Famous people who have autism
There are many famous people who have been diagnosed with autism or have been reported to have autism-like characteristics. Here are a few examples:
- Temple Grandin – Dr. Temple Grandin is a well-known author, speaker, and professor of animal science who has autism. She is considered one of the most accomplished and well-known adults with autism in the world. She has written several books about her experiences with autism and has been a vocal advocate for the autism community.
- Tim Burton – Film Director Tim Burton is known for his visually stunning and imaginative movies such as Edward Scissorhands, Batman and The Nightmare Before Christmas. He is reported to have autism-like characteristics.
- Satoshi Tajiri – Creator of the Pokémon franchise, Satoshi Tajiri is known to have autism, he said once: “I’ve been diagnosed with autism, so I can’t communicate with people that well. But I can communicate through Pokémon.”
- Dan Aykroyd – Comedian and actor Dan Aykroyd has been reported to have Asperger’s syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism. He is known for his roles in movies such as Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers.
- Albert Einstein – Albert Einstein, one of the most celebrated scientists of the 20th century, was reported to have had autism-like symptoms. He had difficulty communicating with others and had a strong attachment to routines and rituals.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has been reported to have had Asperger’s syndrome. He was known for his exceptional musical abilities, but also had difficulty with social interactions and had a strong attachment to routines and rituals.
- Andy Warhol – Artist Andy Warhol was known for his unique style and contributions to the world of art. He was reported to have had autism-like symptoms, including difficulty with social interactions and a strong attachment to routines.
- Glenn Gould – Canadian pianist and composer Glenn Gould was known for his exceptional musical abilities and was reported to have had autism-like symptoms, including difficulty with social interactions and a strong attachment to routines.
- Michelangelo – Artist Michelangelo has been reported to have had autism-like symptoms. He had difficulty communicating with others and had a strong attachment to routines and rituals.
- Hans Christian Andersen – Author Hans Christian Andersen is known for his fairy tales such as The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. He has been reported to have had autism-like symptoms, including difficulty with social interactions and a strong attachment to routines and rituals.
- Daryl Hannah – Actress & Environmental Activist. Daryl Hannah is known for her roles in films such as Splash, Blade Runner, and Steel Magnolias. She received an autism diagnosis as a child. She was extremely shy around other people and continued to be very fearful of the spotlight as an adult. One of her special interests was watching movies which supported her career as an actress.
- Anthony Hopkins – Actor. Anthony Hopkins is an award winning actor. He was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome as a child. Some of his traits of ASD include obsessive thinking, difficulty maintaining friendships, and looking at people with a unique perspective.
- Bill Gates – Co-founder of the Microsoft Corporation. Bill Gates is thought to have autism. He displays a rocking motion, a monotoned speech pattern, and avoids eye contact with others.
- Jerry Seinfeld – Comedian. Jerry Seinfeld is thought to be one of the most popular comedians of all time. He openly recognizes himself as having autism spectrum disorder due to his history of social challenges and unique way of thinking literally.
- Elon Musk – Entrepreneur. Elon Musk announced that he was on the autism spectrum while hosting the show, “Saturday Night Live,” in May 2021. More specifically, he stated that he was “the first person with Asperger’s” to host the show. Musk is one of the world’s richest people with a net worth of more than $150 billion.
- Steven Spielberg – Director. Steven Spielberg, one of the most successful and acclaimed filmmakers of all time, has been open about his experiences with autism. In interviews, he has discussed how he struggled with social interactions as a child and was often bullied.