Robbie Williams has revealed he has been diagnosed with autism, stating that the diagnosis helps explain many aspects of his life. The 52-year-old singer also shared that he has ADHD, a condition he has spoken about previously.
Williams made the announcement during a question-and-answer session at the launch of his clothing brand, Hopeium. He described the autism diagnosis as a "get out of jail free card" for his behavior, indicating he is still grappling with "intrusive thoughts."
"I have ADHD and I just found out I have a bit of autism as well, which I actually f***g love because it explains so much," Williams said. "It is my get out of jail free card now, and all the weird st that I do I just say 'sorry I'm autistic.'"
He elaborated on how he uses his creativity to manage his conditions. "What I'm completely and utterly obsessed with is creating images and making funny things, if I'm creating images and funny things, I'm not thinking about me, because my brain is incredibly creative, and it can be creative about everything in the world that you panic or scared about," he explained. Williams shared an example of an intrusive thought he experienced on a plane, where he imagined having telekinesis and causing the plane to crash.
Autism, once defined more narrowly, is now understood by experts to encompass a range of neurodevelopmental differences affecting social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors. Symptoms can include difficulties with social cues, adapting to routine changes, and unusual sensory reactions.
Williams also disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, though his tics manifest as intrusive thoughts rather than outward physical or vocal symptoms. He mentioned realizing these intrusive thoughts were part of Tourette's, but they did not externalize.
Williams has reportedly been diagnosed with ADHD three times, attributing the repeated diagnoses to forgetting he had been told before. He first explored an ADHD diagnosis around 2006 after seeing information online that resonated with his experiences. His initial approach involved seeking medication, which led to a period of substance misuse.
ADHD is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development. It can manifest as difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, distractibility, and restlessness.
Williams' past struggles with addiction, including alcohol and drugs, have been well-documented, leading to multiple stints in rehabilitation since his rise to fame in the early 1990s.