Holly Madison Opens Up About Autism Diagnosis And Desire To Help Others

TV personality and author Holly Madison recently revealed that she is on the autism spectrum and is lending her voice to support the cause. 

Madison will join Grant a Gift Autism Foundation – Ackerman Center for its 15th Annual Fundraiser Gala on October 30at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Madison’s hometown. The event will raise critical funds to support local youth and families navigating autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions. 

Madison recently sat down with The Blast to discuss what it was like for her getting diagnosed as an adult and how she got involved with the gala. Grant a Gift Autism Foundation President and CEO Brian Hager also sat down with The Blast to talk about the foundation and upcoming gala. 

In 2023, Madison shared that she was diagnosed with autism as an adult. She told The Blast exclusively that it was around the time that she got divorced that the subject came up, and she decided to look into it.

"When I was getting divorced about five years ago, my ex-husband and my mom were having a conversation and she was telling him that she suspected when I was growing up that I had, she calls it Asperger as everyone did back then," she explained. "So I started looking into what that was and what the symptoms were and that sounded a lot like me."

She said that she had many "social difficulties" and didn't quite know what to attribute that to. She thought maybe it was from growing up in an isolated area in Alaska, but that didn't line up since she said her sister was "normal" with no social skills issues.

"It took me a while to find a place that does adult diagnostics but once I did, I took the appointment. It was over the course of about seven different appointments to get the evaluation done," she said. "It's so helpful to me just to know what I'm actually dealing with. I feel like I've made so many more strides just being social and being comfortable in situations that I find are over stimulating to me, sensorily. I feel like knowing helps so much more and I really want to be a part of helping people who struggle more with being on the spectrum."

Madison was asked to be a special event ambassador for this year's Grant a Gift Gala in Las Vegas. The event will light up Allegiant Stadium with a neon-themed celebration on Thursday, Oct. 30 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. PT. More than 1,000 anticipated guests will gather on the stadium's football field, where the Las Vegas Raiders play, for a night of philanthropy, fine dining, an auction, and unforgettable moments.

The 15th Annual Grant a Gift Gala is to help raise funds to provide early diagnostics, family-centered care and therapy for local children and families living with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Madison told The Blast that she's excited to be a part of this year's event.

"I just love this community, so being able to do this event here is really special," she said. "I'm excited to see everybody and just be a part of this event."

One part of the event that especially excites Madison is the auction because there's a puppy as well as other great items.

Madison explained that she feels a community resource, such as the Ackerman Center, is so important because it brings people together.

"I think it's so important to know that you're not alone," she said. "This is actually becoming more and more common. One in 36 children are diagnosed with autism these days. So I think just knowing there's other people out there dealing with the same things or similar things is so helpful."

The former Playboy bunny has called Las Vegas her home for about 15 years. She said she's happy to get involved with the foundation and that she "loves this community so much."

"I can emphasize with people going through similar things and it's just extra special to have found somebody to work with like this and also have it be local," she said. "It's so important to me."

For those who aren't familiar with the mission of Grant a Gift Autism Foundation and the work they do in the Las Vegas community, Brian Hager, President and CEO of the Foundation shared some insight.

"The mission of Grant a Gift Autism Foundation - Ackerman Center is to provide meaningful outcomes for neurodivergent individuals, families and their communities. We do this by combining comprehensive clinical services, family support, vocational training, and community partnerships," he told The Blast exclusively. "From early diagnosis to adulthood, we help individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions access the care and opportunities they need to thrive."

Hager said that what sets them apart from other autism-focused organizations is "our wraparound model of care, along with the notion that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare."

"Families can find everything under one roof - medical evaluations, behavioral therapies, neuropsychological evaluations, mental health services, family navigation, social skills groups, and job readiness programs," he shared. "We’re not only treating symptoms or providing resources; we’re building a lifelong support system. Our partnerships allow us to blend research, clinical expertise, and family-centered programming in ways that are so unique to this state, yet so needed for our community."

Hager shared information about the upcoming 15th annual gala, saying it's a "milestone celebration of hope and progress."

"Guests can expect an elegant evening with live entertainment, a gourmet dinner, and opportunities to hear inspiring stories from the families we serve, and what their hopes for a brighter future are," he told The Blast. "There will also be exciting live and silent auctions, as well as meaningful moments that showcase the impact of our programs. It’s more than a night out - it’s a chance to be part of something bigger."

The gala is the foundation's largest annual fundraiser and a great way to engage with the Vegas community. Not only does it raise money, but it also "creates awareness and builds momentum around our mission."

"It brings families, supporters, community leaders, and businesses who want to be part of transforming lives," he continued. "For many attendees, it's their first introduction to the foundation - and they leave inspired to get involved."

Money raised at the gala directly impacts the programs the foundation provides, such as "medical, psychological, educational, therapeutic and vocational programs."

"Every dollar helps provide diagnostic evaluations, therapies, family navigation, mental health support, and workforce training," Hager said. "It ensures that no family is turned away because of financial barriers and that we can continue expanding services to meet growing community needs."

Hager also shared that reaching the 15th annual gala is "a testament to the incredible families, staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners who believe in this mission" and that it's also a reminder that there is more work to do.

For more information, visit their website.