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Who Is Autistic

The range of symptoms located along the autism spectrum are so varied and sometimes difficult to pinpoint that labeling famous people with autism can be tricky as well. Among the most well-known speculated to have autism are Bill Gates, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and even Steven Spielberg. Obviously, these people are considered geniuses in their fields or areas of interests, and so they are often mentioned as autistic or even borderline savants. Albert Einstein seemed to believe that there was certainly something different about himself when he stated, "Do not worry about your problems with mathematics. I assure you, mine are far greater."

Unless a range of diagnostic tests have been run and these tests have been found to be conclusive, applying a definitive label of autism to certain famous people can be difficult to do. However, there are certainly signs and symptoms that are noted in many, leading some to believe that they do have at least some form of autism, including Aserger's Syndrome.

The list of famous people with autism continues to be added to and debated among those who are curious. There is no doubt that these people are or were very talented and/or successful, but does autism play into those talents or successes? The following is a list of people "suspected" to have or have had autism, although in many cases, the symptoms were only borderline.

• Virginia Woolf-Prolific writer rumored to only write standing up
• Andrew Jackson-Former President of the U.S. said to believe the world was flat
• Daryl Hannah-Actress diagnosed with borderline autism
• Sue Rubin-The subject of the documentary Autism is a World
• Woody Allen-Brilliant director and actor who exhibits some signs
• Bob Dylan-Musician who is rumored to be borderline autistic
• Andy Kaufman-Famous comic and actor whose odd behavior indicated autism
• Vincent van Gogh-An eccentric, yet extremely talented, artist who exhibited some traits of autism
• Andy Warhol-Another brilliant artist whose lifestyle also indicates possible autism
• Courtney Love-Widow of Nirvana's Kurt Cobain who was diagnosed with mild autism at three years old
• Hikari Oe-Famous Japanese composer said to be autistic
• Dylan Scott Pierce-A wildlife illustrator who is considered a high functioning autistic
• Donna Williams-Best known as an Australian author of Nobody Nowhere and Somebody Somewhere who was diagnosed with autism in her 20's

There are numerous well-known people who exhibit many of the characteristics associated with Asperger's Syndrome. Although the majority of these people were never formally diagnosed with the disorder, they do show evidence of many of the prominent symptoms, such as obsessive need for routine and repetitive behavior. The following is a list of famous people who are thought to have or have had Asperger's Syndrome.

• Harry Truman-Because Truman's parents were thought to have exhibited classics signs, it was suggested that he may also have had this disorder.
• Abraham Lincoln-This former president suffered from depression and anxiety, symptoms often associated with the condition, and he had a nervous breakdown as well.
• Dan Akroyd-At one time, Akroyd made the statement that he did have Asperger's, but others said that he was only kidding.
• Satoshi Tajiri-The creator of Pokémon is said to exhibit some classic symptoms of the disorder.

There are also those who are known as savants, people with extraordinary abilities, and several of these are famous as well.

• James Garfield-The twentieth U.S. president was said to have the ability to write Latin with one hand and write Greek with the other simultaneously.
• Leonardo da Vinci-His tendency towards perfection was at times obsessive. For example, it is reported that he spent twelve years painting Mona Lisa's lips.

Obviously, these are only a few of the many famous people who may exhibit autistic traits. As more is known and understood about this condition, more famous people may be labeled autistic as well.