Guy Martin says he dismissed his Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis as "a load of tripe."
The 39-year-old from Grimsby said that although he was not interested in his diagnosis, it probably explains "the way I am."
In an interview with The Sunday Times, he said: “It’s true I’ve been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, but I would say: ‘What a load of tripe’.
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“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 a diagnosis, Guy continued: "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?’
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“Anyway, I sat there for a day, and it turned out it was a form of autism: Asperger’s.”
People with Asperger’s syndrome have difficulty with social interactions, restricted interests, distinctive strengths and a need for routine.
It can also bring focus and persistence on a subject with an attention to detail as well as an aptitude for recognising patterns.
Guy 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.”
Guy 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.”
Guy Martin's new show Guy Martin: The World's Fastest Electric Car? is currently showing on Channel 4.
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