Not long after she entered the jungle, Anne Hegerty opened up to EastEnders actress Rite Simons about being diagnosed with Asperger’s at the age of 45.

Anne Hegerty entered the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Herejungle just a few days ago, and she is already receiving praise for her openness and honesty.
Not long after she entered the jungle, Anne opened up to EastEnders actress Rite Simons about being diagnosed with Asperger’s at the age of 45.
“I didn’t raise the autism issue,” she explained. “It’s not like I want you to know I have this interesting disability that you have to accommodate. If someone else raises it then I make it quite clear that I’m happy to talk about it.”
And after speaking to Rita, Anne thanked everyone for being so “sympathetic” to her. 
"It was nice that they said I pick up on social cues because I'm never quite sure that I entirely do," she said off-camera. "I just get overwhelmed with all the things there are to do."
 
Since opening up, Anne has been inspiring many viewers, including 11-year-old Joseph who was also diagnosed with autism at the age of five.
In a letter to The Governess, the young boy, from Lancashire, wrote that he hoped he would have a “cool job” like her when he is older.
In the letter, which was shared on Twitter by the youngster’s mum, Kate Jarvis, Joseph writes:
"To Anne,
"My name is Joseph Hughes and I am 11. I live in Preston, Lancashire and I go to a specialist school. I was diagnosed with autism when I was five.
"I like to watch you on The Chase and now I have been watching you in the jungle. I think you are very brave for going in the jungle, I couldn't go there because there are too many bugs. You are very clever.
"Sometimes people are mean to me because I am autistic, but watching you makes me see that other people can have autism too and maybe I can have a cool job like you when I am older.
"Do you like Thunderbirds? I love them, my favourite is Thunderbird 2. I have drawn you a picture, I hope you like it.
"Good luck in the jungle. I hope you win."
Kate’s post has been retweeted nearly 2,000 times with many people praising young Joseph for writing the letter.
"What a little darling. Please tell Joseph that bullies are just jealous because he is different. Sending him a big hug. I’m afraid I’m team Nick but Anne is my number two to win," wrote one.
Another said: "I do hope she manages to stay. There are so many different kinds of autism and I think a lot of awareness will be raised through Anne."

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