Famous Autistic People
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Famous Autistic People
While Autism is thought to be a ‘newer condition’, histories and records have
revealed that many notable figures in history may
have been on the autism spectrum. Although many reports are technically
inconclusive due to the lack of a comprehensive history, many of them have
significant evidence to at least point towards a person on the Autistic
Spectrum.
Albert Einstein
Einstein had difficulty with social interactions, had tactile sensitivity,
was very intelligent yet found his language difficult at times, and had
difficulty learning in school. It may have been that Einstein had such a hard
time with learning in school because he did not have the accommodations and
different teaching styles that many autistic children need. Because of this,
it makes perfect sense that someone so intelligent and full of ideas about the
world could fall behind in school. It also makes sense that, because of his
social interactions with others, he found it difficult to get a job despite his
intelligence. Many of the individuals also have a lack of desire for food and
the same disregard for timeliness of meals as Einstein. However, Einstein did
not care what he ate and completed his meals with no complaints. Many other
autistics were very specific about the kinds, colors, textures, and smells of
foods if they had any aversion to food at all. His carelessness for the time
or necessity of food rather than persistence on what the food he ate is
slightly different than most autistics. However, all autistics are different,
and therefore it is indeterminant whether this should be classified as an
autistic trait or not. Einstein had a relationship with a woman whom he
eventually married and had three children with. The marriage seemed to have
quite a bit of difficulty, but the woman gave birth to three children with
him. However, although Einstein showed love and concern for his children, the
he could not stand for the children to touch him. This, sounds very
characteristic of an autistic. It is important to realize that Einstein was
very different and it was his difference that made him develop ideas that made
him famous. Therefore, his differences made him the celebrated individual he
is today. This should give us a second look at those who we consider
different, and make us realize that being different is not a bad thing. It is
instead, something to be celebrated and accepted.
Source: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn3676-einstein-and-newton-showed-signs-of-autism.html
Amadeus Mozart
Mozart reportedly had repeated facial expressions and unintentional
constant motion of his hands and feet It was also believed that Mozart’s
hearing was very sensitive and intense and loud sounds made him feel physically
sick. Other reports indicate that he was excessively active. Mozart was
unable to carry on an intellectual conversation and existed in a careless and
reckless way with impolite and frequent mood changes. It is reported that one
day, Mozart was particularly bored and jumped up and hurdled over tables and
chairs, meowed like a cat and did somersaults. Mozart’s letters indicated a
presence of echolalia which may be a way of communicating for autistics. These
characteristics indicate that Mozart could have been on the autistic
spectrum.
Source: http://www.brighthub.com/mental-health/autism-pdd/articles/88340.aspx
Sir Isaac Newton
Newton was very quiet and not very good at ‘small talk’, or typical day to
day conversations. He was extraordinarily focused on his work and had a hard
time breaking away. He was often so focused that he forgot to eat during these
times of intense focus. This is a trait very commonly found in autistics and
this extreme focus often blocks out other things that would likely capture an
individuals attention. Newton was not good at keeping or making friends as he did not appear friendly, nor did he know how to talk with individuals he did
consider to be friends. Newton also relied strongly upon routines. For
example, if he had been scheduled to give a lecture, that lecture was going to
happen whether there was an audience or not.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2988647.stm
Charles Darwin
Prof Michael Fitzgerald conducted research on Charles Darwin, and supplied
numerous facts supporting his theory that Darwin was autistic. Fitzgerald
stated that Darwin was a solitary child, and even as he grew to be an adult,
avoided interaction with people as much as he could. He wrote letters often,
but did not often partake in face-to-face communication. Writing letters was
his preferred means of communication. This is similar to other autistics who
adopt other ways to communicate that vary from direct speaking. Darwin
collected many things and was very intrigued by chemistry and gadgets. This
fixation on certain topics and objects is another characteristic often seen in
autistic people. He was a very visual thinker, as many autistic people think
spatially and visually. Fitzgerald describes Darwin in this article as, “a
rather obsessive-compulsive and ritualistic man”. Together, these
characteristics seem to point to the conclusion that Darwin most likely had
some form of autism.
Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/4680971/Charles-Darwin-had-autism-leading-psychiatrist-claims.html
Thomas Jefferson
There is speculation that Thomas Jefferson, the third president and writer
of the Declaration of Independence may have been autistic or have Asperger’s
syndrome. Norm Ledgin, author of Diagnosing Jefferson, indicates that Jefferson
was shy, had an inability to relate to others, had difficulties in public
speaking and was sensitive to loud noises. Also, similarly to Einstein,
Jefferson had a difficulty with his finances. Although he kept an accurate
record of all of his transactions, he died in debt. He also had an obsession
for remodeling his home and was very eccentric. Jefferson had some “abnormal”
tendencies including wearing slippers to important meetings and always having a
mocking bird that sat on his shoulder to keep. This mock bird may have been an
effort to keep him calm during social interactions. Unfortunately, due to a
fire, there are no records of Jefferson’s childhood. Therefore, it is difficult
to determine whether he may have had delayed speech or display any earlier
signs of autism.
Source: http://www.jonathans-stories.com/non-fiction/undiagnosing.html#Thomas%20Jefferson
Michelangelo
Michelangelo’s artistic genius may have been a symptom of autism. Two
doctors, Dr. Arshad and Professor Fitzgerald said, “Michelango’s single-minded
work routine, unusual lifestyle, limited interests, poor social and
communication skills and various issues of life control appear to be features
of high-function autism or asperger’s syndrome.” Michelangelo had obsessional
behavior, a fiery temper, and the propensity to be a loner which could be signs
of autism. Michalengelo was also obsessive and followed repetitive routines.
If he did not follow these routines, it would create great frustration.
Michelangelo has been described as strange, without affect, and isolated, as
well as being “preoccupied with his own private reality.” These characteristics
may point to a diagnosis of autism and may have helped him become the creatively
artistic individual he is famous for.
While Autism is thought to be a ‘newer condition’, histories and records have
revealed that many notable figures in history may
have been on the autism spectrum. Although many reports are technically
inconclusive due to the lack of a comprehensive history, many of them have
significant evidence to at least point towards a person on the Autistic
Spectrum.
Albert Einstein
Einstein had difficulty with social interactions, had tactile sensitivity,
was very intelligent yet found his language difficult at times, and had
difficulty learning in school. It may have been that Einstein had such a hard
time with learning in school because he did not have the accommodations and
different teaching styles that many autistic children need. Because of this,
it makes perfect sense that someone so intelligent and full of ideas about the
world could fall behind in school. It also makes sense that, because of his
social interactions with others, he found it difficult to get a job despite his
intelligence. Many of the individuals also have a lack of desire for food and
the same disregard for timeliness of meals as Einstein. However, Einstein did
not care what he ate and completed his meals with no complaints. Many other
autistics were very specific about the kinds, colors, textures, and smells of
foods if they had any aversion to food at all. His carelessness for the time
or necessity of food rather than persistence on what the food he ate is
slightly different than most autistics. However, all autistics are different,
and therefore it is indeterminant whether this should be classified as an
autistic trait or not. Einstein had a relationship with a woman whom he
eventually married and had three children with. The marriage seemed to have
quite a bit of difficulty, but the woman gave birth to three children with
him. However, although Einstein showed love and concern for his children, the
he could not stand for the children to touch him. This, sounds very
characteristic of an autistic. It is important to realize that Einstein was
very different and it was his difference that made him develop ideas that made
him famous. Therefore, his differences made him the celebrated individual he
is today. This should give us a second look at those who we consider
different, and make us realize that being different is not a bad thing. It is
instead, something to be celebrated and accepted.
