Historical and Modern-Day Figures Who Are or May Have Been on the Spectrum

   An innovative and unconventional performer known for his unique blend of comedy and performance art.

A unique individual whose outlooks and behaviour exhibited numerous autistic traits.

 English professional quizzer and television personality, known as "The Governess," on the game show The Chase. 

 Anne Hegerty has publicly identified herself as autistic. She was diagnosed with autism at the age of 45. She has spoken openly about her experiences with autism, including the challenges it presents in everyday life and in relationships.  

 One of Britain's most recognisable and prolific actors, winner of two Academy awards,

 Hopkins has openly acknowledged being diagnosed with Asperger's, describing himself as "high end" on the spectrum. He has shared that he experiences nervous ticks, habits, and obsessive thinking. Despite these challenges, his autism has also been a source of strength and creativity. 

 Australian actress, author, podcast host, social media personality, and an activist in the disability rights movement. 

 Chloë has publicly shared her experience with autism, which has led to her becoming a prominent advocate for neurodiversity and disability rights. She was diagnosed with autism at the age of 13.  

 Canadian actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer.  

Dan Aykroyd is openly known to have been diagnosed with autism. His diagnosis was later in life.  

  Australian comedian, writer, author and actor. 

Speaks openly about being autistic and uses her shows to discuss some of the impacts.

Hugely popular Australian and American comedian, actor, and writer. 

Bases some of his comedy on experiences involving him being autistic.

 American filmmaker and photographer. Widely considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.

 Often discussed in the context of autism due to his intense focus on detail, perfectionism, and unique, literal thinking style. Some experts believe his traits align with those of individuals on the autism spectrum.  

 American filmmaker known for popularizing Goth culture in the American film industry, 

Has expressed that he identifies with the condition and believes he may have a mild to moderate case of Asperger's Syndrome. His long-time partner, Helena Bonham Carter, has also publicly stated her belief that he has autism.  

 American actor best known as Michael Scofield in Prison Break.

Has publicly revealed he is autistic.  He described the diagnosis as a "shock" but "not a surprise," and stated that being autistic is "central to who I am". 

 American poet. Little-known during her life, she has since been regarded as one of the most important figures in American poetry. 

 Living in near seclusion, Dickinson communicated mostly by writing and showed sensory sensitivity and intense focus on poetry. 

Prolific 19th century Danish author best remembered for his literary fairy tales which have become classics.

Displayed characteristics associated with autism. These include narrow interests, repetitive behaviors, social difficulties, and speech and language challenges. 

 Irish novelist, poet, and literary critic regarded as one of the most influential and important writers of the twentieth century. 

 Joyce's intentional difficulty in his writing, coupled with his reported struggles with social interactions and friendships, suggest a desire to distance himself from the world, a characteristic sometimes observed in autistic people.  

English novelist and poet, best known as the author of the children's book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

 Carroll’s mathematical mind, preference for structure, and unique imagination could reflect autistic traits. 

  Known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humourist, and essayist. He was praised as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced, 

  Irish poet, dramatist and writer, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. 

 American singer-songwriter. Considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time 

 American singer, guitarist, songwriter, and actress. A figure in the alternative and grunge scenes of the 1990s 

 American musician, writer, visual artist, and filmmaker. 

known as the lead singer of Talking Heads .

  American singer-songwriter and guitarist. A six-time Grammy Award winner, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 

   American country and folk singer, songwriter, and actor. He was one of the most popular acoustic artists of the 1970s and one of the best-selling artists in that decade. 

    Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. He is one of the most revered figures in the history of Western music; his works rank among the most performed of the classical music repertoire  

· Beethoven’s social struggles, isolation, and obsessive work habits are often viewed as indicators of being on the spectrum.

     Australian singer and songwriter. Enjoyed huge success with Top 10 single "Chandelier".

Scottish singer who rose to fame on Britain's Got Talent. Has sold 25 million records. With her debut album becoming the UK's best-selling debut album of all time

 Prolific and influential composer of the Classical period. Despite his short life, his rapid pace of composition and proficiency from an early age resulted in more than 800 works 

 German-born theoretical physicist who is best known for developing the theory of relativity. Considered one of the greatest minds in history.

Known for delayed speech and intense focus on scientific problems, Einstein’s abstract thinking and solitary nature align with autistic traits.

 Scottish-born inventor, scientist, and engineer who is credited with patenting the first practical telephone. 

 Some sources suggest that Bell may have experienced difficulty with social interactions and felt awkward in conversations.  Bell's behavior was sometimes described as unpredictable, which can be linked to autism spectrum disorders.   

McClintock was a notable scientist who made important breakthroughs in the study of chromosomes and how they change during the reproduction process. 

She is thought to be autistic. She was able to focus for great lengths on her interests, specifically her work, and she found social attention very aversive, so much so that she almost refused the Nobel Prize.

 American astronomer, planetary scientist and science communicator.  

There's considerable speculation and discussion about his potential neurodiversity. The idea of Sagan's autism is often linked to his strong focus, deep knowledge, and unique perspective on the cosmos, which are sometimes associated with traits found in autistic individuals.  

Renowned scientist, most known for discovering hydrogen. 

Traits of ASD experienced by Cavendish included avoiding company and difficulty with eye contact. He would communicate with his servants in writing instead of verbally. He ordered his meals by leaving a note on the table. He had a private staircase built on the back of his house so he could avoid the housekeeper, as well.

Mathematician, Astronomer, & Physicist  

Newton is another example of a historical figure who attempted to isolate himself from others as much as possible. He did not enjoy social interactions and was thought to be awkward in conversations with others.

 English mathematical and theoretical physicist who is considered to be one of the founders of quantum mechanics. Dirac laid the foundations for both quantum electrodynamics and quantum field theory.  

Biographers cite his unusual behaviour, social awkwardness, long silences, and literal interpretation of statements; also described as "exceptionally reserved, focused and unsociable".