Susan Boyle has revealed to her fans that she has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.
"Some articles have said I have brain damage. I have always known that I have had an unfair label put upon me"
The singer, who shot to stardom following a mesmerising performance of I Dreamed A Dream on Britain’s Got Talent 2009, has explained that she saw a specialist a year ago and was informed that she has the autistic disorder, which affects her social interaction and communication skills.
But, rather than feel down about her diagnosis, the songstress has told The Observer that she feels "relieved and more relaxed" now that she knows about her condition.
“Some articles have said I have brain damage. I have always known that I have had an unfair label put upon me.
The star explains, “Now I have a clearer understanding of what’s wrong and I feel relieved and a bit more relaxed about myself.”
SuBo, who has suffered emotional outbursts and was mocked as Susie Simple as a child, revealed that Asperger's Syndrome made it difficult for her to forge relationships:
“I struggle with relationships. I never know if people are genuine. I would say I have relationship difficulties, communicative difficulties, which lead to a lot of frustration. If people were a bit more patient, that would help.”
But Susan won’t let her disorder stop her.
“It will not make any difference to my life. It’s just a condition that I have to live with and work through. I think people will treat me better because they will have a much greater understanding of who I am and why I do the things I do.
“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.”
The Scottish singer also insisted that her diagnosis would not stop her eventually finding a boyfriend — “someone young and creative who will make me laugh”.
Mark Lever, of The National Autistic Society, said last night: “Susan has played an important role in bringing autism to the nation’s attention.”
We're glad to hear that Susan Boyle is bringing awareness to the issues faced by those with autism and that she will not be letting her diagnosis hold her back from anything.
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