Scottish vocal legend Susan Boyle used to be known for her amazing first audition on Britain's Got Talent, as well as her "Wild Horses" performance on America’s Got Talent. Now, the 52-year-old has become the new inspirational poster child of Asperger's syndrome. Boyle has struggled her entire life trying to understand her condition, which was not diagnosed by a specialist until 2012.
Boyle shot into super-stardom, selling more than 19 million albums worldwide, since she appeared on BGT in 2009, despite never having been accurately diagnosed. The talented lady recently explained to The Observer that her revelation has led to an understanding about herself that she has struggled with for years (via CNN):
“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."
The U.S. National Institute of Health defines Asperger's syndrome as a developmental disorder that is a form of autism, characterized by poor social skills, physical clumsiness and narrowly focused interests.
Boyle has stated that she hopes the revelation of her diagnoses will lead people to understand her more and treat her better, but she still feels there is more to her than just Asperger’s. In a recent interview with the Guardian, the star explained (via Us Weekly):
“People will have have a greater understanding of who I am, and why i do the things that I do...I am fine. Asperger’s doesn't define me.”
