Who are some of the most famous people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. How has ASD contributed to their success. What unique strengths do individuals with autism possess. How does society benefit from neurodiversity.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication, behavioral patterns, and sensory processing. While ASD can present challenges, it also brings unique strengths and perspectives that have contributed to remarkable achievements across various fields.

Key characteristics of ASD include:

• Differences in social interaction and communication
• Restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests
• Sensory sensitivities or differences
• Unique cognitive processing styles

How does ASD manifest differently in individuals? ASD is a spectrum, meaning that its presentation can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals may require significant support in daily life, while others may excel in their chosen fields with minimal accommodations.

The Power of Special Interests in ASD Success

One of the hallmark features of ASD is the presence of intense, focused interests. While often viewed as a restrictive behavior, these special interests can be a driving force behind remarkable achievements.

How do special interests contribute to success for individuals with ASD?

• Deep expertise: Intense focus allows for the development of comprehensive knowledge in specific areas
• Motivation: Special interests provide intrinsic motivation to pursue goals
• Innovation: Unique perspectives can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and creations
• Career alignment: Matching careers to special interests can result in exceptional job performance

Many famous individuals with ASD have leveraged their special interests to make significant contributions to their fields. For example, Temple Grandin’s fascination with animal behavior led to revolutionary improvements in livestock handling practices.

Famous Scientists and Inventors with ASD

The scientific community has benefited immensely from the contributions of individuals believed to have been on the autism spectrum. Their unique cognitive styles and intense focus have led to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein, renowned for his theory of relativity, displayed many traits associated with ASD. His intense focus on physics, coupled with his unconventional thinking, revolutionized our understanding of the universe.

Nikola Tesla

Inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla, known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system, exhibited characteristics consistent with ASD. His ability to visualize complex systems in his mind led to numerous patents and innovations.

Other Notable Scientists

• Isaac Newton: Physicist and mathematician
• Charles Darwin: Naturalist and biologist
• Marie Curie: Pioneering researcher in radioactivity
• Barbara McClintock: Nobel Prize-winning cytogeneticist

How have these scientists’ unique perspectives contributed to scientific progress? Their ability to see patterns and connections others might miss, combined with their intense focus and persistence, has led to paradigm-shifting discoveries in their respective fields.

Tech Innovators and Entrepreneurs on the Spectrum

The tech industry has seen numerous innovators and entrepreneurs who are believed to be on the autism spectrum. Their unique cognitive styles have played a crucial role in shaping the digital landscape we navigate today.

Bill Gates

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, known for his intense focus and attention to detail, has displayed traits consistent with ASD. His ability to envision the potential of personal computing helped revolutionize the technology industry.

Mark Zuckerberg

Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, while not officially diagnosed, has been speculated to be on the autism spectrum. His intense focus on coding and social networking has reshaped how we connect in the digital age.

Other Tech Pioneers

• Steve Jobs: Co-founder of Apple
• Alan Turing: Father of modern computing
• Henry Ford: Founder of Ford Motor Company

How has the tech industry benefited from neurodiversity? The unique problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and innovative thinking often associated with ASD have driven technological advancements and created entirely new industries.

Artists and Creatives with ASD

The world of art and creativity has been enriched by the contributions of individuals believed to be on the autism spectrum. Their unique perceptions and intense focus have resulted in extraordinary works that challenge conventional perspectives.

Andy Warhol

Iconic pop artist Andy Warhol displayed many traits associated with ASD. His unique visual style and repetitive themes revolutionized the art world and continue to influence contemporary artists.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, known for his musical genius, exhibited characteristics consistent with ASD. His exceptional ability to remember and reproduce complex musical pieces from an early age set him apart as a prodigy.

Other Creative Minds

• Michelangelo: Renaissance sculptor and painter
• Hans Christian Andersen: Children’s author
• Lewis Carroll: Author of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”
• Gary Numan: Musician and songwriter

How does ASD influence artistic expression? The unique sensory experiences and attention to detail often associated with ASD can lead to innovative artistic styles and perspectives that challenge conventional norms.

Athletes and Performers on the Spectrum

The world of sports and performance has also seen remarkable individuals who are believed to be on the autism spectrum. Their intense focus and unique abilities have led to exceptional achievements in their respective fields.

