Vines’ singer CRAIG NICHOLLS has been diagnosed with ASPERGER SYNDROME.
Nicholls’ condition was revealed during a hearing at Sydney’s Balmain Local Court yesterday (November 19).
The star was facing charges of assault and malicious damage, which were later dismissed. The charges stem from an incident at the Annandale Hotel (May 27) when he allegedly kicked a photographer’s camera during a gig for radio station Triple M.
According to The Herald Sun, following the brief ten-minute hearing Nicholls said: “I’m free.”
Nicholls was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome after one of the band’s crew members alerted management to its existence, despite years of attempts by psychologists and psychiatrists to find the correct diagnosis.
Asperger Syndrome is a neurobiological disorder which causes the sufferer to exhibit autistic-like behaviour and marked deficiencies in social and communication skills.
People with AS have difficulties with transitions or changes and prefer sameness. They often have obsessive routines and may be preoccupied with a particular subject of interest.
Asperger Syndrome has only been recognised by professionals for a few years and those diagnosed with the disorder are often overly sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells, and sights. The person with AS may prefer soft clothing, certain foods, and be bothered by sounds or lights no one else seems to hear or see.
These neurological differences may cause odd or unusual behaviour. Before diagnosis, those with the condition are sometimes thought of as eccentric, absent minded, socially inept or awkward physically.