Celebrities with Asperger Syndrome are often misunderstood. They don’t seem to fit into society because they lack social skills. People with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) experience difficulties in understanding other people’s emotions, interests, or feelings. This means they struggle to interact socially.

A study found that celebrities with AS tend to have higher levels of empathy than those without AS. The researchers suggest that this might be due to their ability to empathize with others’ experiences.

Famous People with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Some of the famous people who have had a confirmed Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis are:

Sir Anthony Hopkins
Courtney Love
Susan Boyle
Greta Thunberg
Daryl Hannah
Heather Kuzmich

What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

The term Asperger’s was coined by Hans Asperger in 1944. He described his patients as having “a lack of empathy, poor eye contact, and difficulty understanding other people.” Asperger’s Syndrome is a form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that affects social interaction and communication skills. In recent years, researchers have discovered that the prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased dramatically.

Today, experts estimate that one out of every 68 children has ASD. Asperger’s Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both verbal and nonverbal skills. People with ASD often struggle to relate to other people and have trouble understanding nonverbal cues. They often struggle with social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and sensory issues. They also tend to have trouble processing emotions and forming relationships.

Which Celebrities Have Diagnosed Asperger’s Syndrome?

Sir Anthony Hopkins

The 83-year old Welsh actor, best known for his role as Hannibal Lecter in the hit film ‘Silence of the Lambs’, says that he was recently diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. The actor says that he does not “feel any different” but thinks that it is annoying that others are quick to label people and their behaviors.

The Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis came in his later years and was received with reluctance and confusion. Hopkins says that he was 2a very troubled child, who could never settle anywhere”. He does believe that this late-in-life diagnosis explains his erratic and trouble-making behaviors, especially in his early teenage years.

Courtney Love

1964-born singer and actress Courtney Love has shared that she was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at age 9. The actress, also known for her marriage to Nirvana’s lead singer Kurt Cobain, disclosed in her biography (Courtney Love: The Real Story) that she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder as a child though it was on the mild side of the spectrum.

Susan Boyle

The Scottish singer revealed in an interview in 2013 that she has Asperger’s. In her interview, the star says that the diagnosis came “as a relief”. Boyle has been open with her disorder and shares that she experienced different symptoms that should have been clues. She had trouble keeping eye contact, sudden social and emotional withdrawal, anxiety and panic attacks, and disengagement in uncomfortable situations.

The artist is determined to not let the diagnosis dictate her life; the star says that she is determined to figure out how to live with the disease and work through it.

Greta Thunberg

19-year-old Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg publicly shared that she does not think of her Asperger’s diagnosis as a disorder, but rather as a superpower. She does admit that it makes her different but does not stand in the way of all that she wishes to accomplish.

In a tweet, she wrote: “I’m not public about my diagnosis to “hide” behind it, but because I know many ignorant people still see it as an “illness”, or something negative. And believe me, my diagnosis has limited me before.” finishing the tweet with the hashtag #aspiepower. Thunberg’s mother says that she was diagnosed with Aspergers at age 4 and since she candidly shared her diagnosis, Greta has received a lot of support- and some criticism.

Daryl Hannah

The American actress says she showed signs of autism when she was a child, but the Aspergers spectrum hadn’t been invented then, so she was not diagnosed until her later years. The Blade Runner star was always shy and found it hard to connect with others. She had also had repetitive ticks (rocking herself back and forth) and would become hyper-fixated on random objects.

In her YouTube interview, Hannah says her mother played a big part in her diagnosis and treatment; oftentimes letting her stay home from school and even getting institutionalized.

Heather Kuzmich

Americas Next Top Model contestant and fashion model Heather Kuzmich was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at age 13. She has been public about her diagnosis and says that it has been a difficult journey that has affected her social and language skills. The model’s behavior was ridiculed as socially awkward and off-putting, which led her to share her diagnosis as a way of explaining her strange characteristics.

Which Celebrities are Rumored to have Asperger’s Syndrome?

Fans around the world sometimes take it upon themselves to diagnose celebrities based on the symptoms that they portray in public. Here are some celebrities that have been rumored to have Asperger’s Syndrome.

Albert Einstein

Einstein is rumored to have been one of the first people to portray the Autism spectrum disorder. Though he died well before the disorder was created, history seems to document a lot of his characteristics and behaviors as ‘abnormal’ which suggests some form of the disorder. The genius is said to have been high-functioning aspies. His hyper fixation on scientific topics, his social ignorance, and his unkempt appearance all seem to be symptoms pointing towards him having Asperger’s syndrome.

Marilyn Monroe

The book Goddess: The Secret Lives of Marilyn Monroe by Anthony Summers, provides a comprehensive view of Marilyn’s life. Based on this read, a number of psychologists, mental health professionals, and behavioral analysts say that Monroe had symptoms of an autism spectrum disorder. This idea has been introduced recently and has made people see the iconic actress and model in a different light.

Eminem

Fans have claimed that the iconic rapper has shared his diagnosis in his song’Wicked Ways’. Though the musician himself has said nothing about the speculations, rumor has it that he has exhibited many symptoms that prove the diagnosis. Traits like his introverted personality, obsessiveness, and disregard for social cues point toward him being a high-functioning person with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Vincent Van Gogh

It is no secret that Van Gogh had a mood disorder, this has been heavily researched and backed up with evidence. However, researchers are claiming that Van Gogh may have a dual diagnosis of a mood disorder and an autism spectrum disorder. He portrayed signs such as self-mutilation when angry at himself, recurring obsessions, lack of social interactions, forming unhealthy attachments, and an eccentric fashion sense. Though it has not been diagnosed, the rumors have been based on some substantial evidence.

Andy Warhol

The influential pop artist showed signs of the disorder in some of his mannerisms. His love of repetition defined his artistic era and was iconic to his unique style. Though, others speculate if this pattern expressed symptoms of Asperger’s. On analyzing Warhol’s behaviors and artistic characteristics, researchers such as Dr. Judith Gould suggest that he was on the spectrum. The artist’s social discomfort, his fascination with retail items, and his repetitive style all portray some form of autism spectrum disorder.

Conclusion.

All-in-all, Asperger’s can be a daunting diagnosis, but it is not a life sentence. Celebrities are prone to developing mental illnesses just like ‘normal people’; because they are normal people. These celebrities have acknowledged their diagnosis and are working towards living wholesome lives. That should be the aim of everyone battling a mental illness or spectrum disorder.

FAQs

Can people with Asperger’s be successful?

Individuals dealing with Asperger’s syndrome can be successful. They may be better functioning in some areas of their lives, though they might also struggle in other regards.

Can you have mild Aspergers?

Persons with Asperger’s syndrome fall on the autism spectrum. Since it is a spectrum, it can range from mild to severe. Therefore, some may have mild forms of Asperger’s- which doesn’t affect their functioning- while others may have extreme symptoms and be severely disabled.

What is Asperger’s syndrome called now?

The term Asperger’s Syndrome has changed, though many people still use it when talking about the condition. The features of Asperger’s Syndrome are now represented under the term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Citations.

https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/awareness/famous/asp.php

https://aspergersvic.org.au/List-of-possible-Aspergers-people

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Famous People with Asperger’s Syndrome.