Dan Aykroyd

Comedian and actor Dan Aykroyd, known for his roles in “Ghostbusters” and “The Blues Brothers,” has been open about his Asperger’s diagnosis. His intense interests in law enforcement and the paranormal have influenced his creative work.

Clay Marzo

Professional surfer Clay Marzo, diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, has used his intense focus and exceptional body awareness to become one of the most innovative surfers in the world.

Other Notable Performers

• Daryl Hannah: Actress and environmental activist
• Anthony Hopkins: Academy Award-winning actor
• Susan Boyle: Singer

How do the traits associated with ASD contribute to excellence in sports and performance? The intense focus, attention to detail, and unique physical awareness often seen in individuals with ASD can lead to exceptional skill development and innovative techniques in their chosen fields.

Embracing Neurodiversity in Society

The achievements of famous individuals with ASD highlight the importance of embracing neurodiversity in our society. Recognizing and valuing the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodiverse individuals can lead to innovation, creativity, and progress across all sectors.

How can society better support and include individuals with ASD?

• Promote awareness and understanding of ASD
• Implement inclusive educational practices
• Create supportive work environments that value neurodiversity
• Provide access to appropriate support services and accommodations
• Challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about ASD

By fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates neurodiversity, we can create a society that benefits from the unique contributions of all individuals, regardless of their neurological differences.

The Impact of ASD Advocacy and Representation

As awareness of ASD has grown, many individuals on the spectrum have become powerful advocates for neurodiversity and autism rights. Their efforts have helped reshape public perception and improve support for those with ASD.

Temple Grandin

Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned animal behavior expert and author, has become one of the most visible and influential advocates for individuals with autism. Her books and public speaking engagements have helped increase understanding of ASD and promote the value of neurodiversity.

John Elder Robison

Author John Elder Robison, known for his memoir “Look Me in the Eye,” has become a prominent voice in the autism community. His work has helped shed light on the experiences of individuals with Asperger’s syndrome and promoted acceptance of neurodiversity.

Other Influential Advocates

• Judy Singer: Sociologist who coined the term “neurodiversity”
• Stephen Shore: Author and autism educator
• Ari Ne’eman: Co-founder of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network

How has increased representation and advocacy impacted the autism community? These efforts have led to greater awareness, improved support services, and a shift towards viewing ASD as a difference rather than a deficit.

The contributions of these famous individuals with ASD, along with countless others, demonstrate the immense value of neurodiversity in our society. By recognizing and embracing the unique strengths and perspectives of those on the autism spectrum, we can foster a more inclusive and innovative world that benefits from the full spectrum of human potential.

Famous Autistic People | On The Spectrum

The following Individuals are VERY LIKELY to have been on the spectrum

Albert Einstein – Scientist & Mathematician

Charles Darwin – Naturalist, Geologist, and Biologist

Bobby Fischer – Chess Grandmaster

Bill Gates – Co-founder of the Microsoft Corporation

Thomas Jefferson – Early American politician

Nikola Tesla – Inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and futurist

Andy Warhol – Artist, film director, and producer

Steve Jobs – Founder and former CEO of Apple

Sir Isaac Newton – Mathematician, physicist, astronomer, theologian, and author

Michelangelo – Sculptor, painter, architect, poet

Henry Ford – Founder of Ford Motor Company

Marie-Curie – Scientist who pioneered research on radioactivity

James Joyce – Novelist, short story writer, poet, teacher, and literary critic

Alfred Kinsey – Sexologist & Biologist

Mark Zuckerberg – Co-founder of Face Book, media magnate, internet entrepreneur, and philanthropist

Stanley Kubrick – Film director

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Classical composer

Hans Christian Andersen – Children’s author

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Benjamin Banneker – African American Almanac author, surveyor, naturalist, and agrarian

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Lewis Carroll (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson) – writer of children’s fiction, notably Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel Through the Looking-Glass

Henry Cavendish – Natural philosopher, scientist, and an important experimental and theoretical chemist and physicist

Emily Dickinson – Poet

Paul Dirac – Theoretical physicist who is regarded as one of the most significant physicists of the 20th century

Dawn Prince-Hughes – PhD, primate anthropologist, ethologist, and author of Songs for the Gorilla Nation

