28, not knowing that I was on the spectrum and nobody ever said that to me.”
When asked about the production crews on the Netflix show, Shelley explained how they always look after the cast, especially if they’re asked to do something they’re uncomfortable with. “I was extremely nervous, but when I got to know the crew, it really helped,” she said.
Shelley went on to hint that she and James would “definitely be happy to be on season four,” even though lots of people often “get involved in their relationship.” She said, “But James is well-liked and people like him. People want to see him happy.”
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