Getting a diagnosis for Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), is often a shock to the sufferer and their family and loved ones. Asperger’s, which is known as high functioning autism, is very well understood and researched in America, but not many people are aware that: “some of the world’s biggest and most well-known geniuses were autistic or had autistic tendencies”. These tendencies involve having difficulty with social interaction and non-verbal communication; and having repetitive and restrictive interests and behavior patterns. So let us look at some of the famous and successful Asperger’s sufferers who shine a beacon of hope for those who have received a diagnosis.
Stanley Kubrick
Clockwork Orange is the film that comes to mind, when most people see this name. But what they do not realize is that Kubrick, the well known film director: “was quite obsessive and had trouble dealing with people while making movies. While that sounds bad, his Asperger’s also led to his insane attention to detail and his eventual fame as a film director!” .
Ghost Buster’s Dan Aykroyd
This unique actor from Canada, stated that: “his Asperger’s helped him with the film Ghostbusters because he was obsessed with ghosts and law enforcement, both of which made him the perfect person for the role!”.
Michelangelo
This genius artist from the Renaissance period, was renowned for not being able to hold on to any relationships. Some experts have even hypothesized that his troubled social life and Asperger’s symptoms led to a more intense focus on his art work.
Susan Boyle
This much loved Scottish singer who suffered from being ‘different’ all her life, had a major break, and a chance to show the world just how talented someone with Asperger’s can be, when she entered Simon Cowell’s Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, and soon became a household name both in the UK and the US. “Although she was diagnosed by doctors with “brain damage” at birth, the diagnosis was later shown to be wrong. She in fact has Asperger’s, which partly explained her lack of control over her emotions”. She has had one or two outbursts since finding fame and fortune, but the important thing is that people now understand that she has a condition, and that this is a normal symptom.
Courtney Love
Love, the fabulous rocker, has suffered many ups and downs in her life, but she still keeps trucking. She also lost her famous musician husband, front man Kurt Cobain, to suicide, which must have had a terrible impact on her. “Courtney was diagnosed with autism at age 9. Although she is hesitant to discuss its exact manifestation, the singer has admitted that Asperger’s led to some level of introversion”.
Splash Actress, Daryl Hannah
Hannah, who is known for looking after her health, had tremendous difficulties in her childhood and adolescence, when she found social interaction a real nightmare. “She would even rock back and forth to self-soothe. In spite of this, she went on to overcome the odds and become a well known Hollywood actress who starred in several films during the 1980s” .
Shirley Amy is a Holistic Health Specialist and professional writer who's published 4 books. Her interests include optimum wellness, mental health, fitness, and positive lifestyle change. She holds University and College qualifications in the fields of Health Science, Nutrition, Mental Health, Fitness, Holistic Therapy and Aromatherapy.