Anthony Hopkins on Neurodivergence and Labels
In a candid interview with The Sunday Times, actor Anthony Hopkins shared his thoughts about neurodivergence, reflecting on the concept of autism. At 87, Hopkins expressed skepticism about some mental health labels, stating they often feel like mere fads.
His wife, Stella Arroyave, suggested he might be on the autism spectrum. “I’m obsessed with numbers and detail,” he explained. “Stella looked it up and said, ‘You must be Asperger’s.’ I didn’t even know what that meant.”
Asperger’s syndrome, once a separate diagnosis, is now part of the broader autism spectrum. It characterized individuals with high-functioning autism who often have strong focus and detail-oriented thinking.
Hopkins also revealed personal struggles with anger, although he dismissed the need for therapy. “All these labels—ADHD, OCD, Asperger’s—it’s nonsense. It’s just part of being human,” he said, suggesting that life is messy and complex.
This perspective resonates with growing discussions on mental health. Recent studies show that Americans are increasingly embracing neurodiversity, viewing it as a unique way of thinking rather than as a disorder. In a 2022 survey by the Research Autism charity, 87% of respondents recognized the value of neurodiverse thinking in problem-solving.
Hopkins’ thoughts come after he opened up about his previous struggles with alcohol, recounting a frightening moment when he realized he could have harmed someone while driving drunk. Now sober for nearly 50 years, he looks back on his life with gratitude, saying, “There are monstrous difficulties in life. But finally, I wake up every morning thinking: ‘I’m still here.'”
His memoir, We Did OK, Kid, offers deeper insights into his life and thoughts on these topics. This openness contributes to a larger conversation about mental health and the ongoing evolution of how we understand and express neurodiversity.
For more about mental health and the shifts in how we perceive neurodivergence, you can explore resources like Mental Health America.
