Chris Rock is opening up about his struggles with a nonverbal learning disorder.
In an interview with Variety about his new film, Misty Green Rock revealed his diagnosis as “a kind of ADHD-ish, Asperger-y thing,”
“I have a level of concentration and empathy that I just did not have back then,” Rock said. “I was so good at telling jokes that I didn’t have to face a lot of things. My comedic gifts put me in a position where I didn’t have to grow up. So, I’m better equipped to make this kind of movie now.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, nonverbal learning disorder disrupts visual and spatial processing; tasks that rely on spatial awareness or pattern recognition can be a struggle. Everything from complex math and map reading to physical sports and social cues can feel more challenging.
As the interview went on, Rock also spoke about whether he would host the Oscars again.
“When people answer those questions, they’re being disrespectful to the people that got the gig,” Rock said in the Sept. 8 interview. “They have great hosts. Conan O’Brien is amazing. Nikki Glaser is amazing on the Golden Globes. I’m not going to say never, but my time might have passed, honestly.”
Rock then shared his thoughts on the aftermath of being slapped on the Oscars stage by Will Smith.
“I wish nothing would have happened,” said Rock, while also downplaying the severity of the incident. “It’s a crazy world. We walk by homeless people. There’s all sorts of [stuff] going on right now. Me having a bad day is not the biggest – it’s not that important.”
Rock said that he would return to the Oscars under one condition.
“The only way I’ll go back is if I’m nominated, and I’m not getting nominated,” Rock said. “And that’s OK. We’ll deal with that if it happens. Like, let’s manage expectations.”
Misty Green hits theaters on Oct. 9