Daryl Hannah recently revealed she was diagnosed with Autism.
In an interview with People Magazine, the 52-year-old actress said that as a child she struggled "debilitating shyness" as a result of the disorder. Hannah admitted her disorder was so severe that it prevented her making appearances and promoting her work.
"I've never been comfortable being the center of attention," Hannah said. "It's always freaked me out."
Hannah, who became famous as a teenager, said she concealed her autism from movie producers and refused to do promotional interviews or talk show appearances, "not because I was above it, but because I was terrified."
The actress said she's learned several tricks that now allows her to get past those moments.
"I'm a grown up now," she said. "I've learned a couple of things that really would've made my life easier if I'd known them 20 years ago."
Autism is a complex developmental disability, resulting from a neurological disorder that affects a person's communication and social interaction skills, according to MedicalNewsToday.com. People with autism suffer from issues involving non-verbal communication, a wide range of social interactions, and activities that include an element of play and/or banter.
Hannah, is best known for her roles in "Splash", "Kill Bill" and "Steel Magnolias".
Hannah is also an environmental activism, promoting climate change awareness and sustainability on her weekly blog DHLoveLife and attending public protests, some of which have resulted in her arrest.
