Jerry Seinfeld has backtracked on his earlier statements in which he claimed to suffer from autism.
In an interview with Access Hollywood, Seinfeld said, “I don’t have autism, I’m not on the spectrum. I was just watching a play about it and I thought, ‘Why am I relating [to this]?’ I related to it on some level. That’s all I was saying.”
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The comment came after Seinfeld had told NBC’s Brian Williams earlier this month that the comedian did indeed believe that he had autism at least on some small level.
He said at the time, “I think, on a very drawn out scale, I think I’m on the spectrum.” Seinfeld was referring to the fact that he has always found interacting in social situations to be difficult and awkward. Basic social engagement is really a struggle. I’m very literal. When people talk to me and they use expressions, sometimes I don’t know what they’re saying.”
Seinfeld may have backtracked because his earlier comments met with somewhat of a backlash.
Kim Staglinano, the managing editor of Age of Autism, told the Washington Post, “Autism is a neurological condition that requires a clinical diagnosis based on serious behaviors and issues and challenges. It’s a medical diagnosis not a personality or a gift.”
And mocking Seinfeld she added, “I think on a very draw out scale, I’m a 19 year old supermodel. Oh, wait, I’m not. I’m a 50 year old mother of three daughters with autism. Actual autism.”
