Susan Boyle reveals that she was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome after a misdiagnosis when she was a kid.

The British singing sensation reveals to the UK Observer that she was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome a year ago but has kept it a secret. She decided to consult a specialist regarding a diagnosis she had when she was a kid.

'I went to seek a diagnosis from a Scottish specialist,' says Susan, adding, 'Nobody told me to. I thought I had a more serious illness and couldn't function properly.'

'(When I was a kid) 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.'

In addition, the specialist also found that Boyle's IQ 'was above average,' and that it is not connected to her condition.

Asperger's syndrome is a high-functioning form of autism, which according to Wikipedia is 'characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests.'

Because of this behavior brought about by her condition, Boyle tells ABC that she had 'relationship difficulties, communicative difficulties, which lead to a lot of frustration,' and that '(i)f people were a bit more patient, that would help.'

People with Asperger's often suffer from anxiety due to their inability to deal with situations that ordinary people tend to brush off, and Boyle admits to being nervous about the consultation.

The singer who first shot to fame through Britain's The X Factor also admits to suffering depression and mood swings and acknowledges her need for support.

'I am not strong on my own,' admits Boyle.

'When I have the support of people around me I am fine. I have a great team,' continued the singer.

But after receiving the diagnosis, Boyle was finally relieved that she got the right label for her condition. Yet, she tells ABC that '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.'