Ron Funches is shedding more light on his identity. The Traitors contestant, who has been butting heads with fellow contestants on season four of the reality competition show, revealed that he was diagnosed with autism after viewers suggested online that he might have the developmental condition. "Well, the internet told me I was autistic and was right," Ron wrote on his Instagram Stories on Jan. 22. "You win this round."
Given his experience on the show, the comedian added, "Thanks @thetraitorsus for helping me find out more about myself through some type of cruel trauma." In closing out his message, he shut down another fan theory that has been circulating about his sexuality, clarifying, "Still not gay yet."
The day before, Ron—whose son Malcolm, 21, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2—reflected on how his interactions with his Traitors costars led to his later-in-life diagnosis, though he noted he is still waiting until his "diagnosis is done" to refer to himself as "autistic." "I honestly didn't know I myself had Autism. I thought I was just an ally and parent of an autistic child," he wrote on Threads. "But the way I felt I wasn't being comprehended or understood while I thought I was being direct and seeing some of my own mannerisms made me start the process of getting a diagnosis."
Throughout his time on The Traitors, hosted by Emmy winner Alan Cumming, Ron has hit a few speed bumps. First, he persuaded the castle to banish Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Porsha Williams because she misspoke about being a Traitor, despite being a Faithful. He also unknowingly aligned with Donna Kelce, this season's Secret Traitor, prompting strained relationships and a few verbal spats with fellow Faithfuls after she was eliminated.
Despite his challenges on the Peacock TV show, Ron seems to be grateful that it led to him discovering his own autism, an aspect of his son's life which he has celebrated over the years. "Happy Autism Awareness Day!" he wrote on Instagram in April 2022. "Thank you to my son who brought autism awareness into my life and continually teaches me so much every day."
Ron has also been vocal in his standup comedy routines about being "very proud" of Malcolm. "He's got great discipline, and I don't know where he got it because I never disciplined—I didn't know how," he said in a clip shared to Instagram in April. "Especially having a teenager and having someone with autism, I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what was teenager-related. I didn't know what was autism-related."
"I don't know which of these things made him download 60 episodes of The Price Is Right, but I know that's not normal," Ron continued, prompting laughter from the audience. "The Price Is Right is a fine show, but it's the same damn show every day. I'm like, 'Son, did you need to fill the entire DVR with Price is Right?' He's like, 'I'm just trying to keep season stats, dad.'" He concluded, "I'm like, 'OK, so it's the autism. Carry on.'"
