In every 110 American children, one is diagnosed with some form of autism. Despite this fact, the concerns surrounding this condition are given little publicity.
Autism is difficult to spot. It can’t be ‘seen’ and its symptoms can vary wildly from person to person. It’s also an issue that is rarely spoken about, meaning that children on the autistic spectrum may struggle in school, both academically and socially, while adults experience difficulties securing and keeping a job, or building and maintaining relationships.
Yet the fact is: the more people talk about autism, the easier the lives of those with the condition will become.
While access to specialist autism care and supported living services help, it is the knowledge and attitude of the public that makes the greatest difference to the lives of those with autism.
Fame, Fortune and Autism
Many people believe that those on the autistic spectrum are at a disadvantage in life; that they will never have the same opportunities as the majority.
In reality, there have been a number of notable figures throughout history that are believed or known to have autism – proof that the condition doesn’t have to hold people back from living their lives to the full.
Albert Einstein: although autism was never confirmed, the Nobel Prize winning physicist was known in childhood as a loner, while possessing a habit for obsessively repeating sentences.
He is also remembered for the confusing nature of his lectures – a possible sign of autism yet potentially, just a sign of his incredible intelligence.
Daryl Hannah: an American actress whose credits include blockbusters such as Blade Runner and the Kill Bill films, Daryl has surpassed all expectations in overcoming her childhood Asperger’s diagnosis to enjoy a highly successful film career.
Heather Kuzmich: the contestant on the 9th series of America’s Next Top Model was diagnosed with Asperger’s at the age of fifteen. Heather’s time on the show wasn’t always easy as she struggled to bond with the other contestants and was eventually given fourth place due to her ‘lack of good communication’.
Heather is now signed with Elite Model Management and is enjoying a successful career.
Dan Aykroyd: unsurprisingly, fans of the highly successful actor, comedian and screenwriter were astounded to find out that he has Asperger’s syndrome.
Temple Grandin: a doctor of animal science and bestselling author, Temple is well-known for having ‘high-functioning autism’.
She is also passionate about autism advocacy and invented a ‘squeeze machine’ – a device designed for calming hypersensitive people; most often, those on the autism spectrum.
Temple was also listed in Time Magazine’s 2010’s run down of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Derek Parvicini: is a 32 year old pianist who as a result of his severely premature birth was born blind and with a severe learning disability. He also has autism.
Despite these issues, Derek is blessed with an incredible gift for music – he can play a piece of music after just one listening.
Derek played his first major concert at age nine, with the Royal Philharmonic Pops Orchestra. Just a year later he met with Diana, Princess of Wales to receive a Barnardo’s Children’s Champion Award. He has since played in many famous venues and contributed to a number of notable recordings. An abundance of television programs have also been filmed about his extraordinary talent.
This post was written by James Harper of Voyage who provide specialist autism care and supported living services
