Susan Boyle, the Scottish woman that won us all over back in 2009 with her magical voice when she sang “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables on Britain’s Got Talent, has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome – a form of autism. Boyle told a London newspaper that she went and saw a doctor a year ago, at which time she learned she has this disorder.

Susan was nothing more than a church volunteer in a small town when she decided to try out on the hit TV show, and she blew us all away with her outstanding vocals, even if her presence was a little on the awkward side. But really, who could blame her? Do you really think you could get on National TV and sing your heart out for the world to hear?  I know I couldn’t.

The 52 year old singer had problems learning as a child, but doctors chalked it up to the lack of oxygen she got at birth. She had problems keeping up in school and was subsequently bullied by the other children. “I have always known that I have had an unfair label put upon me. Now I have a clearer understanding of what’s wrong and I feel relieved and a bit more relaxed about myself.” she said in her interview with the paper.

Asperger’s syndrome is more of a social disorder than anything, making it difficult for anyone with it to socially interact with others, let alone build a relationship with them since people with this disorder have trouble with empathy. They may also be clumsy and use their language in a peculiar way. Although it hasn’t yet been determined how exactly the condition is caused, studies suggest that it’s probably passed down genetically. What makes it most different from autism is that people with this disorder generally have relatively normal cognitive and linguistic abilities. In fact, during testing Boyle found out that she actually has a very high IQ.

Ever the inspiration, the singer stated “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’s already sold more than 14 million records around the world and we’ll be seeing her on the big screen as well as she makes her film debut in The Christmas Candle.

Do you think this diagnosis will change the way people feel about Susan? Let us know what you think in the comments!