Jerry Newport – American author and mathematical savant, basis of the film Mozart and the Whale

John Elder Robison – author of Look Me in the Eye

Judy Singer – Australian disability rights activist, sociologist who coined term “Neurodiversity”

Alan Turing – Father of modern computing, mathematician and logician, code breaker in WW2

Barbara McClintock – Scientist and cytogeneticist who was awarded the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Francis Galton – Statistician, sociologist, psychologist, anthropologist, tropical explorer, geographer, inventor, meteorologist, proto-geneticist, psychometrician

Daniel Tammet – Essayist, novelist, poet, translator, and savant

Gary Numan – Musician, singer, songwriter, composer, and record producer

Ludwig Wittgenstein – Philosopher who worked primarily in logic, the philosophy of mathematics, the philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of language

William Butler Yeats – Poet, dramatist, prose writer and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature

James Durbin – Musician

Lizzy Clark – Actress and activist

Jerry Seinfeld – Comedian

Adam Young – Singer and songwriter behind Owl City

Given this list of successful people, who wouldn’t want to be on the spectrum!

20 Famous People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | Behavioral Innovations

Autism can be challenging but there are many people on the spectrum who have achieved great heights.

Autism spectrum disorder is a diagnosis that is characterized by differences from the general population in the area of social skills, communication skills, as well as the presence of certain behaviors which may look atypical from other people. These behaviors are known as restrictive or repetitive behaviors.

ASD Traits Can Contribute to Accomplishing Great Things

No matter what traits of autism you or your loved one may have, a person with autism has their own unique strengths and abilities. There are many famous people with autism spectrum disorder who have used their strengths and abilities to achieve success, fame, or to accomplish amazing things.

Strong Interests Support Success

One example of a trait of autism is called restricted interests. This is a type of restrictive behavior. Restricted interests have to do with how the person with ASD has an intense passion for a certain topic. Whereas people without autism often have a range of interests and can easily switch focus from one topic or activity to another and may not commit to excelling at one particular thing, people with autism may have a limited and narrow range of interests.

This characteristic may contribute to the success that many people with ASD experience in life. By being able to focus and maintain one core interest for years or even for most of one’s life, the person with ASD can use this interest to accomplish great things.

The ASD Social Way of Being

Additionally, the way in which a person with autism experiences social interactions and their general social way of being may also contribute to their success. Although social skills vary widely from one person with ASD to another, in general, social skills for people with ASD may include things like having few (if any) friends, getting overwhelmed by too much social interaction, and limited tendency to share one’s interests, thoughts, and feelings with others.

The way a person with autism approaches social experiences can support their success in life. For instance, having only a few close friends can support the person’s well-being. Their friends may have similar interests and may be truly supportive of the person’s goals.

Needing alone time and space from others can help the person with ASD to have a clearer and more focused mind. Not spending so much time socializing and on small talk and being more straightforward and logical in the way the person communicates with others can help them stay focused on their goals and reaching the next step for success.

This way of living can contribute not only to the person’s success but also to their overall life satisfaction.

Famous People with Autism Spectrum Disorder

We’ve reviewed some of the factors that may contribute to success and accomplishments in the life of a person with autism spectrum disorder. Let’s now introduce some famous people who many people believe to have ASD.

Some of the people we discuss have an official diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or what was previously known as Asperger’s Disorder. Others may not have an official diagnosis but may have self-diagnosed as autistic. And for some of the people we’ll mention, many people speculate that these individuals would likely qualify as having an autism spectrum disorder.

1. Dan Aykroyd – Actor and Film Writer

Aykroyd is a comedic actor famous for his acting role and writing of the movie Ghostbusters released in 1984. His restricted interests have included ghosts and law enforcement.

2. Albert Einstein – Scientist & Mathematician

There’s no way to know for sure, but many people believe that Albert Einstein would qualify as having autism spectrum disorder today.

3. Daryl Hannah – Actress & Environmental Activist

Daryl Hannah is known for her roles in films such as Splash, Blade Runner, and Steel Magnolias. She received an autism diagnosis as a child. She was extremely shy around other people and continued to be very fearful of the spotlight as an adult. One of her special interests was watching movies which supported her career as an actress.

