Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Anthony Hopkins Dismisses Neurodivergence Labels as 'Nonsense,' Drawing ADHD UK Criticism

The actor made the remarks in a Sunday Times interview tied to his upcoming memoir after noting his wife's informal suggestion that he may be autistic.

Overview

  • In the interview, the 87-year-old called ADHD, OCD and Asperger's "nonsense" and "fashion," saying such labels are just "the human condition."
  • He described being "obsessed with numbers" and order, and said his wife once told him "you must be Asperger's," a term he said he does not believe.
  • ADHD UK condemned the comments as harmful, stressing specialist assessments, long waits for diagnosis and elevated suicide risk among people with ADHD.
  • Hopkins also referenced lifelong traits and anger that led others to urge him to see a psychiatrist, which he has resisted.
  • The remarks come during promotion for We Did OK, Kid, due Nov. 4, and no diagnosis for Hopkins has been reported; Asperger's is now categorized under autism spectrum disorder.