Singer says being diagnosed with this form of autism was “a relief”

Dec 9, 2013 04:56 GMT  ·  By
Susan Boyle reveals she’s been diagnosed with Asperger’s, says it doesn’t define her
   Susan Boyle reveals she’s been diagnosed with Asperger’s, says it doesn’t define her

Susan Boyle, one of the most beautiful voices to break on the scene thanks to Britain’s Got Talent and, right now, one of the best-selling artists, has been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism.

Ever since she first stepped on the BGT stage, right after she sang her way into the hearts of millions of people from all over the world with “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables,” there has been a lot of speculation on her mental health, with some media outlets saying she had learning difficulties and others downright brain damage.

The most circulated theory was that she’d been deprived of oxygen at birth for a short time and that this translated into learning difficulties and social awkwardness in later years. She now reveals in an interview with The Guardian that, about a year ago, she was diagnosed with Asperger’s.

“Some articles have said I have brain damage. It's been something else. I have always known that I have had an unfair label put upon me. I have Asperger's,” Susan says, adding that “it is a relief” to finally know what she had.

Susan has an IQ above average but has problems with non-verbal communication and social interactions. She admits that, on her own, she is “not strong,” so she needs people to support her through stressful situations – like this interview.

Of course, she’s always known she was different but, until just a year ago, she could not stand up for herself because she didn’t know what she had.

“[Feeling like an outsider growing up] made me more determined to be where I want to be. You don't fight without some resentment,” she says.

However, the singer says, she is more than the diagnosis she received. “Asperger's doesn't define me. It's a condition that I have to live with and work through, but I feel more relaxed about myself. People will have a greater understanding of who I am and why I do the things I do,” Susan says.

Susan has a new Christmas album out now, simply called “Home for Christmas.” If you haven’t had the chance to check it out yet and support an amazing artist, do so now: it also includes a duet with Elvis Presley.