SZA is opening up about a deeply personal part of her life. The Grammy-winning singer recently revealed that she was formally diagnosed with autism by medical professionals at 36 years old. The diagnosis also provided clarity, leading SZA to realize that some of her behaviors could be attributed to autism.
Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe, shared an update about a recent diagnosis. On her burner Instagram account, she posted a photo of a medical report showing she had been recently diagnosed with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s.
“Finally took the time n got formally diagnosed… Asperger’s / high functioning autism / smarter than u n—-s so stop playing in my face cause pattern recognition told me and I WILL get to the bottom if [sic] it thanks,” the singer wrote in the caption.
High-functioning autism is the informal term used for people who are on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with low support needs, which means they could go about basic life skills without assistance, per WebMD. Asperger’s syndrome refers to a high-functioning form of autism.
The summary SZA shared read, in part, “Solana has a qualitative impairment in reciprocal social interaction, as both self-reported and observed by this examiner. Her mother also noted these traits when Solana was a child, although they were not as evident.”
The Singer Attributed Her AI Take On Her Diagnosis
Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how someone interacts, learns, communicates, and sees the world. While autistic individuals have a wide range of intelligence, research shows that 40 percent of those with autism display above-average IQ, and those with Asperger’s syndrome mostly have strong verbal skills.
SZA’s diagnostic evaluation found that she exhibited a “superior range in fluid reasoning” and scored in the “gifted range” for linguistic abilities.
The singer added to her post, writing, “pretty sure this is why I’m taking Ai so personally btw lol. And also why I’m in every comment section.” SZA was referring to her recent take on AI, in which she called out musicians who support the “degenerate” technology, as previously reported by The Blast.
SZA Also Has Anxiety
SZA’s report said the singer experiences a “severe degree of anxiety,” which she revealed in the past.
On “Community Voices” in 2022, the singer shared her experiences in the industry and talked about mental health. SZA said she enjoys what she does as a music artist, but also feels pressure and exhaustion from all the work.
“The exhaustion really comes from expectations, berating, and dehumanizing from outside forces. And that sh-t makes me feel like, ‘Why am I doing this? Why would I set myself up to be bodied like this on a regular basis?” she said.
SZA shared how anxious she gets, citing how she felt at the 2022 MET Gala when she found herself unable to walk down the grand staircase to leave. Instead, she “snuck out the back” and grabbed a cab to go back to her hotel. “I was just overwhelmed. I had too much anxiety to wait for my cab in front of the crowd.”
SZA Once Said The Internet Was ‘Demonic’
For Mental Health Awareness Month in 2022, SZA temporarily deactivated her TikTok and posted the announcement on Instagram Stories, urging her followers to do the same, as reported by Hot New Hip Hop. “Get off the internet. The internet is demonic,” the singer said, adding that everyone should “delete anything” that doesn’t serve them.
Before that, SZA lashed back at online trolls who criticized her for attending the MET Gala when she said she would no longer attend public events before her album, “SOS,” was completed. “Y’all suck the joy and life out of EVERYTHING. Thank God for purpose cause Outside of art it’s f-ck y’all. Now run w that,” she wrote.
Other Entertainers With Autism
Through the years, some celebrities have shared their own diagnoses.
In 2021, “Prison Break” star Wentworth Miller revealed his formal autism diagnosis via Instagram, noting that while he was “shocked,” he wasn’t surprised. The actor added that he didn’t know much about autism, but he was focusing on “re-examining 5 decades of lived experience thru a new lens.”
“SNL” alum and “Ghostbusters” star Dan Aykroyd is also on the spectrum and has been open about his diagnosis. He shared one of his symptoms was his “obsession” with cops and ghosts. “I carry around a police badge with me, for example. I became obsessed by Hans Holzer, the greatest ghost hunter ever. That’s when the idea of my film Ghostbusters was born,” he shared.
SZA’s revelation received public support, with fans commending the singer for using her platform to help destigmatize neurodivergence.
