A life with Epilepsy is rioted with continuous surprises and setbacks. However, there are also some pretty incredible benefits! The electrical mischief caused by Epilepsy quite commonly enhances creativity and sparks inspiration in those affected by the disorder. These people tend to happily migrate towards art, singing, dancing, writing, and other creative hobbies.
Such was the case with Susan Boyle, breakout musical artist known for her lovely voice! Susan made her musical debut in 2009 when she apprehensively appeared on Britain’s Got Talent. She stunned both live audience and viewers alike with the stark contrast between her meek demeanor and her dazzling vocal ability.
Susan was born in Blackburn, Scotland in 1961 and was diagnosed with Epilepsy as a young child after suffering many “fainting spells”. This diagnosis was attributed to an unfortunate incident of brain damage as a child. Adults in her life told her that she had a mental defect and she was given the nickname “Simple Susan” for many years.
Later on in her life, Susan’s neurological condition was re-evaluated and she was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome; a form of Autism that mainly affects social interaction and communication skills. Since Autism is so closely linked to Epilepsy, up to 40% of children diagnosed with Epilepsy in the UK actually have an Autism Spectrum Disorder instead.
With her most recent diagnosis, Susan shares with others that she feels much more confident and relaxed in her own skin. She hopes that by being open about her lifelong struggles, she will provide peace and inspiration to children living with various neurological diagnoses.
It is thanks to Susan Boyle, and others like her, that young people living with Epilepsy and Autism can feel even more confident and proud of who they are. Encouraging others, especially young ones, to simply be themselves is one of the very best gifts that we can give them.
So, who can YOU inspire today?
Hello from Minnesota! I was diagnosed with Generalized Idiopathic Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in 2006. My goal is to create and contribute to a community for those living with Epilepsy & other neurological disorders, so that we can support each other, raise awareness, and share our hope for fewer seizures in the future!