4. Anthony Hopkins – Actor

Anthony Hopkins is an award winning actor. He was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome as a child. Some of his traits of ASD include obsessive thinking, difficulty maintaining friendships, and looking at people with a unique perspective.

5. Heather Kuzmich – Reality TV Contestant & Model

Heather Kuzmich participated in America’s Next Top Model in 2007. Some of her traits of ASD include not understanding jokes, difficulty understanding social dialogue about others, and challenges with eye contact.

6. Tim Burton – Movie Director

It is still under speculation whether Tim Burton has autism; However, his long-time partner, Helena Bonham Carter, believes that he does. He has a unique perspective and gets intensely focused on his work sometimes to the extent that he no longer hears what is going on around him.

7. Henry Cavendish – Scientist

Cavendish is an renowned scientist. He was born in 1731 and passed away in 1810. He is most known for discovering hydrogen. Traits of ASD experienced by Cavendish included avoiding company and difficulty with eye contact. He would communicate with his servants in writing instead of verbally. He ordered his meals by leaving a note on the table. He had a private staircase built on the back of his house so he could avoid the housekeeper, as well.

8. Charles Darwin – Naturalist, Geologist, and Biologist

Charles Darwin is believed to have autism spectrum disorder. Darwin was a very quiet person who avoided social interactions. He also preferred to communicate by writing rather than verbally and was very focused on his work.

9. Emily Dickinson – Poet

Many believe that Emily Dickinson, a classical poet (1830-1886), would qualify as having autism. She was reserved around people. She had a basic and consistent way of dressing and she was better at interacting with children than adults.

10. Bobby Fischer – Chess Grandmaster

Fischer is known as a chess grandmaster and World Chess Champion. He did not like unstructured experiences and did not interact well with others.

11. Bill Gates – Co-founder of the Microsoft Corporation

Bill Gates is thought to have autism. He displays a rocking motion, a monotoned speech pattern, and avoids eye contact with others.

12. Barbara McClintock – Scientist and Cytogeneticist

McClintock was a notable scientist who made important breakthroughs in the study of chromosomes and how they change during the reproduction process. She is thought to be autistic. She was able to focus for great lengths on her interests, specifically her work, and she found social attention very aversive, so much so that she almost refused the Nobel Prize.

13. Michelangelo – Sculptor, Painter, Architect, Poet

Michelangelo, a famous artist, was born in 1475. He is thought to have had an extreme fixation on his work. He had difficulty with emotional regulation, had trouble with social interactions, and thrived on strict routines.

14. Sir Isaac Newton – Mathematician, Astronomer, & Physicist

Newton is another example of a historical figure who attempted to isolate himself from others as much as possible. He did not enjoy social interactions and was thought to be awkward in conversations with others.

15. Jerry Seinfeld – Comedian

Jerry Seinfeld is thought to be one of the most popular comedians of all time. He openly recognizes himself as having autism spectrum disorder due to his history of social challenges and unique way of thinking literally.

16. Satoshi Tajiri – Creator of Pokémon

Tajiri was fascinated with bugs as a child and expanded upon his interest in adulthood by creating Pokemon.

17. Nikola Tesla – Inventor

It is believed that Tesla had many phobias and that he was very sensitive to light and sound. He also preferred to be alone and is thought to have been obsessed with the number three.

18. Elon Musk – Entrepreneur

Elon Musk announced that he was on the autism spectrum while hosting the show, “Saturday Night Live,” in May 2021. More specifically, he stated that he was “the first person with Asperger’s” to host the show. Musk is one of the world’s richest people with a net worth of more than $150 billion.

19.

Clay Marzo – Professional Surfer

Marzo is a professional competitive surfer from Hawaii. He was diagnosed with autism as a child. He won many surfing competitions and had many accomplishments including two Perfect 10s during a National Scholastic Surfing Association at age 15.

20. Dr. Vernon Smith – Professor

Smith is a professor of economics at Chapman University. He is thought to have basically invented the field of experimental economics which led to winning a Nobel Prize. He feels that his ASD has helped him, because he doesn’t feel social pressures to do things the way other people do them, so he is able to approach his work in a different way by being more open-minded and coming up with new ideas.

