Singer Susan Boyle was recently diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of Autism. Although this doesn’t seem like good news to most people, Boyle said that she is relieved to finally have a diagnosis and name for her condition. Boyle said that she was diagnosed last year after seeing a specialist and was also told that her IQ is above average.
Boyle admitted that as a child, she had trouble learning and understanding certain subjects but was told that her learning disability was caused by a lack of oxygen deprivation at birth. She said that she always knew she was different but didn’t know how or why. She also admitted to being bullied and made fun of as a young girl.
Boyle stole the hearts of many when she appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 and sang “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables. Her amazing voice stunned the audience, but many people chose to focus on her appearance and awkwardness instead of her beautiful voice. Boyle has went on to perform many more times and has sold more than 14 million records around the world. She also recently released her fourth album, “Home for Christmas.”
Boyle says that although she has been diagnosed with something that make seem like a handicap, she will not let her stop her from succeeding or living her dreams.
“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 much greater understanding of who I am and why I do the things I do,” she said.
Image from Wikimedia Commons.