Henson became a central part of a star-studded Ospreys side at the inception of regional rugby in 2003, going on to win 33 caps for Wales, as well as playing for the British & Irish Lions, French side Toulon and Bristol.
“[I had] some amazing experiences. But I’m not that person day-to-day, it’s a difficult environment for me,” he added.
“I didn’t quite fit into the norm. I have said I’m on the [autism] spectrum, external, and stuff like that [autism] was never talked about and knew about [when he was young].
“I think people may have understood me a bit better.”
The lifelong condition affects communication and can make socialising seem confusing or overwhelming, according to the National Autistic Society, external.
Autistic people may also have intense interests and be more comfortable with a routine.
While it is now more widely-diagnosed and estimated to affect one in 100 people, external or more, Henson said it explained how he acted in social settings.
But he said it helped him excel on the field, adding: “I’d always have this massive excitement, couldn’t wait to go out and show off.
“I was quite insular, but that was my moment, where I can express then. I had everything all singing, all dancing, how I looked.
“It’s the fake tan, do the hair, the look, click the fingers and let’s go.”