Sir Anthony Hopkins, the famous award-winning Welsh actor best known for playing Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs, revealed he was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at the ripe old age of 80. His story is one of hope because of what he has achieved. But it also serves as a cautionary tale. His life has been fraught with difficult relationships and even addiction. Had he been diagnosed in early childhood and received the proper care, he could have been as successful in his personal life as in his professional one.
In interviews following his diagnosis, Hopkins explained that he was insecure and isolated when he was younger. “I could never settle anywhere. I was troubled and caused trouble.” That might explain why he considers himself a loner to this day.
He has also said that he was a poor learner in school, which unfortunately resulted in ridicule from teachers. The experience left him with an inferiority complex and contempt for authority. His parents ended up putting him in boarding school because they didn’t know what else to do to help him.
He was discovered by Laurence Olivier
Despite his difficulties, Hopkins managed to graduate from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and went on to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Soon after, he was spotted by renowned British theater actor, Laurence Olivier, and invited to join the Royal National Theater.
At the same time he was making a name for himself on the stage, he was also appearing in films and TV shows and winning awards along the way. In the entertainment industry, he is known for more than his acting abilities. He also has an extraordinary memory and has amazed colleagues by how quickly and perfectly he can learn his lines – an ability that is associated with Asperger’s.
He’s been asked if Asperger’s has helped him be a better actor. He says that he is able to look at the people he’s playing differently and destruct them to work out what makes them tick.
In addition to acting, Hopkins composes music which started when he was young. He’s had a song appear at #75 on the UK Singles Chart, written symphonies, and released an album.
At 86 years old at this writing in 2024, Hopkins shows no signs of stopping. Wikipedia lists him voicing a character in Netflix’s Rebel Moon – Part Two, reprising his role from last year.
Asperger’s is now part of the autism spectrum
In 2013, Asperger’s syndrome was folded into the broader autism spectrum, and the term is no longer used by medical professionals. Hopkins says he is “on the high end” of the spectrum. He’s probably referring to the fact that Asperger’s is now referred to as Level 1 ASD. Level 1 ASD requires support versus Level 3 ASD which requires very substantial support. It’s considered a high-functioning form of autism.
According to Psychology Today, symptoms of what was called Asperger’s can include varying degrees of atypical verbal and nonverbal communication, an inability to engage in typical back and forth conversation, an inability to reciprocate social or emotional feelings, a failure to develop and maintain peer relationships, and more. You can read about the symptoms here.
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy (ABA) is considered the gold standard treatment and care for children with autism on any level. It has proven to improve communication, relationships, and self-help skills, so children can have meaningful lives at their fullest potential.
If you’d like to know more about ABA, we invite you to contact our autism and ABA therapy experts. They’d love to make a difference in your child’s life and the life of your whole family.
