Hopkins Says Wife Suspects He Has Autism; Know the Signs in Adults

Anthony Hopkins’ wife thinks he may have autism, but the actor dismisses it, saying he is not concerned with labels. Speaking in an interview with The Sunday Times, the 87-year-old Oscar winner said Stella

once suggested he has the neurodevelopmental disorder. “I’m obsessed with numbers. I’m obsessed with detail. I like everything in order. And memorizing,” Hopkins told the British outlet. “Stella looked it up and she said, ‘You must be Asperger’s,’” he said. “I didn’t know what the hell she was talking about,” Hopkins said of his wife’s informal diagnosis. “I don’t even believe it.” Asperger’s syndrome is a former medical diagnosis that now comes under the broader umbrella of autism spectrum disorder or ASD. It is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Even though autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. However, there are many cases of adult autism that are being diagnosed, as the doctors believe that there are more avenues for diagnosis today than there were a decade ago. “Well, I guess I’m cynical because it’s all nonsense,” he told the outlet. “It’s all rubbish. ADHD, OCD, Asperger’s, blah, blah, blah. Oh God, it’s called living. “It’s just being a human being, full of tangled webs and mysteries and stuff that’s in us. Full of warts and grime and craziness, it’s the human condition. All these labels. I mean, who cares? But now it’s fashion,” Hopkins said.

What is autism?

According to experts, ASD is defined as a difference in brain functioning that affects how you communicate and interact with others. For example, you may use eye contact or body language differently than someone who is neurotypical. This brain difference also affects various aspects of your behaviour, interests, or activities. In the United States, one in 30 children is said to have autism. Also, one in 45 adults is diagnosed with autism. While society is much more aware of autism today than ever before, thanks to improved public health outreach and increased screening, advocacy, and awareness efforts, there are likely many adults with autism who have never received a diagnosis or were misdiagnosed.

What is adult autism?

Experts say you may have spent your entire life not recognizing the signs of autism or not realizing that some of the issues and feelings you have dealt with were related to autism. If you suspect you may be autistic or you know an adult who may be on the spectrum, learning about the common signs of autism is the first step to understanding whether you or your loved one may have undiagnosed ASD. Doctors say autism in adults may present with different symptoms than in children. Autism symptoms in adults may include difficulty making conversation, social anxiety, and limited interest in only a few activities. A few signs include:

Social interactions

• Feeling awkward while interacting with others
• Having difficulty understanding what others are thinking or feeling
• Preferring to be alone
• Difficulty making friends
• Having difficulty understanding social rules

Verbal and nonverbal communication

• Difficulty making eye contact
• Responding to conversations in a blunt way
• Taking things literally

Repetitive or restrictive behaviors

• Having the same routine every day
• Noticing small details or patterns that peers would not
• Having very intense and specific interests