History’s Most Inspiring People Will Change the Way You Look at Autism
Einstein, Mozart and Newton are on the list too!
“Autism is not a choice. Acceptance is. Imagine if the opposite was true.” — Stuart Duncan
Believe it or not, even in today’s society, mental illnesses are regarded as a taboo. One such illness is autism. It’s funny how we have to still make an effort to make people aware of such mental illnesses.
People who have autism aren’t aliens, really. They are human beings who just face some challenges with social skills, repetitive behavior, and communication. It has many types and isn’t uncommon at all.
Did you know, every 1 in 100 Americans has autism?
There have been many famous autistic people in history. Some historical figures are also said to have suffered from autism but as they are not alive anymore, it cannot be proven. Today, know about these inspiring people who didn’t let it come in their way!
Tim Burton
Be it Alice in Wonderland or Edward Scissorhands, Tim Burton is known to set his own trends. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride, Planet of the Apes are just some of his classics. It was his wife, Helena Carter who first noticed that he has a bit of Asperger’s in him.
“One person’s craziness is another person’s reality.” — Tim Burton
Michelangelo
Michelangelo, the great sculptor, painter, architect, and poet might have suffered from autism. Michelangelo met the criteria for Asperger’s disorder or high-functioning autism according to a research.
“If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all.” — Michelangelo
Temple Grandin
The American professor, inventor, and an author was probably among the first individuals who publicly shared her personal experiences of autism. In 2010, she was listed among the 100 most influential people in the world by Time 100. She also created a hug machine to help people with autism spectrum disorder.
“The thing about being autistic is that you gradually get less and less autistic, because you keep learning, you keep learning how to behave. It’s like being in a play; I’m always in a play.” — Temple Grandin
Mozart
One of the best composers of all time, the legendary Mozart was also said to have suffered from autism spectrum disorder. He was reported to have repeated facial expressions, unintentional constant motions of hands and feet and also a tendency to jump.
“I pay no attention to whatever to anybody’s praise or blame. I simply follow my own feelings.” — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Kerry Magro
Kerry Magro was diagnosed with autism when he was four. Today he is a professional speaker and also an author of books on autism. He is a strong advocate for autism awareness.
“Autism can’t define me. I define autism.” — Kerry Magro
Sir Isaac Newton
Isaac Newton had also shown many signs of Asperger syndrome, a condition which does not cause learning difficulties. He wasn’t the only genius who is said to have had autism though; Einstein was on the list as well.
“To myself I am only a child playing on the beach, while vast oceans of truth lie undiscovered before me.” — Isaac Newton
Rachel Barcellona
Rachel, who is an international spokesperson for autism, suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome. She runs a platform called The Ability Beyond Disabilities which focuses on autism as well. She has also won the title Miss Florida Collegiate back in 2015.
“Everyone has a mountain to climb and autism has not been my mountain, it has been my opportunity for victory.” — Rachel Barcellona
