Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook

Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

'Top Model' Draws Focus to Asperger's

Reality TV contestant with disorder becomes a viewer favorite

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 4, 2007 3:20 PM CST

(Newser) – Although she has been eliminated from "America's Top Model," contestant Heather Kuzmich, a consistent viewer favorite, continues to bring attention to Asperger's syndrome. Kuzmich, who has the neurological disorder, says she hopes to keep modeling and become a spokesperson for others with the condition, the New York Times reports.

People with Asperger's have trouble with social interaction and communication. Kuzmich had a hard time coexisting with 12 other models in a house, a requirement of the show, but was voted the viewers' favorite 8 weeks in a row. "At first I was really worried people would laugh at me because I was so very awkward," she says now. "I got the exact opposite."

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Heather Kuzmich of America's Next Top Model suffers from Asberger's Syndrome, a condition not entirely conducive to appearing on national television. (harperslee (YouTube))

Heather Kuzmich of America's Next Top Model suffers from a high-functioning form of autism known as Asberger's that can hinder social interactions. (jc0213 (YouTube))

Heather Kuzmich awaits a decision on the CW Network's America's Next Top Model. (Finaldestination3fan (YouTube))

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Heather of America's Next Top Model Cycle 9. (adriana71432 (YouTube))

View larger videos >>

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Asperger's Man Could Be Next Susan Boyle

Briton who can barely leave the house wows X Factor judges

(NEWSER) - A young singer with Asperger’s syndrome who once spent 7 years without leaving his home is poised to take the British reality TV world by storm, the Independent reports. 21-year-old Scott James’ yet-to-be broadcast audition on the show X Factor features a rave review from Simon Cowell, earning him comparisons to Susan Boyle. “The audience went mental after his performance,” another judge says. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

'Top Model' Draws Focus to Asperger's