Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects the way individuals communicate, learn, and interact with the world. It is a developmental disorder that is often believed to hinder the individual’s quality of life. But it’s worth noting that several people with ASD have achieved great success in their fields.
While some of these individuals were professionally diagnosed, others have self-diagnosed based on their traits and tendencies. This list of famous people with autism can help clear misconceptions and promote acceptance of ASD.
What Is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that may or may not stem from genetic conditions.
Those diagnosed with ASD often experience difficulties with social abilities and interactions. They may respond to situations differently and find difficulty in interacting, learning, and concentrating in their daily life. ASD can manifest in different people differently. While some are high functioning and completely capable of living independent lives, others can be non-verbal and need round-the-clock care.
You’ll also be surprised to discover a lot of famous people with autism have been very successful in their careers.
10 Famous People Who Are Autistic
Here are some famous people you’ll be surprised to know have autism.
1. Dan Aykroyd
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Dan Aykroyd is a famous comedian/actor who is most known for his acting and writing role in Ghostbusters in 1984. He was diagnosed with ASD in the 1980s and has had an active role in the film industry.
2. Albert Einstein
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Albert Einstein was one of the greatest German scientists of all time, he theorized more than half of what we know about the world today. At a young age, he suffered from severe speech delay and echolalia, which prompted many experts to deduce that he was autistic.
3. Nikola Tesla
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Tesla is famous for being the original genius whose ideas were consistently stolen by Thomas Edison. Recently, experts have begun to argue that Tesla was extremely autistic. He had numerous phobias, was sensitive to sound and light, and preferred being isolated. He was also obsessed with the number three.
4. Lewis Carroll
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Many believe that the reason Lewis got along with children better than he did with adults was that he was autistic and found it easier to communicate with children. Examining his tendencies has also led experts to argue that he was severely autistic at a time when the knowledge of ASD was limited at best.
5. Elon Musk
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Elon Musk, the wealthiest man on Earth, shared on Saturday Night Live that he is autistic. The billionaire claimed his hyper-focused mind and attention to detail aided his pursuit of science and technology. Forbes reports that Musk has a net worth of a whopping $180.7 billion.
6. Steve Jobs
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Steve Jobs, the brains behind Apple, has never openly admitted to being autistic. However, many experts have observed his social interactions and personality traits that have led them to believe he did indeed have autism.
7. Tim Burton
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Tim Burton is a common name in Hollywood. Despite the fact that he has not been professionally diagnosed, Tim diagnosed himself as autistic at the realization that he shared most of the traits of those affected by ASD.
8. Jerry Seinfeld
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Renowned comedian Jerry Seinfeld has remarked in an interview that he believes he is “on the spectrum”. While he later retracted his comment and has never been professionally diagnosed, he said that he could never relate to regular people. “But I don’t see it as dysfunctional,” he said, “I just think of it as an alternate mindset.”
9. Temple Grandin
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Temple Grandin is famous for being an autistic scientist and animal behaviorist. She is an active advocate for people with autism and is currently a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University.
10. Greta Thunberg
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Greta Thunberg is an environmental activist who discovered her ASD very early in life. She puts a positive spin on autism by claiming it to be her superpower. She says her diagnosis helped her understand her condition better and made her stronger.