Famous Autistic People

While a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder can be a stressful event, parents should take heart in the fact that some of the world's most talented, knowledgeable, and successful individuals are known or suspected of being among the ranks of famous autistic people. From the world's most celebrated composers to heralded scientists, inventors, and mathematical geniuses, individuals with autism spectrum disorders or autistic traits have distinguished themselves throughout history with amazing levels of creativity and ability. In the words of Dr. Hans Asperger, a pioneer in the field of autism, “ It seems that for success in science and art, a dash of autism is essential.”

Darryl Hannah was diagnosed as borderline autistic.

Although autism was first given its name in the 1940s, it seems to have been present in the population throughout history. Many people who are said to have displayed the symptoms of autism lived and died before the means were available to definitively diagnose them as having an autism spectrum disorder. Still others who became prominent after autism was officially recognized were never tested. Consequently, while descriptions given of the behavior and traits of these individuals may lead to the conclusion that autism was part of their lives, in many cases this theory can never be proven.

Among the ranks of those widely considered as famous autistic people are a number of world renowned musical composers. These include:

• Ludwig van Beethoven, 1770-1827
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 1756-1791
• Richard Strauss, 1864-1949
• Béla Bartók, 1881-1945.

Famous writers make the list of celebrated personalities suspected of having autism as well. Among these are:

• W. B. Yeats
• George Orwell
• Keith Joseph
• Lewis Carroll
• Hans Christian Andersen

A number of world famous scientists are thought to have been autistic, such as:

• Albert Einstein
• Henry Cavendish
• Charles Darwin
• Isaac Newton
• Charles Richter
• Alan Turing

Politicians, presidents, and world leaders, both famous and infamous are suspected of being on the autism spectrum, including well known names like:

• Charles XII of Sweden
• Éamon de Valera
• Thomas Jefferson
• Adolf Hitler

As autism awareness and understanding reaches unprecedented levels, prominent people are less hesitant to proclaim their status on the autism spectrum. Among those celebrated personalities who have been diagnosed with varying forms of autism are a number of well known names such as:

• Actor Matthew Laborteaux
• Actress Daryl Hannah
• Singer and songwriter Gary Numan
• Musician Peter Tork
• Composer Hikari Ōe
• Pulitzer Prize-winning critic and author Tim Page
• Author Elisabeth Hughes
• U.S. autistic jazz prodigy Matt Savage

The list of famous autistic people goes on and on, lending credence to the theory held by many that the genes that contribute to autism are closely related to those that create genius. While it is true that autism can be very debilitating to many who must live with it, the intense or even obsessive interests that are among the most prominent of autistic traits have been at the root of many of the world's most innovative inventions and amazing discoveries.

• 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

• Defeat Autism Now
• Best Schools for Autistic Children
• Autistic Adults
• Was Albert Einstein Autistic
• High Functioning Autistic Adults