More Famous People with Autism

• Leonardo da Vinci – Artist
• Vincent van Gogh – Artist
• Steven Spielberg – Director
• Alfred Hitchcock – Director
• Thomas Edison – Inventor
• Alexander Graham Bell – Inventor
• Benjamin Franklin – Inventor
• Henry Ford – Inventor
• Ludwig van Beethoven – Musician
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Musician
• Bob Dylan – Musician
• James Taylor – Singer-Songwriter & Guitarist
• John Denver – Singer-Songwriter & Record Producer
• Charles Darwin – Naturalist & Geologist
• Carl Jung – Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist
• Lionel Messi – Football Player
• Samuel Clemens – Writer
• George Orwell – Writer
• Jane Austen – Writer
• Charles M. Schulz – Cartoonist

Embracing Who You Are (with ASD)

The people we have mentioned have been recognized for the amazing things they have accomplished in this world. They have touched the lives of so many people in a positive way. Autism spectrum disorder looks different in every person with the condition.

Although it’s important to remember that many people with autism will need much more support than others, each person with ASD has their own strengths and abilities.

People with autism can live a fulfilling life especially when they embrace who they are as unique and amazing human beings.

References:

20 Incredibly Successful People on the Autism Spectrum. ABA Degree Programs. (2021, April 13). https://www.abadegreeprograms.net/successful-people-on-the-autism-spectrum/.

Article by: Katie Hurley. (2020, August 14). 7 Famous People With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Psycom.net – Mental Health Treatment Resource Since 1996. https://www.psycom.net/autism-famous-people.

Cascio, C. J., Foss-Feig, J. H., Heacock, J., Schauder, K. B., Loring, W. A., Rogers, B. P., Pryweller, J. R., Newsom, C. R., Cockhren, J., Cao, A., & Bolton, S. (2014). Affective neural response to restricted interests in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines, 55(2), 162–171. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12147

Famous – with Autism. AUTISM COMMUNITY NETWORK (ACN). (2013). https://www.autismcommunity.org.au/famous—with-autism.html.

Frye R. E. (2018). Social Skills Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Potential Biological Origins and Progress in Developing Therapeutic Agents. CNS drugs, 32(8), 713–734. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-018-0556-y

History’s 30 Most Inspiring People on the Autism Spectrum. Applied Behavior Analysis Programs Guide. (2017, September 22).
https://appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/historys-30-most-inspiring-people-on-the-autism-spectrum/.

Kettler, S. (2019, August 20). Matthew Labyorteaux. Biography.com. https://www.biography.com/actor/matthew-labyorteaux.

Moore, C. (2021, June 8). 7 Famous People With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Healthgrades. https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/autism/7-famous-people-with-autism-spectrum-disorder.

Wikimedia Foundation. (2021, July 11). Ghostbusters. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghostbusters.

90,000 10 famous people with Asperger’s Syndrome. Dropi

December 4, 2017, 13:05
/ Author: Oksana Byvaltseva

Asperger’s Syndrome is a form of high functioning autism that is a lifelong dysfunction that affects how a person perceives the world, processes information and relates to other people. Many people with autism have made enormous contributions to society. In fact, some of the most famous people or geniuses have been autistic.

Source:
list25.com

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#celebrities
#asperger’s syndrome

1. Stanley Kubrick

Famous film director, Stanley Kubrick was quite intrusive and had trouble interacting with people. Asperger’s Syndrome sharpened his attention to detail and may have made him a great filmmaker!

2. Dan Aykroyd

The Canadian actor said that Asperger’s helped him with Ghostbusters because he was obsessed with ghosts and law enforcement, both of which made him the perfect actor for the role! For those who don’t know, Asperger’s Syndrome can cause a person to focus on a narrow range of interests.

3. Robin Williams

Due to his social awkwardness and hyperactivity, it has been suggested that the late comedian probably has a form of autism very similar to Asperger’s syndrome. It is also known that he struggled with depression for a long time.

4. Susan Boyle

The famous Scottish singer won 2nd place in Britain’s Got Talent in 2009. Although she was diagnosed with brain damage at birth, the diagnosis was subsequently invalidated. She actually has Asperger’s, which partly explains her lack of control over her emotions.

5. James Durbin

James placed 4th on American Idol in 2011. And he has not only Asperger’s syndrome, but also Tourette’s syndrome. Apparently, singing helps him cope with both.

