Autism is a brain development disorder characterized by a number of symptoms differing in severity based on the individual. Since autism was not added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) until the 1980s, autism itself has been around a lot longer. Now that experts know a lot more about autism and how it impacts people, it is possible to look at historical figures and speculate whether or not they may have been on the autism spectrum. Knowing that famous historical figures may have had autism or Asperger’s may help individuals draw a connection to them in coping with their diagnoses.
Albert Einstein
Researchers believe that Einstein showed signs of Asperger’s from early childhood. When he was a child, he was a loner and repeated sentences, often obsessively, which are traits of Asperger’s, a form of autism. As an adult, Einstein was often obsessive about his work, studying one topic to the exclusion of everything else. He also struggled with social interactions and small talk, and of the few friends he had, was often bad-tempered toward them.
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Sir Isaac Newton
Like Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton was not very communicative, and struggled with small talk and ordinary daily conversation. He was socially inept, and did not have many friends. Along with this, Newton often became obsessively fixated with topics, even forgetting to eat when he was working. In addition, Newton stuck closely to his routines. When he was scheduled to give lectures, even if no one showed up, he gave the lectures anyway.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson, author the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States, was unable to relate to others on a social level, and was extremely shy in social settings. He was also struggled with public speaking and was highly sensitive to loud noises. Jefferson also had an almost obsessive fascination with remodeling his home. He also had some eccentricities in his behaviors, such as wearing slippers to important business meetings.
Michelangelo
Michelangelo also exhibited traits of autism. He, too, was obsessive about his work. However, he was also obsessive about his routine. If his creative routine were to be interrupted, Michelangelo became agitated and frustrated, as if unable to continue. Michelangelo also had few friends, and was often emotionally distant from them. He did not have effective communication or social skills.
Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol was known for being eccentric, and many of his behaviors could be viewed as manifestations of autism. He greatly valued repetition, which can be seen in his screen-printing art pieces. In addition, he was not a social person, and when he did converse, it was minimally. He was also highly focused on detail to the point of obsession.
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While it is impossible to say definitively whether or not these historical figures had autism or Asperger’s, researchers can point to specific behaviors and tendencies that suggest they did. This is an important distinction. It shows that autism is not a new condition, even though it is only recently included in the DSM. Knowing that people throughout history have been incredibly successful, even with autism, can help others understand how they can use their gifts to be successful, too.
FAQs
1. Elon Musk. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is one of the most well-known figures in modern technology. What many people don't know is that he has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, which is a form of autism.
Who was case #1 of autism? ›
Donald Gray Triplett (September 8, 1933 – June 15, 2023) was an American banker known for being the first person diagnosed with autism. He was first diagnosed by Leo Kanner in 1943, and was labeled as "Case 1".
Who are the historical researchers of autism? ›
The pioneers in research into autism were Hans Asperger and Leo Kanner. They were working separately in the 1940's. Asperger described very able children while Kanner described children who were severely affected. Their views remained useful for physicians for the next three decades.
Who is the famous autism lady? ›
| Temple Grandin |
|---|
| Grandin in 2011 |
| Born | Mary Temple Grandin August 29, 1947 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Franklin Pierce University (BA) Arizona State University (MS) University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (PhD) |
| Known for | Livestock industry consultancy Autism rights activism |
6 more rowsActor Christopher Gorham, know for his roles in Ugly Betty and Covert fairs, has a son who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 9. “Because he's very high functioning we didn't really know that something was off until later. It's upsetting to hear that something is wrong with your child.
Which singer has autism? ›
Sia has revealed that she has autism. The singer and songwriter shared the information in an episode of the “Rob Has a Podcast,” which featured Carolyn Wiger, a former contestant on the reality competition “Survivor.” “I'm on the spectrum, and I'm in recovery and whatever,” Sia said. “There's a lot of things.”
What actress has an autistic husband? ›
For viewers who have followed along with Schumer's life, parallels can be drawn while watching her character and her new husband navigate an ASD diagnosis. Schumer's real-life husband, Chris Fischer, received his own ASD diagnosis after they wed in 2018.
Has an autistic person won an Oscar? ›
Actor, director, and film producer Anthony Hopkins has won several accolades, including an Academy Award, three BAFTAs, two Emmys, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award. He revealed: “I've been diagnosed with Asperger's, but I'm high- end.
Who is the oldest autistic person to live? ›
Sadly, Donald Triplett passed away at the age of 89 from cancer on June 15, 2023. He holds the distinction of being the longest-living person known to be autistic. His life and journey continue to contribute to the understanding and awareness of autism spectrum disorder.
Who described autism in 1943? ›
In 1943, Leo Kanner published the first systematic description of early infantile autism. He concluded that this was a neurodevelopmental disorder and that 'these children have come into the world with an innate inability to form the usual, biologically provided contact with people'.
Level 3 autism is the most severe and lowest functioning category. Those with Level 3 autism have immense difficulty socializing, speaking, and communicating nonverbally. These children experience great distress in situations outside of his/her comfort zone.
What famous mathematician has autism? ›
Isaac Newton is widely regarded as being autistic. He discovered calculus, came up with a mathematically described theory of gravity and described the wave properties of light. He was probably the first man who could be called a true physicist and his laws of motion are world famous.
What famous authors are autistic? ›
In the past we've seen brilliant writers like James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, Hans Christian Andersen, Emily Dickinson, Emily Bronte, Janet Frame, and Lewis Carroll described as exhibiting forms of autism.
Who is the founder of cure autism now? ›
In 2007, Autism Speaks completed its merger with Cure Autism Now (CAN). CAN was founded in 1995 by Jonathan Shestack and Portia Iversen.
Which founding fathers were autistic? ›
Benjamin Franklin. It is said that the founding father of the United States, Benjamin Franklin, was on the autism spectrum.
Who was the longest living autistic person? ›
Sadly, Donald Triplett passed away at the age of 89 from cancer on June 15, 2023. He holds the distinction of being the longest-living person known to be autistic. His life and journey continue to contribute to the understanding and awareness of autism spectrum disorder.
Did autism exist in history? ›
It is difficult to say whether there was a time when nobody had autism, as the condition has likely existed for as long as humans have. However, it is possible that autism was not recognized or understood in the same way that it is today.