Source: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn3676-einstein-and-newton-showed-signs-of-autism.html
Amadeus Mozart
Mozart reportedly had repeated facial expressions and unintentional
constant motion of his hands and feet It was also believed that Mozart’s
hearing was very sensitive and intense and loud sounds made him feel physically
sick. Other reports indicate that he was excessively active. Mozart was
unable to carry on an intellectual conversation and existed in a careless and
reckless way with impolite and frequent mood changes. It is reported that one
day, Mozart was particularly bored and jumped up and hurdled over tables and
chairs, meowed like a cat and did somersaults. Mozart’s letters indicated a
presence of echolalia which may be a way of communicating for autistics. These
characteristics indicate that Mozart could have been on the autistic
spectrum.
Source: http://www.brighthub.com/mental-health/autism-pdd/articles/88340.aspx
Sir Isaac Newton
Newton was very quiet and not very good at ‘small talk’, or typical day to
day conversations. He was extraordinarily focused on his work and had a hard
time breaking away. He was often so focused that he forgot to eat during these
times of intense focus. This is a trait very commonly found in autistics and
this extreme focus often blocks out other things that would likely capture an
individuals attention. Newton was not good at keeping or making friends as he did not appear friendly, nor did he know how to talk with individuals he did
consider to be friends. Newton also relied strongly upon routines. For
example, if he had been scheduled to give a lecture, that lecture was going to
happen whether there was an audience or not.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2988647.stm
Charles Darwin
Prof Michael Fitzgerald conducted research on Charles Darwin, and supplied
numerous facts supporting his theory that Darwin was autistic. Fitzgerald
stated that Darwin was a solitary child, and even as he grew to be an adult,
avoided interaction with people as much as he could. He wrote letters often,
but did not often partake in face-to-face communication. Writing letters was
his preferred means of communication. This is similar to other autistics who
adopt other ways to communicate that vary from direct speaking. Darwin
collected many things and was very intrigued by chemistry and gadgets. This
fixation on certain topics and objects is another characteristic often seen in
autistic people. He was a very visual thinker, as many autistic people think
spatially and visually. Fitzgerald describes Darwin in this article as, “a
rather obsessive-compulsive and ritualistic man”. Together, these
characteristics seem to point to the conclusion that Darwin most likely had
some form of autism.
Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/4680971/Charles-Darwin-had-autism-leading-psychiatrist-claims.html
Thomas Jefferson
There is speculation that Thomas Jefferson, the third president and writer
of the Declaration of Independence may have been autistic or have Asperger’s
syndrome. Norm Ledgin, author of Diagnosing Jefferson, indicates that Jefferson
was shy, had an inability to relate to others, had difficulties in public
speaking and was sensitive to loud noises. Also, similarly to Einstein,
Jefferson had a difficulty with his finances. Although he kept an accurate
record of all of his transactions, he died in debt. He also had an obsession
for remodeling his home and was very eccentric. Jefferson had some “abnormal”
tendencies including wearing slippers to important meetings and always having a
mocking bird that sat on his shoulder to keep. This mock bird may have been an
effort to keep him calm during social interactions. Unfortunately, due to a
fire, there are no records of Jefferson’s childhood. Therefore, it is difficult
to determine whether he may have had delayed speech or display any earlier
signs of autism.
Source: http://www.jonathans-stories.com/non-fiction/undiagnosing.html#Thomas%20Jefferson
Michelangelo
Michelangelo’s artistic genius may have been a symptom of autism. Two
doctors, Dr. Arshad and Professor Fitzgerald said, “Michelango’s single-minded
work routine, unusual lifestyle, limited interests, poor social and
communication skills and various issues of life control appear to be features
of high-function autism or asperger’s syndrome.” Michelangelo had obsessional
behavior, a fiery temper, and the propensity to be a loner which could be signs
of autism. Michalengelo was also obsessive and followed repetitive routines.
If he did not follow these routines, it would create great frustration.
Michelangelo has been described as strange, without affect, and isolated, as
well as being “preoccupied with his own private reality.” These characteristics
may point to a diagnosis of autism and may have helped him become the creatively
artistic individual he is famous for.