When you spend time researching famous people with autism, like television and movie celebrities, you come across a lot of people that have self-diagnosed themselves.
While there's nothing wrong with trying to understand yourself, this article is only looking at famous people with autism that have actually been diagnosed by a professional as being on the autism scale.
Top 6 Celebrities Who Have Been Diagnosed With Autism
Famous people with autism have a chance to do something more for the rest of the world. They are in a position to speak out and show people that they can live normal lives with an autism diagnosis. They are also in a position in which they can help raise money for the cause.
1. Daryl Hannah
Daryl Hannah was diagnosed with autism early on, but she didn't talk about it to people outside her family. For a long time, especially in the 80s, she was a much talked about Hollywood star, not only for her rolls but also for her relationship with John F. Kennedy Jr.
Hannah's diagnosis with Asperger's Syndrome may not be a highly publicized event, but the star has talked about feeling awkward on the red carpet and feeling as though she was out of place. That awkward feeling kept her from some of the opportunities she may have had as a celebrity. She felt like it affected her ability to work.
2. Dan Aykroyd
When funnyman Dan Aykroyd was a teenager, his doctors diagnosed him with Tourette Syndrome. Through therapy, he was able to control his symptoms. It wasn't until the 80s that Aykroyd got his diagnosis with Asperger's Syndrome. According to Autism Wikia, Aykroyd believes that his mild Asperger's has helped him creatively.
When it comes to celebrities and Autism, the community worried that it would be harmed by these announcements. This backlash came after Jerry Seinfeld said he thought he might have autism.
However, the community has embraced Aykroyd for his need to talk about being diagnosed.
3. Craig Nicholls
Former Vines lead singer Craig Nicholls was known for outbursts, onstage and off. He was even set to be charged with assaulting a camera operator, but the charges were later dropped. His outbursts are a symptom of Asperger's, a diagnosis he announced in 2004.
Nicholls has had many tendencies toward violence that have been reported in the news. He found himself in court over having held a knife to his mother's neck. Unlike many of the other people on this list that were able to overcome their troubles, it seems that Nicholls was overcome by his.
4. Temple Grandin
Temple Grandin is well-known for being an outspoken autism spokesperson, which is why she's on this list of famous people with autism. She was one of the earliest people to speak out about autism and being on the spectrum. While her formal diagnosis didn't come until Grandin was in her 40s, she showed signs of autism since childhood. She is now in her 70s.
Grandin is both a professor of animal science and a consultant in the livestock industry, with knowledge of animal behavior. She is a true success story when it comes to autism.
5. Susan Boyle
Susan Boyle might not be a famous comedian or actor, but there isn't a household that doesn't know her name. She was a candidate on Britain's Got Talent, a talented Scottish singer that mesmerized people with her sensational vocals.
Recently the talented singer was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. For her, the diagnosis was a relief. She finally was able to understand herself and work through the things standing in her way.
It's important to understand that with a diagnosis comes help that can allow those with autism diagnoses to live lives just like everyone else. They can work, chase dreams, and make friends.
6. Courtney Love
Courtney Love has been through a lot in her life. She lost her rock star husband to an apparent suicide, and many people have even blamed her for his death. On top of drug addiction and other life mistakes, at nine years old she was diagnosed with Autism. Her diagnosis was mild but could have had something to do with her being such a troubled youth.
She didn't start speaking until late, which is part of what got her the diagnosis. She went through therapy, including observational therapy, to overcome her diagnosis and live a normal life.
Why Famous People With Autism Need To Speak Out
Famous people with autism have a chance to do something more for the rest of the world. They are in a position to speak out and show people that they can live normal lives with an autism diagnosis. They are also in a position in which they can help raise money for the cause.
There are many more success stories out there than people know when it comes to people on the Autism Spectrum. If more celebrities came out with their diagnoses or got formally diagnosed, it may help people get a better outlook on having a diagnosis on the Spectrum.
Leave a Reply