6. Abraham Lincoln

The sixteenth president of the United States suffered from depression and anxiety attacks, symptoms that many researchers have linked to autism. In addition, Lincoln often had nervous breakdowns.

7. Daryl Hannah

When she was young, social interaction was a real nightmare for Daryl. She even rocked back and forth to calm herself. Despite this, she continued to overcome all difficulties and became a famous actress in Hollywood.

8. Courtney Love

Legendary rocker and widow of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, Courtney was diagnosed with early stage autism at age 3.

9. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Despite his social difficulties, Mozart was a musical prodigy. He wrote his first music at the age of 5. As you can see, this brilliant man with Asperger’s Syndrome was able to achieve the greatest results.

10. Bill Gates

Although not confirmed, some observers have noted that Bill Gates exhibits signs of Asperger’s Syndrome: his rocking back and forth, disdain for conflicting opinions, focus on trifles, and monotonous speech. In fact, these “amateur” sightings have led many ordinary people with Asperger’s to see him as a hero.

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Celebrities with ASD: 8 inspiring stories

According to the World Health Organization, one in 160 children in the world has some form of autism spectrum disorder. “Rain people” are immersed in their inner world, so it can be difficult for them to build relationships. But thanks to an unusual perception of the world and colossal attention to detail, they often reach great heights in their favorite business. This is proven by the story of Alan Gardner, the hero of the Gardener’s Syndrome on TLC, and other celebrities with ASD.

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Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

American singer, 53

Kurt Cobain’s widow had a difficult childhood and adolescence. When Courtney was five, her parents divorced, and her father was deprived of parental rights for giving his daughter LSD. At the age of nine, Courtney was diagnosed with a mild form of autism. Due to her violent nature, it was not easy for her to find a language with her classmates, Courtney had problems with her studies, she was expelled from school. At 14, she ended up in a juvenile correctional facility for stealing a T-shirt from a store. She worked as a DJ, danced striptease, studied theology at Trinity College in Ireland, began acting in films in the mid-80s, then founded the rock band Hole, married the leader of Nirvana and had a daughter. In 2012, Courtney made her debut as an artist. Called “And She’s Not Even Pretty,” Courtney created the collection using ink, pastels, watercolors, and colored pencils.

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It would seem that for a person with autism, Courtney leads a very active public life, but the lyrics of her songs (for example, the single R * tard Girl about a shy and clumsy girl) and the choice of film roles (drug-addicted Alsey in Milos Forman’s film “The People against Larry Flint”) show what an abyss she felt between herself and most other people.

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Anthony Hopkins and other stars who have had alcohol problems

“For fifteen years I drank everything that poured,” says Anthony Hopkins about the beginning of his acting career with the Royal National Theater company, from where he was fired for drunkenness. But the actor made the decision to quit drinking not after another performance on the drunken stage – it was just the genius who managed it easily, but one hungover morning, when Hopkins woke up driving his car in an unfamiliar place. But still, “being in the shoes of an alcoholic is an amazingly rich life experience,” the actor assures.

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Lewis Carroll

British writer, 1832-1898

The absurd novel Alice in Wonderland is a book eccentric and captivating forming, and only a person with a special perception of the world could create it. Lewis Carroll had pronounced signs of autism spectrum disorder: from childhood it was difficult for him to get along with people, he suffered from desperate shyness, which was aggravated by severe stuttering. Like many famous autistic people, he had a strong ability in mathematics, to which he devoted more than one scientific work. In addition, the writer was fond of photography and chess.

Childhood in the family of a parish priest, studying at a private grammar school and decades of bachelor life and work in Oxford, death from bronchitis at 65 years old – this is how Carroll’s biography can be briefly recounted. But, most likely, like many people with ASD, the life of a classic with all the adventures and turbulent experiences flowed mostly in his inner world.

Anthony Hopkins

British actor, 80 years old

As a child, Hopkins suffered from dyslexia, study was difficult for him, and he decided to devote himself to art, and meeting with Hollywood star Richard Burton at the age of 15 helped him make a choice professions. The actor was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome quite late – when he was over seventy. Anthony admits that he really has few friends and does not like parties, but he really likes to study people’s behavior, as well as analyze in detail the motives of the characters’ actions.

