Scottish singer Susan Boyle says she was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome last year after visiting a specialist for more serious matters surrounding brain damage she allegedly sustained at birth.
The misdiagnosis has been a bit of relief for the 52-year-old who was told that complications at birth caused the non-existent brain damage.
“It was the wrong diagnosis when I was a kid,” she says. “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.”
As a child, Boyle was the victim of bullying in school because she was viewed as “different.” Now, her newfound awareness has given her a better perspective of the many emotional roller-coasters she has endured over the years.
Although her voice has captivated many, the singer’s tendency to lash out hasn’t been too appealing.
Asperger’s, a higher form of Autism, affects social interaction, communication skills and the ability for a person to form relationships. For Boyle unfortunately, her mood swings and anxiety sometimes make it hard for her to get along with those around her.
However, her IQ is above average; so the odds are not completely against her.
Boyle initially made her way to fame following her TV appearance on “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2009. Her rendition of the Les Miserables number, “I Dreamed a Dream,” has earned her worldwide fans.
She recently released her fourth album, Home for Christmas, and will soon debut her role in The Christmas Candle.
Despite her struggles, Boyle will not let this stop her from going forth with her performance career.
“Asperger’s doesn’t define me,” she said. “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.”
