Guy Martin speaks out on Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis branding it “a load of a tripe”

Guy Martin speaks out on Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis branding it “a load of a tripe”

Grimsby’s Guy Martin has spoken out about his Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis, branding it “a load of tripe”.

The 39-year-old former motorcycle racer, who has competed in the Isle of Man TT and the Ulster Grand Prix, has said that he was “not interested” in his diagnosis, but has admitted that it might explain “the way I am”.

Speaking to the Sunday Times, Guy said: “It’s true I’ve been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, but I would say: ‘What a load of tripe’.

“They try to put names to it — ‘Oh, he’s like that because of this’. Everyone’s different. We’re all different.”

Explaining why he sought the diagnosis, Guy said: “My girlfriend at the time persuaded me to see someone.

“I was turning her crackers, so she forced me — well, not forced me, but she said: ‘Will we go and see this psychologist?’

“Anyway, I sat there for a day, and it turned out it was a form of autism: Asperger’s.

“The way I look at it is that maybe having that is why I am the way I am. Maybe that is all down to the autistic side. I don’t know.

“If there are any benefits to having it, it’s that you just get your head down and get on with things. I apply that to the way I work.

“If you’ve got an awkward job at work, you just get your head down until it’s sorted.”