Celebrities with Autism

Celebrities with autism may or may not fall into the Hollywood image of celebrity. Many famous autistic people are well known for accomplishments that have nothing to do with stage or screen. In some cases, the celebrities dealing with autism are parents.

Many children are born into fame because of their celebrity parents, and some have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Famous parents of autistic children have a great influence on building awareness about pervasive developmental disorders. Some have dedicated much time and energy into their causes.

Famous people who have autistic children include but are not limited to:

• Jenny McCarthy
• Gary Cole
• Toni Braxton
• Ed Asner
• Aidan Quinn
• Joe Mantegna
• Doug Flutie
• John Travolta
• Sylvester Stallone
• Dan Marino
• Myron Cope
• Richard Burton

The prognosis for children with autistic disorders varies according to the severity of the condition and the specific diagnosis. Many people on the spectrum thrive in their communities, some reaching celebrity status for their great accomplishments.

• Temple Grandin PhD is a successful author diagnosed with autism. Dr Grandin is a professor of Animal Science and she has designed handling facilities for livestock. Her books focus on the subject of animals and autism, respectively. Temple embraces her unique perception and neurologically atypical mental processing as assets.

• Thomas McKean is a celebrity among the autism community for his dedication to individuals and families affected by pervasive developmental disorders. Thomas was diagnosed with autism in 1979, when he was 14 years old. He was an institutionalized in a psychiatric facility for two years following his diagnosis. His experiences have led him to become an active advocate for people with pervasive developmental disorders.

• Donna Williams is an artist who refers to herself as a "kinesthetic thinker", offering insight into mental processing and how it can differ from on individual to the next. She is the author of the best selling book, Nobody Nowhere.

• Kim Miller is a talented artist who has helped people understand the autistic experience as it relates to communication, interpersonal relationships and visual arts. Kim, along with her mother, Eileen Miller, talk about autism in speaking engagements.

• Stephen Shore has reached celebrity status for many people in the autism community. Stephen was nonverbal until the age of four and doctors suggested that he be put in an institution. With his parents guidance and with support from dedicated professionals, Stephen thrived, eventually authoring Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome and he continues to be a driving force in the autism community as an educator and speaker.

• Daniel Tammet is an autistic savant, writer and educator featured in the television special "Brainmain". He has the unique ability to describe how his mind functions, offering insight into issues involving sensory processing, language and social interactions.

Some celebrities with autism have openly discussed their conditions.

• Gary Numan, musician
• Peter Tork, musician and actor
• Satoshi Tajiri, creator of PokeMon
• Matt Savage, musician

Much speculation is circulation as to whether certain actors, musicians, artists and other famous people fall into the autism spectrum. It is not possible to diagnose someone post-mortem, nor is it reasonable to diagnose a person based on speculation, behavior characteristics and rumors.

While some reports state that celebrities including Keanu Reeves, Woody Allen and Bill Gates have some form of autism, there appears to be no solid evidence to support these speculations. Some reports are sketchy. For example, Dan Aykrod may or may not have Asperger's syndrome.

While many have visions of Hollywood stardom when they think about celebrities, those in the autism community often recognize notable individuals who pave the way for greater acceptance, understanding and research.

• Preschool Activities for Autistic Children
• Possible Causes of Autism
• Tips for Raising Kids with Autism
• What Is Your Autism Empathy Rating?

• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People