Daryl Hannah

American actress, 57

The actress was diagnosed with autism as a child, later replaced by Asperger’s syndrome. Daryl’s parents were offered the treatment of the girl with psychotropic drugs in a specialized clinic, but her mother refused. Daryl Hannah grew up as a shy child and suffered from insomnia, which is partly why she became interested in cinema.

Despite the strong self-doubt and pathological fear of the public, which often forced her to refuse to participate in shows and interviews, the actress played in dozens of films and earned eight awards, including two Saturn Awards and an MTV movie award. Daryl hid her diagnosis from the public and producers for many years, talking about it only in 2013. She still does not like to be in the center of attention, but, by her own admission, lives happily.

David Byrne

American musician, 66

The Talking Heads frontman’s catchy voice, quirky lyrics, and vibrant performances earned him an Oscar, a Grammy, and a Golden Globe. Critic Pauline Cale once wrote that David has “an introverted, disembodied, fantastical quality about which there is something incomprehensible and almost autistic.” How close she was to the truth! In 2003, 12 years after the band’s breakup, it became known that David Byrne had Asperger’s Syndrome. The artist says that music helped him overcome the disease, although, according to experts, it is impossible to completely recover from autism spectrum disorders. Nevertheless, David lives an active life, participates in musical projects and is fond of cycling.

Susan Boyle

Scottish singer, 57

In 2009, an unemployed Scottish woman became a sensation at Britain’s Got Talent. In 2012, the musical I Dreamed A Dream was staged in the UK, based on the story of the singer.

Susan was born as the tenth child of Irish immigrant parents in Scotland. She was misdiagnosed with brain damage. Studying at school was hard, Susan suffered from bullying classmates. Six months as a trainee chef was Susan’s only work experience that no employer wanted to accept. She had to live on a disability pension, and her legal capacity was recognized as incomplete. All these years, Susan dreamed of becoming a singer and even tried to participate in music competitions, but her attempts ended in failure. However, she did not give up – the difficulties she faced from childhood hardened her character.

With her appearance at a talent show in April 2009, Susan touched the hearts of the people of Britain. Since then, she has released seven albums, starred in the movie The Christmas Candle, and has become one of the most popular (and richest) singers in the world. In 2013, she was finally diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. The singer, who had been labeled “mentally retarded” since birth, felt relieved. Of course, Susan is still not easy: she has to deal with anger, depression and anxiety, but the artist admits that it has become easier for her to accept herself.

Donna Williams

Australian artist, 1963-2017

Donna Williams is an artist, sculptor, singer, composer, writer and poet. She was born into a troubled family: her father suffered from bipolar disorder and her mother was an alcoholic. At the age of two, the girl was diagnosed with “neurosis”, later replacing it with a “mental disorder”, and only at the age of 27 she was diagnosed with autism.

As a child, Donna often rubbed her eyes furiously to lose herself in the “bright patches of fluffy color” that were her refuge from the “obsessive mumbling” of the human world around her. By the age of nine, two subpersonalities had developed in her: the rebellious, destructive and ill-mannered Willie and the kind and polite Carol.

At the age of 15, the girl left home, changed jobs and boyfriends. She still managed to finish school and get a Bachelor of Arts degree from La Trobe University in Melbourne. Donna’s book Nobody’s Nowhere: The Astonishing Autobiography of an Autistic Girl became a bestseller, followed by Somebody, Somewhere and Like a Color to a Blind Man, also based on the author’s life. In addition, she has published two collections of poetry and prose, several teaching aids for children and adolescents with autism, recorded two albums, and created a number of amazing paintings and sculptures. At 53, Donna died of cancer.

Alan Gardner

English gardener

Winner of numerous prestigious landscape design awards and TLC’s The Gardener’s Syndrome, he has Asperger’s Syndrome. Alan was 15 years old when he fell in love with flowers and began numerous experiments in the family garden. Alan went to work for the Parks Department at Birmingham City Council, and in 1986 became a landscape designer. Alan is now married and has three children.

Alan admits that he has a special need to take care of plants and be outdoors, the garden makes him happy. The special attitude inherent in people with Asperger’s syndrome, in the case of Alan, was manifested by attention to the smallest details and the ability to see the elusive sequence of elements of wildlife and combine them.