Overview
- Hopkins told The Sunday Times his wife, Stella Arroyave, once suggested he might fit traits formerly labeled Asperger’s, citing his fixation on numbers, order, detail, and memorizing.
- He rejected such characterizations, calling ADHD, OCD and Asperger’s “rubbish” and a “fashion,” and said he is not interested in pursuing assessment.
- ADHD and autism organizations, including ADHD UK, the ADHD Foundation and Ambitious About Autism, criticized his comments, warning they can reinforce stigma and deter people from seeking support.
- Coverage noted that Asperger’s is no longer a standalone diagnosis and is now classified under autism spectrum disorder, a point explained by medical sources cited in reports.
- The remarks are part of press for We Did OK, Kid, which goes on sale Nov. 4, and follow his recent recounting of a 1975 blackout drunk-driving incident that preceded decades of sobriety; no retraction has been issued.