The Challenge and Big Brother 16 alum Amber Borzotra revealed shocking news in a recent interview. After wondering why she felt different all her life, Borzotra finally learned at 34 that she had autism.
The Shocking Discovery
Borzotra’s news came on Wednesday during this year’s The Challenge: Ride or Dies reunion. Recently, the reality TV star got an Autism diagnosis while going through a routine pregnancy check-up.
Expecting Her First Born
Borzotra’s expecting her first child with her partner Chauncey Palmer and has been enjoying every moment of her pregnancy. However, she still struggled with old mental health issues leading her to seek medical help.
Dealing With Social Anxiety

The reality TV star explained that she’s dealing with social anxiety and has been on medication for a long time.
Living In Denial
She typically denied her condition for fear of stigma but after finding out she’s autistic everything made more sense.
Accepting Her Reality
Although she’s glad the truth is now out, Borzotra wished she knew about her condition earlier so she could’ve dealt with it better.
Support From Her Co-Stars
Contrary to the response Borzotra expected, The Challenge alumni promised her they wouldn’t discriminate against her for being autistic nor embarrass her for being on medication.
Struggling To Survive The Last Days On ‘The Challenge’

Although she came out on top, Borzotra struggled during the final days of The Challenge: Ride or Dies. The season’s champion said the challenges opened her eyes to the fact that she needed help.
Finding A New Community
Borzotra sought help and got the answers she needed. Now, she’s looking to connect with other autistic people to form a bond and become part of an understanding community.
More Assurance From Her Co-Stars

Immediately Borzotra mentioned looking for a community, her The Challenge: Ride or Dies co-stars assured her that she didn’t need to search too far. Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio said the group would walk with her so she doesn’t feel alone.
More Details On Autism
The reality TV star learned more about Autism in the last few months including signs she missed in her behaviors. Forcing herself to adapt to other people’s expectations and acting out when it doesn’t work out.
Signs Of Social Anxiety
Borzotra reminded her co-stars of the signs she exhibited including rubbing her hand, twirling her hair, and mirroring other people’s actions. Those are typical signs of social anxiety common in autistic people.
A Supportive Partner
Borzotra’s partner, Palmer, is very supportive of her journey as an expecting mother with autism. Per People, he thanked her co-stars for not discriminating against her condition.
Becoming A Role Model
The reality TV star didn’t realize she spoke too soon when she expressed interest in becoming a role model for autistic and neurodivergent people. Her Instagram comment is filled with encouraging words and stories from people she’s inspired.
Inspiring Bravery In Others
One user wrote,
Not Done With TV
Now that she’s opened up about her health struggles, the reality TV star is ready to share the upcoming season of The Challenge with her fans.
World Championship

The MTV show returns for a World Championship season this Wednesday, March 8. It’ll premiere on Paramount + streaming alongside MTV channel at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
The Baby Is Safe
Surely they filmed the season months ago, and Borzotra wouldn’t compete with her baby in the belly.
Spreading Positivity
Meanwhile, her old posts on positivity and self-love now resonate with her followers as they continue thanking her for opening up about being autistic.
Keep Supporting Borzotra
Get ready to cheer the champion on the new show this Wednesday and in her other ventures.