SUCCESSFUL AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS



Asperger's syndrome was formerly characterized as a distinct autism spectrum disorder; the DSM-5 in May 2013 combined the diagnosis with autistic disorder into one condition called autism spectrum disorder or ASD. Each individual with autism is unique. Many of those on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academic skills. About 40 percent have average to above average intellectual abilities. Indeed, many persons on the spectrum take deserved pride in their distinctive abilities and “atypical” ways of viewing the world. Others with autism have significant disability and are unable to live independently. About one third of people with ASD are nonverbal but can learn to communicate using other means. These facts provide ample reason for working to creating awareness about autism and identifying it as early as possible. Among the individuals who were successful in the society despite them being in the autism spectrum are:


James Garfield  :

James Garlfield was the twentieth President of the United States of America. He had Asperger’s Syndrome and was diagnosed with it.


Adam Young  :

 

 Born in Owatonna, Minnesota, is an American singer, song writer and founder of Owl City. Adam young himself once said that he does have Asperger’s Syndrome.

Satoshi Tajiri :

Famous video game designer and Japanese video game developer Satoshi is one of the famous autistic people. He is diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.


Dan Aykroyd :

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Aykroyd is a Canadian actor, writer comedian and singer. He gained fame from the American comedy show Saturday Night Live, where he worked as a writer. He was also the youngest cast member of first 4 seasons of the show. Aykroyd in an interview with Terry gross said that he was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome when he was a kid.  



 Tim Burton :

 Born in Burbank, California, Timothy Walter Burton is an American film producer, writer, poet and animator. Tim has directed and produced over 30 films including box office hits like, Batman Begins, Planet of the Apes and Alice in Wonderland. Burton graduated from CalArts and started his career at Disney. After that he made various low budget films which were successful and were liked by people. In 1989 Burton got his first big budget movie Batman which became one of the biggest Box Office hits with a business of 400 million US dollars across the world. Burton has never been diagnosed with autism formally; however his wife Helena Bonham Carter diagnosed him for Asperger’s Syndrome informally.

David Byrne  :

 

Born in Dumbarton, Scotland, Byrne is an Oscar winner musician who now lives in America. Byrne was always interested in music but was rejected from his school choir. He learnt to play guitar and in 1971 opened his band named Talking Heads. Byrne also had Asperger’s Syndrome; besides this he said that in his early years he was a peculiar young man. Byrne also launched his music albums as a solo artist. Byrne has also soundtracks for various films like Wall Street.


Other than these personalities, there are countless people whose condition wasn't diagnosed. These include: Albert Einstein, Wolfgang Mozart, Bill Gates, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Andy Warhol, Woody Allen , etc.