Guy Martin says his diagnosis is ‘a load of tripe’ but adds it’s ‘why I am the way I am’

The National Autistic Society outline common autism traits

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Guy Martin, 39, has competed in the Isle of Man TT and the Ulster Grand Prix, authored four books and presented his very own TV shows. But something fans of the star may not know is he’s been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. Speaking to the Sunday Times, Martin 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.

“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.”

Asperger’s is characterised as having difficulty with social interactions, restricted interests, desire for sameness and distinctive strengths.

But strengths of Asperger’s can include remarkable focus and persistence, aptitude for recognising patterns and attention to detail.

Martin continued: “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.”

He added: “It’s probably what helps me with endurance racing on my mountain bike.

“I’m not quick but I’m good at getting my head down.”

How to get diagnosed for autism

If you or your child have signs of autism, the next step is to talk to someone about it.

The NHS says you can speak to:

• a GP
• a health visitor (for children under 5)
• any other health professional you or your child see, such as another doctor or therapist
• special educational needs (SENCO) staff at your child’s school

It adds: “Ask them if they think it’s a good idea to refer you for an autism assessment.

“An assessment is done by autism specialists. It’s the only way to find out if you or your child are autistic.”

You can also have an autism assessment. This is where a team of autism specialists check if you or your child are autistic.

An assessment team may:

• ask about any problems you or your child are having
• watch how you or your child interact with other people
• speak to people who know you or your child well, such as family, friends, your GP or your child’s teachers

At the end of the assessment, you’ll be given a report saying if you or your child are autistic.

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