Asperger’s syndrome is a high-functioning developmental disorder that is part of the autism spectrum.

symptoms:

  • People with Asperger's syndrome have normal to above-average intelligence but typically have difficulties with social skills and often have pervasive, absorbing interests in special topics.
  • Abnormalities in the subtle use of language and interpretation of language are common with Asperger's syndrome, although language development (grammar, syntax, etc.) is normal.
  • The degree of severity of symptoms can vary among affected individuals.

 Asperger's syndrome is named for Dr. Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician, who first described the condition in 1944. Dr. Asperger described four boys who showed "a lack of empathy, little ability to form friendships, one-sided conversation, intense absorption in a special interest, and clumsy movements." Because of their obsessive interests in and knowledge of particular subjects, he termed the boys "little professors." The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognized Asperger disorder as a specific entity and published diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) in 1994. Most recently, after significant deliberation, the APA recommended "subsuming" Asperger's Disorder into Autism Spectrum Disorders for the next edition of the DSM-V.

Today, many experts in the field stress the particular gifts and positive aspects of Asperger syndrome and consider it to represent a different, but not necessarily defective, way of thinking. Positive characteristics of people with Asperger syndrome have been described as beneficial in many professions and include:

  • the increased ability to focus on details,
  • the capacity to persevere in specific interests without being swayed by others' opinions,
  • the ability to work independently,
  • the recognition of patterns that may be missed by others,
  • intensity, and
  • an original way of thinking.

 

How common is Asperger's syndrome?

Asperger's syndrome is five times more common in boys than in girls. In recent years, the number of autism spectrum disorders has increased dramatically in the U.S. The reason for the increase is not fully clear, but is likely due to both improvements and modifications in the diagnostic process that result in an increase in the number of children being identified, as well as some degree of true increase in the incidence of the disorders themselves. The CDC notes one out of every 59 children in the U.S. has an autism spectrum disorder.

But Asperger’s often bestows unique gifts, too. Some of the most inspiring and influential people we know and love have Asperger’s. Here are seven famous people living with Asperger’s.

 1-Sir Anthony Hopkins

 


The Welsh actor, who won an Academy Award for best actor for his role as Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, says that he has mild Asperger’s. The actor said it has helped him get into roles as an actor.

 

2-Albert Einstein


One of the most gifted minds in our history, Einstein has often been rumored to have an autism spectrum disorder. BBC News reported that researchers at Cambridge and Oxford universities believe that the scientist displayed signs of Asperger’s Syndrome.

 

3-Sir Isaac Newton

Sir Isaac Newton whose observations shaped the modern theories of mathematics and physics was supposedly autistic. The speculation was made by autism expert Simon Baron-Cohen. Considering his characteristics and cognitive abilities, he is believed to be a high functioning autistic individual. Newton is said to have possessed all hallmarks of autism including poor social skills, difficulty in communicating, and obsessive interests.

 4-Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin who came up with the theory of natural selection and authored 'Origin of Species' was supposedly autistic. According to Prof Michael Fitzgerald of Trinity College, Dublin, the same gene that causes Asperger's syndrome is responsible for original thinking and creativity. While he had great attention to detail, Darwin struggled with social interaction. He had many compulsive behaviours like walking on the same route alone every day and letter writing. He is described as an obsessive compulsive man. The same traits lead him to study specimens and chemistry for years.

5-Steve Jobs


Apple’s co-founder Steve Jobs was known for his obsessive-compulsive behaviour and perfection. He also lacked empathy in social situations. He is suspected as autistic due to his unorthodox ways of thinking. As a child, he found it difficult to hang out with his peers. His classmates took him for a loner. He found it difficult to learn in a traditional classroom. But, he was eager to hang out with mechanics of the neighbourhood and work with them.

6-Bill Gates

The richest man on earth is also speculated to be an autistic individual. He exhibits a few of the classic symptoms of ASD such as rocking back and forth while he is concentrating. He is reported to be not a great social person and talks in short and monotonous patterns. He ends up avoiding eye contact while talking to people. Known for his humble and humane nature otherwise his net worth is close to 9,900 crores USD.

7-Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart


The greatest musician of all times Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is speculated to be in the autism spectrum. Like many others, he was a genius and had original thinking in his craft. His music is unlike any other. Scholars think that descriptions of his behaviour indicate him to be autistic. Ineeded one of the ADS individuals who found a place in history. Mozart was extremely sensitive to loud noises. His short attention span and restlessness is well-documented.


8-Woody Allen

  Woody Allen is another genius mind that falls in the spectrum of autism. Unlike many people, he agrees with the suspicion of experts and says that he is odd. He went on to speak on record about his compulsions. The writer, director, actor, and musician once said that he is neurotic in a more benign way. He has been public about his odd habits like not using elevators, avoiding tunnels, and preferring to have the drain in the washroom to be in the corner, not in the middle. However, none of this has stopped him from winning Oscar thrice.