People are praising Anne Hegerty for highlighting Asperger’s Syndrome in ‘I’m A Celebrity’

I’m A Celebrity returned to our screens last night another series of the hit show. Harry Redknapp, John Barrowman and Fleur East are just some of the celebrities thrown into the depths of the jungle for the reality show, but it is the Governess Anne Hegerty who is grabbing the viewers attention.

The Chase star has Asperger’s Syndrome, which can be otherwise known as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The condition can be characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests.

In a video clip shown before she made her way into the jungle, Anne talked about her history with the condition saying “Having grown up knowing that there was something different about me from most people and not being able until my mid-forties to put a name to it and to realise I had autism, I’ve had to learn an awful lot about myself.”

Those who have Asperger’s like routine and even small changes to their environment can cause a sensory overload and affect them greatly. Anne became visibly upset when the reality of camp life set in, but her teammates rallied around her for support. People were universally praising the Governess across Twitter for how brave she is to be taking part, being completely out of her comfort zone, and challenging herself, but also for highlighting the condition.

Anne has Asperger’s Syndrome which has a positive benefit on her quizzing ability but also means that a lot of things that us Neurotypicals don’t think twice about are incredibly difficult and stressful for her. It’s so much more of a challenge for the Governess than you presume. https://twitter.com/WordyGurdyMan/status/1064278438092185601

— Jenny Ryan (@jenlion) November 18, 2018

I hope everybody watching at home appreciates just how far @anne_hegerty is going outside of her comfort zone. I’m proud of her for being so incredibly brave and challenging herself. #ImACeleb

— Jenny Ryan (@jenlion) November 18, 2018

On a serious note though, hats off to Anne Hegerty for giving #ImACeleb a go, given the fact she’s on the autistic spectrum. The fact that’s being so brave in stepping outside of her comfort zone just makes me love her even more! ? pic.twitter.com/1KByN6Qklj

— Steven Bonaventure x (@absolutegazelle) November 18, 2018

As a mum of a son and daughter who both have Asperger’s, I understand how much @anne_hegerty is pushing her boundaries. She’s a wonderful ambassador for #Autism and despite the challenges, she’s already proving to my kids that anything is possible #ImACeleb https://twitter.com/jenlion/status/1064276581223464960

— Amy (@Amy_v_C) November 18, 2018

How amazing is Anne Hegerty like never once did I know she had Austim just taught she was a brainbox lived her whole life without realising she had it till her 40s just shows you can do anything in life nothing defines you

— lauren? (@laurenb21xo) November 18, 2018

The Yellow Team’s bond is already solid. Stay strong, @anne_hegerty. ? #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/DjItnFtFeQ

— I’m A Celebrity… (@imacelebrity) November 18, 2018

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here continues tonight at 9 pm on Virgin Media One.