7 Famous People With Autism Spectrum Disorder
By nazera - July 21, 2020
Being diagnose with autism does not prevent them from chasing their dreams and be amazing. These are ASD stories that can encourage parents or kids with ASD and give inspiration that they can achieve success while finding their passion.
1. Dan Aykroyd
Comedic actor Dan Aykroyd was expelled from two schools as a child and was later diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a high functioning form of autism now considered part of the autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, in the 1980’s. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Aykroyd shared that one of his symptoms of ASD was his obsession with ghosts and law enforcement. Aykroyd goes on to credit this symptom of ASD as a catalyst for Ghostbusters.
2. Susan Boyle
Britain’s Got Talent singing sensation Susan Boyle was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome as an adult. The Scottish singer, who was misdiagnosed with brain damage at birth, told The Guardian that her diagnosis helps her have a better understanding of herself. Bullied as a child because she was “different,” Boyle went on to become a bestselling artist who also had a cameo role in the film, The Christmas Candle. Though Boyle also struggles with depression and mood swings, she now knows how to cope with and manage her symptoms, and credits having a great team of supportive people with helping thrive.
3. Albert Einstein
Okay, we don’t know for sure. But, according to autism expert Simon Baron-Cohen from Cambridge University, Einstein showed many signs of Asperger syndrome. Other experts agree including Michael Fitzgerald, professor of psychiatry at Trinity College in Dublin. He’s also adding to the list: Isaac Newton, George Orwell, H. G. Wells Ludwig Wittgenstein, Beethoven, Mozart, and Hans Christian Andersen.
4. Temple Grandin
Temple Grandin, a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University and author of several books, including Thinking In Pictures and The Way I See It, didn’t begin speaking until she was almost four years old. Like Daryl Hannah, when Grandin was diagnosed with autism as a child, institutionalization was the recommended treatment. Her parents disagreed. In addition to her writing, Grandin is a prominent speaker on both autism and animal behavior.
5. Daryl Hannah
Actress Daryl Hannah was diagnosed with autism as a child. In an interview with People Magazine, Hannah opened up about her “debilitating shyness” as a child and fear of fame as an adult. Hannah shared with People Magazine that she was diagnosed at a time when autism was largely misunderstood and her doctors recommended medication and institutionalization. Though her mother refused this treatment, she remained socially isolated and found solace in movies. This inspired her focus on acting.
6. Sir Anthony Hopkins
Oscar award-winning actor Sir Anthony Hopkins was also diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, though when he was diagnosed remains unclear. Hopkins references learning differences as a child in media interviews as well as obsessive thinking and difficulty maintaining friendships even as an adult. Hopkins does credit ASD with his unique ability to look at people differently and deconstruct a character.
7. Heather Kuzmich
America’s Next Top Model contestant, Heather Kuzmich, gave viewers a behind the scenes look at Asperger’s Syndrome during the 2007 season of the show. Living in a house with twelve strangers/competitors presented challenges Kuzmich as she dealt with jokes she didn’t quite understand, decoding difficult social innuendo, and worked through other symptoms (such as difficulty holding eye contact) as the show progressed. Kuzmich was voted viewer favorite eight weeks a row during the competition and ended up in the top five.
Hurley, K. (n.d.). 7 Famous People With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved July 20, 2020, from https://www.psycom.net/autism-famous-people/
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