'Prison Break' Star Wentworth Miller On Autism Diagnosis: 'A Shock, But Not A Surprise'

"Prison Break" star Wentworth Miller has revealed that he has autism after what he called "a long, flawed process" of being diagnosed.

On Tuesday, the 49-year-old actor posted a simple white square on Instagram, along with a lengthy caption revealing that he received an informal diagnosis of autism a year ago, followed by a formal diagnosis.

"Like everyone, life in quarantine took things from me. But in the quiet/isolation, I found unexpected gifts," he wrote. "It was a long, flawed process in need of updating. IMO. I'm a middle-aged man. Not a 5-year-old."

Miller noted that "access to a diagnosis is a privilege many do not enjoy" and described his diagnosis as "a shock" but "not a surprise."

He acknowledged that he doesn't "know enough about autism" but vowed to continue "evolving my understanding."

The actor said he will now be "re-examining 5 decades of lived experience thru a new lens," which he said "will take time."

"Oh - this isn't something I'd change," he continued. "No. I get - got - immediately being autistic is central to who I am. To everything I've achieved/articulated."

Miller went on to explain that he doesn't want to contribute to the "harm" that has been done to the "autistic community" by being a "loud, ill-informed voice in the room." He shared that he wanted "only to raise my hand, say, 'I am here.' Have been (w/o realizing it)."

Miller offered to share "thoughtful" and "inspiring" content on Instagram and TikTok from individuals who he said are more knowledgeable about the subject than him.

Meanwhile, he also acknowledged and thanked the people who have made the world easier for him to navigate long before he was diagnosed.

"Oh - I also want to say to the many (many) people who consciously or unconsciously gave me that extra bit of grace + space over the years, allowed me to move thru the world in a way that made sense to me whether or not it made sense to them... thank you," Miller wrote.

In November 2020, Miller, who has been out since 2013, announced that he would no longer be returning to "Prison Break" and reprising his character, Michael Scofield, because he is done playing straight characters.

"I'm out. Of PB. Officially," he wrote on Instagram. "No more Michael. If you were a fan of the show, hoping for additional seasons... I understand this is disappointing. I'm sorry. If you're hot and bothered bec you fell in love with a fictional straight man played by a real gay one...That's your work."