Alyson Stoner Reveals Eating Disorder Struggles And Sexual Assault Survival
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on August 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM EDT
Updated on August 12, 2025 at 11:36 AM EDT
Former Disney star Alyson Stoner is pulling back the curtain on the realities of growing up in Hollywood, sharing deeply personal stories in their new memoir "Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything."
In a recent conversation with author and podcaster Zibby Owens, the 32-year-old reflected on their struggles with mental health, their time in treatment, and the strength it took to reclaim their sense of agency after experiencing trauma.
Alyson Stoner Recalls Hollywood Pressures
For Stoner, who rose to fame in "Cheaper by the Dozen" and "Camp Rock," the pressure of being a child performer often meant sacrificing their own well-being to meet the demands of an industry that rarely prioritized mental health.
They recalled one pivotal moment when they sought treatment for their eating disorder, only to be pressured to continue auditioning.
“I remember being in treatment and as a performer in the industry, people want you to be, of course, ready at their beck and call,” they explained. “It’s a lot of last-minute auditions. It’s a lot of pressure to maintain momentum. You know, if you’re out of sight, you’re out of mind.”
Stoner Says Entering Treatment Saved Their Life
The experience forced them to make difficult choices at just 17 years old.
“What happened in treatment that I’m forever grateful for, it was actually the first environment where I experienced consistency, stability, where I was surrounded by adults who weren’t on my payroll,” Stoner said. “They actually were there in service of my wellbeing. That was a novel idea.”
Stoner admitted they didn’t always see their decisions as “strength” at the time. “It felt more like desperation and a real assessment that my health was deteriorating rapidly, and if I didn’t do some kind of intervention… I would potentially reach some kind of fatal end,” they said.
Alyson Stoner Shares Harrowing Story Of Assault And Their Call For Safer Spaces
Their memoir also details one of the most devastating chapters of their life.
The night Stoner was r-ped by a man in a position of power. Though deeply painful to recount, they said sharing the story was an intentional choice.
“I wanted to include it because after I experienced it firsthand, I learned how prevalent it is,” they told Owens. “It was shocking to think of how many people in my life, just by sheer statistics, had experienced something similar or even worse. And I recognized that this person was in a position of power and he absolutely abused that power.”
The experience left them grappling with difficult questions. “I just was so confused and wondered, what can I do? Is there anything else I could have done?” They admitted. But ultimately, they came to recognize the broader societal issue. “We still collectively have to actively create safer spaces… where it is safe for people of all identities and embodiments to go out and live their lives.”
Stoner Says They Was 'Conditioned' To Abandon Boundaries As A Child Star
Looking back, Stoner connected her vulnerability to patterns they developed as a child actor.
“On set, I was conditioned to make myself available to whomever for whatever aim. I was never instructed to have any sense of bodily autonomy, let alone to set boundaries,” they explained. “From here on out, I know where I start, where I end, and I am constantly reminding myself of my conscious agency.”
Despite the pain of revisiting these experiences, Stoner hopes their story resonates with others who feel they’re just doing their best to survive in a world that moves too fast.
“Our mind and body systems follow an ancient speed of evolution… and then technology is at this absolutely faster-than-fast pace,” they reflected. “Of course, we’re feeling the effects.”
Alyson Stoner’s Advice To Parents Of Child Actors
When asked what advice they’d give parents raising children who dream of acting, Stoner didn’t hesitate to emphasize preparation and protection.
“First, I would say, please check out the Artist's Wellbeing Essentials Toolkit. We designed it for this exact reason,” they explained. “You are going to receive education on so many different areas and specific tools for navigating these unique situations. Even lessons specifically for guardians around red flags, pitfalls, things to look out for.”
Stoner encouraged families to approach the industry with patience and awareness rather than rushing in, adding that parents should remain mindful of balance, especially when it comes to their child’s overall growth.
“If you start to notice that this part of your child's life is taking up disproportionate space in their overall development and wellbeing, that might be your clue as to what capacity you can participate in that activity before you need to set some parameters.”
Ultimately, Stoner believes the key lies in boundaries, something the industry rarely enforces on its own.
