Autism is undoubtedly a challenging condition though we must admit that for many people, it hasn’t been a hindrance, and they have managed to achieve milestones.
Notwithstanding the autism traits, you or your close one may have, autistic people have distinct abilities and strengths.
Read the full article below to know the famous people who have reached great heights despite being autistic.
Famous People with Autism Spectrum Disorder
We have dug into several aspects that may help a person with Autism to achieve success. Let’s look at such people who we believe in having Autism.
Dan Aykroyd: Actor and Film Writer
Dan Aykroyd is a comedic actor who gained prominence for his acting and the writing of the 1984 film titled Ghostbusters.
Albert Einstein: Scientist & Mathematician
This is to be believed by many that Albert Einstein had autism spectrum disorder.
Daryl Hannah: Actress & Environmental Activist
Hannah gained popularity for her performance in movies like Blade Runner, Steel Magnolias, and Splash. As a child, she had Autism and got diagnosed with it. She used to be extremely shy in front of other people and was very scared of the limelight as an adult.
Anthony Hopkins: Actor
Hopkins, whom we know as an award-winning actor, was also diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in his childhood. ASD symptoms include compulsive thinking, seeing people with different outlooks, and problems sustaining friendships.
Tim Burton: Movie Director
Burton has always been rumored to be having Autism but his long-time girlfriend, Helena Bonham Carter, thinks he has that disorder. Tim has a distinct outlook and sometimes becomes highly involved in his work to such an extent that he no longer listens to what is happening around him.
Heather Kuzmich: Reality TV Participant and Model
In 2007, Heather Kuzmich participated in America’s Next Top Model. Her ASD traits include problems in getting a social dialogue with others, not getting jokes, as well as difficulties in eye contact.
Henry Cavendish: Scientist
Henry is a well-known scientist and was born in 1731. He was famous for discovering hydrogen. His ASD traits included bypassing company and problems maintaining eye contact. He communicated with his servants in writing to avoid talking and even ordered his meals using a note. Henry also built a private staircase on the back of his house to bypass the housekeeper. He died in 1810.
Emily Dickinson: Poet
It is also believed that Emily Dickinson had autism spectrum disorder. She was a classical poet born in 1830 and passed away in 1886. She was quiet and used to interacting with kids but preferred being distant from adults.
Charles Darwin: Geologist, Biologist, and Naturalist
Charles was also believed to have Autism. He was a tranquil person and always tended to avoid social interactions. He even communicated in writing to avoid verbal communication and was intensely involved in his work.
Bobby Fischer: Chess Grandmaster
Bobby is famous as a chess grandmaster as well as World Chess Champion. His ASD traits include difficulty in interacting with others.
Barbara McClintock: Scientist and Cytogeneticist
Barbara was a renowned scientist who made breakthroughs in chromosome study and how they altered the reproduction process. She was also thought to have autism spectrum disorder. She was highly focused on her work and considered social attention very evitative to the extent that she nearly declined the Nobel Prize.
Bill Gates: Microsoft Corporation Co-founder
Gates is also believed to suffer from autism spectrum disorder. He has a monotone speech pattern and also prefers to prevent eye contact.
Sir Isaac Newton: Mathematician, Physicist, and Astronomer
Newton is another renowned historical figure who tried to stay away from other people to the best of his ability. He didn’t like socializing and used to get awkward speaking with others.
Michelangelo: Sculptor, Architect, Poet, and Painter
Michelangelo was a renowned artist and was believed to be autistic. He was born in 1475 and had an intense fixation on his work. His ASD traits include problems with social interactions and challenges with emotional regulation.
Jerry Seinfeld: Comedian
Seinfeld is considered to be one of the best comedians ever. He admitted openly that he had Autism as he faced difficulty in social interactions.
Nikola Tesla: Inventor
Tesla is thought to suffer from Autism as he had several fears and was very sensitive to light and sound. He used to isolate himself from others.
Satoshi Tajiri: Pokémon Creator
Satoshi Tajiri found bugs attractive as a child and eventually created Pokémon as an adult. He is also believed to have autism spectrum disorder.
Elon Musk: Entrepreneur
In May 2021, Elon Musk revealed that he was diagnosed with Autism while hosting “Saturday Night Live.” He said that he was “the first person with Asperger’s” to host the show. He is now one of the wealthiest people in the world.
Dr. Vernon Smith: Professor
Vernon Smith is an Economics professor at Chapman University, and he invented the field of experimental economics, which brought him a Nobel Prize. He believes that his ASD traits have helped him, as he does not feel any social burden to do things in a typical way, enabling him to perform his work differently with new perceptions.
Clay Marzo: Professional Surfer
Clay Marzo is a professional competitive surfer, and as a child, he was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. He is the winner of several surfing competitions and achieved many milestones.
Well, Autism has turned out to be a blessing for many people. Stay tuned for more such news.