Susan Boyle -- I Got Asperger Syndrome

Susan Boyle has announced she was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome sometime last year ... but says the whole thing has been one big blessing in disguise.

The "Britain's Got Talent" star made the announcement Sunday with the UK Guardian ... telling them her diagnosis was a relief -- because people will finally get a "greater understanding" of who she is.

Susan says she struggles with relationship and communicative difficulties -- but getting a grasp on her Asperger's will help her deal with those sitations better.

For those unaware -- Asperger's is a mild form of autism.

Susan adds, "Now I have a clearer understanding of what's wrong and I feel relieved and a bit more relaxed about myself."