Robbie Williams reveals autism diagnosis ahead of Portugal concert – Portugal Resident
Robbie Williams has revealed that he has been diagnosed with autism, less than two weeks before he returns to Portugal for a concert at Lisbon’s MEO Kalorama festival.
The 52-year-old British singer, who is due to perform at the festival on August 28, shared the diagnosis during a question-and-answer session in London on Thursday.
“I have ADHD and I’ve just found out I’ve got a little bit of autism too, which I actually love because it explains so much,” Williams said, according to reports in the British media.
The former Take That star joked that the diagnosis had become his “get out of jail free card” for some of the unusual things he might say.
Williams, who has previously spoken publicly about having ADHD and Tourette syndrome, also described how ADHD affects his ability to focus.
“With ADHD you can focus on one thing a thousand per cent, but you can’t do it with everything else. Ask my kids,” he said.
The singer has spoken openly about his mental health over the years and last year described himself as an “Olympian at masking”, referring to his ability to appear confident despite feeling very differently internally.
His comments came during an event in London connected to the autumn/winter collection of Hopeium, Williams’ clothing and lifestyle brand.
The revelation comes shortly before his latest Portuguese appearance.
Williams will take to the stage at MEO Kalorama in Lisbon on August 28, returning to Portugal as one of the biggest names on this year’s festival line-up.
The three-day festival runs from August 28 to 30 at Parque da Bela Vista, with Williams among the headline attractions.