Last month, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., made several erroneous
statements regarding autism (AP News article; Washington Post article). While he did
retract/revise his statements, it is important to acknowledge that this mindset is
dangerous and often spouted by those who are uninformed. Research shows that
autism is not a “curable disease”, nor does it mean you are destined for a “less-than”
life.
Here are a handful of famous figures who are diagnosed with autism or historically displayed traits associated with autism:
Historical – Leonardo da Vinci, Sir Isaac Newton, Alexander Hamilton, Albert Einstein,
Emily Dickinson
Athletes – Lionel Messi (soccer), Clay Marzo (surfer), Michael Brannigan (gold
medalist), Jessica-Jane Applegate (gold-medalist), Anthony Ianni (basketball)
Celebrities – Dan Aykroyd (actor), Courtney Love (singer/musician), Tim Burton
(director), Andy Warhol (painter/photographer), Susan Boyle (singer), Heather Kuzmich
(model)
Entrepreneurs – Satoshi Tajiri (creator of Pokemon), Greta Thunberg (activist), Bill
Gates (cofounder of Microsoft), Temple Grandin (academic and inventor)
Not included in this list is RFK pal, Elon Musk, who is self-diagnosed with autism and,
according to RFK, won’t hold a job or pay taxes…
One of our underlying missions at ClutchInstinct is to support every client in achieving
their goals (work, social connections, academics, etc.) and we recognize the
individual gifts and talents of all of everyone we work with. We are honored to work with
each and every one of you as you tap into your full potential!