She was brought up to believe that she was slightly brain-damaged after being starved of oxygen at birth, but in this week's HELLO! magazine, singing sensation Susan Boyle reveals that she has just been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome – and talks movingly of the relief she feels to finally have a proper explanation for the "emotional outbursts" and "acute anxiety" that have plagued her throughout her life. "Ever since I was born, I've been living under the mistaken belief that I was brain damaged,” says the 52-year-old Scot, who found worldwide success after being discovered on hit show Britain's Got Talent.
"Doctors told my parents that I was starved of oxygen at birth and that this had caused me brain damage, leaving me with learning difficulties and a lower than average IQ."At school I was pushed aside as if I didn't matter, while the brighter pupils got all the attention. I was mocked and bullied.
"As a result, I spent my whole life in a bubble, felt inferior to others and had problems forming proper relationships. "Now that I know the correct reason why, I understand myself better and can move on. It feels as if an enormous weight has been lifted. "A form of autism, Asperger's sufferers typically struggle with their emotions, find it difficult to understand non-verbal social cues and feel anxious in social situations.
It has been Susan's crippling anxiety that has prevented her from embarking on a tour since she shot to overnight fame four years ago. This week a special ITV documentary
There's Something About Susanfollows her as she attempts to fulfil her ambition to perform a live concert for the first time. "The message that I hope my revelation will give others is, if I can do it, so can you. No matter what your condition, you can do whatever you want. "See the full interview with Susan in
HELLO!magazine, out now.