Boyle became famous overnight after her audition for 'Britain's Got Talent' in 2009 amazed people around the world who saw it on the show and on the Internet. It was recently revealed she was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome in 2012. The 52-year-old singer said that she went to a specialist in Scotland because she thought she had a more serious condition than the diagnosis she had received when she was a child, reported BBC online. 'I was told I had brain damage. I always knew it was an unfair label. Now I have a clearer understanding of what's wrong and I feel relieved and a bit more relaxed about myself,' Boyle said.
Asperger's syndrome, a developmental disorder that is a form of autism, is characterized by poor social skills, physical clumsiness, and narrowly focused interests. Boyle said she hoped revealing her Asperger's diagnosis will lead people to understand and treat her better. She said it was important for her to have a support team. (Read: Mental illness portrayed onscreen)
What is Asperger's syndrome?
According to www.autism.org/uk, Asperger's syndrome is a form of autism, which is a lifelong disability that affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to other people. Autism is often described as a 'spectrum disorder' because the condition affects people in many different ways and to varying degrees.
Asperger syndrome is mostly a 'hidden disability'. This means that you can't tell that someone has the condition from their outward appearance. People with the condition have difficulties in three main areas. They are:
While there are similarities to autism, people with Asperger's syndrome generally exhibit average or above-average intelligence and lesser trouble than others who suffer from autism. People with Asperger's often have varied interests. People with Asperger syndrome may develop an intense, sometimes obsessive, interest in a hobby or collecting. They can be fascinated with routine or exhibit tremendous skill in certain fields. Celebrated literary and TV characters who've exhibited certain traits of Asperger's are:
It's believed that with encouragement, interests and skills developed a person with the condition can study or work in their favourite subjects and Susan Boyle with her fabulous singing skills is a clear indication that people with the ailment can thrive.
For more on Asperger's, please check out autism.org.uk
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