Hilaria Baldwin Laughs at Troll Who Called Her Vacuous: ‘My Dyslexia and ADHD Read That as Vivacious’

Hilaria Baldwin, the well-known wellness advocate and mother of seven, recently responded with humour to a derogatory comment directed at her on social media. Baldwin, who has openly discussed her experiences with dyslexia and ADHD, amusingly revealed that she misinterpreted a troll’s remark, which called her “vacuous,” as a compliment, reading it instead as “vivacious.”

On 8 August, Baldwin shared a light-hearted video on Instagram while relaxing in bed alongside one of her children. In the video, she candidly admitted that comprehending the critic’s comment took her a considerable amount of time due to her dyslexia. “I’m not gonna lie, this took me, like, a solid minute and a half to be able to read this word,” Baldwin joked, as she shared the definition of “vacuous,” which refers to being empty or lacking in intelligence.

In her Instagram post, Baldwin also pointed out the irony behind the situation, stating, “POV: you have to do a Google search before you can even be offended by the hate comment. Whatever, my dyslexia and ADHD read that as vivacious anyways.” Her humorous approach highlights her ability to navigate negativity while embracing her unique cognitive challenges.

Baldwin has previously discussed how living with ADHD and dyslexia has impacted various aspects of her life, particularly her speech, memory, and self-confidence. In her 2025 book, “Manual Not Included,” she elaborated on the profound effects her diagnoses have had on her daily interactions and thoughts. The actress mentioned that her struggles with language, including her well-publicised accent controversy, can partly be attributed to these learning differences.

Reflecting on her experiences growing up neurodivergent, Baldwin explained how she often felt inadequate compared to her peers. “I had to work harder in school than many of the people around me,” she said. “I never felt like I was smart in the right way.” This sentiment resonates with many who face similar challenges, particularly in an educational environment where neurodiversity is not always recognised or understood.

In recent years, Baldwin has expressed her gratitude for the shifting societal perspective on neurodiversity, emphasising that the reduction in stigma surrounding learning differences has been liberating. She remarked that understanding her brain’s distinct processing style has allowed her to flourish in nurturing environments. “I can really succeed in the right environments and tasks,” she noted in her book.

Furthermore, Baldwin has been candid about her past struggles with eating disorders, which she attributes, in part, to her ADHD. She shared her journey of battling with anorexia, bulimia, and overeating over two decades. In a recent interview, Baldwin explained how her hyperfocus, a common trait in individuals with ADHD, both complicated her eating behaviours and motivated her to seek change. “I need to solve this. I don’t want to live this way,” she recounted, stressing the stress these issues caused in her life and relationships.

Having worked through her challenges, Baldwin is now dedicated to fostering a healthy relationship with food, ensuring she models positive habits for her children. “I wanted to make sure that I healed that before I had kids, because I didn’t want to pass on my habits,” she said, highlighting the importance of breaking cycles and creating a supportive environment for her family.

Baldwin’s candidness serves not only to empower those with similar experiences but also contributes to a broader conversation about mental health and diversity. Her journey reflects a significant shift towards acceptance and understanding within society, particularly in acknowledging neurodivergence as a valid part of human experience.

For those struggling with eating disorders or seeking support, resources such as The Alliance for Eating Disorders offer helplines and free therapist-led groups, providing crucial help for individuals in need. Baldwin’s narrative and commitment to mental health awareness continue to resonate, encouraging dialogue and understanding around ADHD, dyslexia, and their impact on everyday life.