Celebrities With Autism

1 / 10

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein did not learn to speak until he was 3 years old, although some also say that it was not until he was 5 years old. During his childhood, he was also very introverted and kept away from other children.

In fact, at the beginning the physics genius did not even like mathematics. Until he was 7 years old, he spoke in a strange way, often repeating some sentences. However, he was the creator of the theory of relativity, and today he is considered one of the greatest minds of all time.

A study carried out by researchers from the universities of Cambridge and Oxford states that Einstein likely had Asperger's Syndrome.

2 / 10

Tim Burton

The director of movies like Frankenweenie, Beetlejuice, and Batman likely lives with autism spectrum disorder. He's not known to be clinically diagnosed, but his ex-wife Helena Bonham Carter has said she believes that Burton exhibits characteristics of the condition, after she spent time researching it for a film.

3 / 10

Sir Isaac Newton

Mathematician, physicist, astrologer, theologian, and inventor Sir Isaac Newton is one of history's most famous and important scientists. His great contribution of the theory of gravitation revolutionized the world of physics, though he also made many other discoveries in other areas of the sciences.

However, the truth is that he was a man obsessed with his work, to the point that he forgot to eat because time was passing so quickly. Researchers from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge say that everything indicates that he had Asperger's Syndrome.

4 / 10

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is another celebrity diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. As in most cases, it was detected at an early age, and it did not prevent him from reaching stunning heights as one of the world's most successful athletes.

5 / 10

Michael Jackson

It is likely that Michael Jackson, the famed singer, choreographer, composer, and dancer whom many admire, also had autism spectrum disorder. In his childhood he was very withdrawn and not interested in the opinions of others.

These peculiarities, together with his traumatic childhood, are enough evidence for experts, who suggest The King of Pop could have suffered from Asperger's Syndrome.

6 / 10

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves is one of the highest paid and most charismatic actors in all of Hollywood. But his life hasn't always been easy, as many American media outlets say that the star struggles with Asperger's Syndrome. This would make it difficult for him to interact with the press and to establish social relationships.

7 / 10

Elon Musk

While hosting Saturday Night Live in 2021, tech CEO Elon Musk revealed that he has Asperger's Syndrome. "I'm actually making history tonight as the first person with Asperger's to host SNL... or at least the first to admit it," he said.

He added: "Look I know I sometimes say or post strange things but that's just how my brain works. To anyone I've offended, I just want to say: I've reinvented electric cars and I'm sending people to Mars on a rocketship. Did you also think I was going to be a chill normal dude?"

8 / 10

Wentworth Miller

Prison Break actor Wentworth Miller opened up in 2021 about his autism diagnosis. He was only formally diagnosed in his 40s and wrote in a statement: "This isn't something I'd change. No. I get - got - immediately being autistic is central to who I am. To everything I've achieved/articulated."

9 / 10

Bill Gates

From a very young age, Microsoft creator Bill Gates displayed behaviours that pointed to a possible autism spectrum disorder. He has always been a very methodical person. Sometimes he would move continuously, concentrated a lot on tasks, and avoided eye contact. However, these characteristics did not prevent him from becoming one of the greatest revolutionaries in the world of computing and communications.

10 / 10

Ludwig van Beethoven

From a young age, Beethoven showed his talent and vocation for music. He was an introverted child, who was easily annoyed and, due to a hearing problem, found it difficult to communicate with others.

Some of his biographers believe that he suffered from autism spectrum disorder. None of these facts of his life held back his remarkable talent for composing music, however.

In recent decades, the number of people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has been on the rise.

Per the Mayo Clinic, the disorder is "a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication."

Celebrities who have opened up about autism

Experts are only beginning to gain a better understanding of autism, and stereotypes about it are being dispelled. Not only that, but a number of celebrities have autism spectrum disorder, and some have opened up to raise awareness about the condition.

In this gallery, we're looking at 10 celebrities and historical figures who are thought to have had autism spectrum disorder or have opened up about living with the condition. Click through the slides above to hear their stories.