Autism is a disorder that affects 1 in every 68 children born. The autism spectrum disorder characterizes people born with challenges in social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. It's classified as a spectrum due to a wide range of behaviors that may or may not be exhibited.
A lot of stigma surrounds autism spectrum disorder. A lot of people think that people affected with the disorder can't live normal lives, aren't smart, or can't maintain normal relationships. This is wholly incorrect.
April is Autism Awareness month. It's a month dedicated to celebrating people with autism and finding a greater understanding of the disorder.
One way to consider the enormous strength, resilience, and potential of people with autism is to take a look at celebrities on the autism spectrum who have found success.
Tim Burton, Oscar-nominated director of films such as the Corpse Bride and Edward Scissorhands, has shown signs of Asperger's syndrome, a sub-type of autism. His ex-wife, Helen Bonham Carter describes it as a characteristic that defines him and makes him a great father.
Frankenweenie from 2012 is remake of a 1984 short film directed by Tim Burton pic.twitter.com/qmOWKZogAq
— TimBurtonmoviegifts (@TimBurtongifts) March 31, 2018
Daryl Hannah, movie star and actress famous for her role in Wall Street, has struggled with autism her whole life. She now works as an environmental activist.
Dan Aykroyd suffers from Asperger's and his symptoms even inspired the movie Ghostbusters.
Beautiful #HouseofBlues now open #Anaheim#bluesbrothers #danaykroyd pic.twitter.com/XvPgauhcEy
— Dan Aykroyd (@dan_aykroyd) March 1, 2017
Alexis Wineman from Montana became the first Miss America with autism in 2013.
Temple Gradin is one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential people for her work consulting on animal science as well as her global voice on autism awareness.
Many historians retroactively have diagnosed some of the greatest minds and talents of all time with autism including Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Stanley Kubrick, and Mozart.
All of these celebrities, just like every single person diagnosed on the autism spectrum, are not defined by autism. It's something they live with and have to cope with every day, but it is just a part of them. They are the sum of their parts, which are all incredible things.
Help celebrate autism awareness month by celebrating the celebrities or people around you with autism who have touched your life in one way or another. Or just learn about the disorder and what it's like to live with it.
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