Do you know anybody with Asperger Syndrome? You probably do. Asperger’s is a form of high functioning autism, and many people with autism have made enormous contributions to society. In fact, some of the world’s biggest and most well-known geniuses were autistic or had autistic tendencies. Here are 20 Famous People With Asperger Syndrome.
Stanley Kubrick
A famous movie director, Stanley was quite obsessive and had trouble dealing with people while making movies. While that sounds bad, his Asperger’s also led to his insane attention to detail and his eventual fame as a film director!
Dan Aykroyd
The Canadian actor said his Asperger’s helped him with the film Ghostbusters because he was obsessed with ghosts and law enforcement, both of which made him the perfect person for the role! For those of you that don’t know, Asperger’s can cause an individual to have intense focus on a narrow range of interests.
Robin Williams
Thanks to his social awkwardness and hyperactive nature, it has been suggested that the late comedian likely had an autism spectrum disorder like Asperger’s. Unfortunately, he also battled depression. Autistic spectrum disorders can lead to the classic “troubled artist” stereotype.
Michelangelo
The famous Renaissance artist was notable for being unable to keep relationships with anybody. Some experts have even hypothesized that his troubled social life and Asperger’s symptoms led to a more intense focus on his art work, which also led him to become a ninja turtle. Okay, just kidding. We couldn’t resist.
Charles Richter
The seismologist famous for creating the Richter scale measurement of earthquakes, Charles was also well known for his social awkwardness. Although he fared poorly in the give-and-take of a conversation, if you asked him to talk about earthquakes…he wouldn’t stop. These sorts of one-sided conversations are typical of Asperger’s.
Susan Boyle
The famous Scottish singer won 2nd place on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009. Although she was diagnosed by doctors with “brain damage” at birth, the diagnosis was later shown to be wrong. She in fact has Asperger’s, which partly explained her lack of control over her emotions.
James Durbin
James was the 4th place winner on American Idol in 2011. And not only does he have Asperger’s, he also has Tourette. Apparently singing helps relieve his tics (from tourette) and also gives him a creative outlet with regards to Asperger’s.
Abraham Lincoln
Thanks to his love of routine, rigid nature, and history of depression, some psychologists have suggested that Lincoln had Asperger’s. Of course, all those traits led him to be the greatest president in history. Well, maybe except for the depression.
Paddy Considine
The British actor’s directorial debut Tyrannosaur is partly based on his Asperger’s. In spite of Asperger’s making it hard to read social cues, the disorder gifted him with intense focus that allowed him to overcome his deficits and become an award winning actor!
Daryl Hannah
During early life, social interaction was a nightmare for Daryl. She would even rock back and forth to self-soothe. In spite of this, she went on to overcome the odds and become a well known Hollywood actress who starred in several films during the 1980s, notably Splash.
Temple Grandin
A famous animal scientist, due to Temple’s autism she is able to relate better to the animals she studies. Apparently, what she lacks in human social intelligence, she more than makes up for when dealing with animals. She was even named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people.
Prince John of the United Kingdom
A 20th century British prince, John was known for his repetitive behaviors and seclusion. Although scientists and historians have been unable to piece together an exact diagnosis, some of John’s social ineptitude lines up with what psychologists would expect from Asperger’s.
Courtney Love
The legendary rocker and widow of Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain, Courtney was diagnosed with autism at age 9. Although she is hesitant to discuss its exact manifestation, the singer has admitted that Asperger’s led to some level of introversion.
Andy Warhol
Due to his eccentric personality and repetitive art, it has been speculated that Andy had a form of autism, probably Asperger’s. In case you haven’t noticed by now, autism seems to be a major driver of creativity in some of the world’s most famous artists.
Henry Cavendish
As an 18th century British scientist, Henry was notorious for his inability to deal with others as well as his obsession with patterns. Without a doubt, these autism inspired traits led him to be one of the greatest theoretical chemists and physicists of his time!
