7 Celebrities with Autism

Here’s a list of celebrities with autism who have inspired many and have changed the way the world thinks about the Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Often celebrities opening up about their personal struggles serve as the occasional wake-up call that celebrities are, after all, human too. Their opening up about their disorders is, at times, much more effective in spreading awareness about health issues. And, in this case, it does bust a few notions and proves that people suffering from the disorder can in fact be very successful.

Autism is a general term for used for brain development disorders that cause severe impairment in social interactions and communication, and repetitive behavior. The syndrome may affect individuals differently and its manifestation can cover a wide spectrum ranging from mild or medium to high functioning autism. However, autistic individuals may display special abilities and qualities in their specific areas of interest.

We also have the list of 11 Countries with the Highest Rates of Autism in the World that discusses statistics of the occurrence of autism across nations.

While celebrities like Kate Winslet and Toni Braxton have been known to be great advocates for the cause of awareness around autism, others, like Temple Grandin, have opened up about themselves being diagnosed with it and gone ahead to educate the world. However the “spectrum” has proved to be tricky at times. Like instances when comedian Jerry Seinfeld went on to self-diagnose that he might be on the mild end of it, and Facebook’s former head of engineering pointing out how Mark Zuckerberg had a ‘touch of Asperger’s’, the thin line between an actual diagnosis and speculations keeps blurring out. Refraining from speculations, Insider Monkey’s list (ranked in no particular order) features the celebrities who have openly spoken about being diagnosed with autism or Asperger’s syndrome, a form of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in their interviews. The compilation has been created by sourcing various news articles and interviews.

There’s no doubt that celebrities are one of the biggest influencers in the society. And celebrities coming to terms with their disorders mean more people are inspired and informed, helping patients to identify their symptoms and get an early diagnosis or an intervention. Read on to find out who are the 7 celebrities with autism.

7. Susan Boyle

After being unsure about her condition for a long time, Susan Boyle stated how relieved she was on finally being diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. The singer with a golden voice and Britain’s Got Talent winner has since been vocal about her growing up struggles with the disorder.

6.Alexis Wineman

In 2013, Alexis Wineman became the first autistic contestant to run for the Miss America pageant as Miss Montana. She was diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified, at the age of 11. She went on to win the “America’s Choice” award in the contest.

5. Courtney Love

Hole frontwoman Courtney Love was diagnosed as being “mildly autistic” at the age of 9. The singer-actress has often drawn attention for her erratic and volatile behavior and has admitted to having poor social skills.

4. Dan Aykroyd

Dan Aykroyd first talked about his autism in 2004. In 2013 he revealed in his interview with The Daily Mail that he was diagnosed with Asperger’s in the early Eighties. The actor, writer and musician, has also struggled with Tourette’s syndrome, growing up.

3. Daryl Hannah

Another star who has been quiet vocal about her battles with acute shyness and autism is Blade Runner actress Daryl Hannah. The actress who shot to fame as a teenager in the Eighties admitted to have concealed her symptoms from producers then as she tried to quietly manage autistic tendencies and social anxiety issues.

2. James Durbin

American Idol finalist and autism advocate, James Durbin has always been open in talking about his disorders. The singer had been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and Tourette’s Syndrome at age 10 and has extensively discussed about his childhood and coping up with the symptoms.

1. Temple Grandin,

Temple Grandin, a well-known activist for the rights of people with autism and best-selling author, is also a celebrity with autism. Grandin was diagnosed with autism at age 2 and later with Asperger’s. She is also the creator of the “hug box” used to calm those suffering from autistic tendencies.