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Susan Boyle: I have Asperger’s

There are surely many fans of singer Susan Boyle in the Columbia area. These fans, as well as people who are living with an autism spectrum disorder, may be interested to know that Boyle has revealed that she was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome not long ago.

Boyle made the revelation in a recent interview. The singer, whose powerful voice made her a star on the TV show “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2009, said that she was misdiagnosed with an intellectual disability as a child. However, she never accepted that diagnosis, and said that her intelligence has been rated above average.

Nevertheless, fans may have been concerned about reports of problems Boyle has experienced since being on the TV competition, which included treatment for exhaustion. According to Boyle, it was about a year ago that a doctor in the U.K. told her that she has Asperger’s, a form of autism. People with Asperger’s typically are more high-functioning that those with other autism spectrum disorders, but may struggle with social interaction, communication and behavior.

Boyle said that she appreciates having a better understanding of herself, but said that the diagnosis would not make any other difference in her life, which includes several chart-topping hit songs.

This is the second recent case of a celebrity revealing that they have an autism spectrum disorder, after actress Daryl Hannah made a similar announcement in September, according to Forbes.

While many people with an autism disorder are able to work and earn enough money to live, others are not able to do so. For them, Social Security disability benefits may provide an important source of income.

Source: Disability Scoop, “Susan Boyle Reveals Asperger’s Diagnosis,” Michelle Diament, Dec. 9, 2013

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