10 renowned personalities who broke barriers despite autism

By Priyanka Deshpande CNBC-TV18.com Published April 2, 2024

[{"selector":"#anim-6f5281ee-78c5-42c3-a28c-684c6962c109 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(17.99999980341323%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals in various ways, but doesn't define one's abilities or potential.

[{"selector":"#anim-c0a49775-8a43-4e49-83a1-b965a2006b24 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Over the years, many famous personalities with autism have demonstrated exceptional talents, skills, and achievements across various fields. Take a look at some of the personalities who broke barriers despite autism.

[{"selector":"#anim-1da1c546-4e7b-405f-9056-88e961b6a0b0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0.8525070083446096%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk revealed his autism diagnosis during a May 2021 'Saturday Night Live' appearance. He is the world’s third richest billionaire. Elon Musk

[{"selector":"#anim-0206a058-0d63-43c6-8d16-e0108254b428 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(10.745800855235046%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The Swedish environmental activist openly discussed being diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism, and has become a prominent advocate for environmental action. Greta Thunberg

[{"selector":"#anim-f505e90f-230e-49b1-84e9-ea3199978ccf [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-13.03398383828619%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] 'Blade Runner' and 'Splash' fame, Daryl Hannah, disclosed her autism in 2013. Despite sensory challenges, she's flourished in acting and remains active in diverse projects. Daryl Hannah

[{"selector":"#anim-a69ba2a6-8beb-401c-94e2-a875ea9a3b0f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-0.46020352275063914%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Scottish singer Susan Boyle, who rose to fame on 'Britain's Got Talent' in 2009, shared her Asperger's diagnosis in 2013. Susan Boyle

[{"selector":"#anim-79d06b86-4d7e-4411-a6f7-2e4111155dd3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-18.03203074452398%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Known for his work on "Saturday Night Live" and "Ghostbusters," Dan Aykroyd has spoken openly about his Asperger's diagnosis. He has used his platform to raise awareness and support autism-related causes. Dan Aykroyd

[{"selector":"#anim-f7d5593c-ab7a-4e66-8050-173da4e5b620 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(13.26435524597601%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] A renowned author and speaker, Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism at a young age and has made significant contributions to the understanding of autism and animal behavior through her work in animal science. Temple Grandin

[{"selector":"#anim-04baf06d-a6e5-4205-87da-bb775df2c47e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(4.0327735670939155%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Renowned for his roles in 'The Silence of the Lambs' and 'The Remains of the Day,' Anthony Hopkins revealed in interviews that he was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome late in life. Anthony Hopkins

[{"selector":"#anim-c402d745-c241-476e-aa80-77c609933407 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(22.280370614826108%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] A Japanese composer and musician who gained recognition for his compositions, Oe was diagnosed with autism at a young age and has used his music to express his unique perspective on the world. Hikari Oe

[{"selector":"#anim-46b64438-6811-45f0-9749-67cdc12c40d6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(24.999999986368394%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The Pokémon franchise creator, Tajiri, openly discusses his autism diagnosis. His creative vision has profoundly influenced the world of video games and entertainment. Satoshi Tajiri

[{"selector":"#anim-98435f21-1712-4f85-b78a-54bc30b9f167 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.284276802350522%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] During the pandemic, Prison Break star Miller revealed his autism diagnosis on social media. He aims to amplify the voice of the autistic community. Wentworth Miller

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