50 Famous Autistic People

What’s inside this article: A look at some autistic celebrities from the past and present. These include some of the greatest minds of all time, including Albert Einstein, Tim Burton, Wentworth Miller, Eminem, and more!

Some of the most well-known people from history and who are famous today are autistic.

These include famous scientists, musicians, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and activists!

I view these individuals as inspirational to neurodivergents like myself and others. They are proof that different ways of thinking are strengths and benefit society.

Teaching your kids about famous autistics who’ve made an impact in the world is a great way to help children embrace their neurodiversity and see their own strengths.

There are plenty of other successful autistic people out there, too, but for now, let’s take a look at these ten famous people with autism.

Important Note About Historical Figures and Autism

Not all individuals mentioned in this article have confirmed autism diagnoses. Some of the people listed—particularly historical figures like Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart—have been retrospectively analyzed by researchers and autism advocates based on documented behaviors and traits, but they were never formally diagnosed during their lifetimes.

Why this matters:

• Posthumous diagnoses can perpetuate stereotypes. When we focus only on famous geniuses or exceptionally talented individuals, it can create the false impression that all autistic people must have extraordinary abilities or “savant skills.”
• Autism looks different for everyone. The autistic community includes people with a wide range of abilities, interests, and support needs. Not every autistic person is a scientific genius, artist, or inventor—and that’s perfectly okay.
• Speculation isn’t fact. While some historical figures may have exhibited traits commonly associated with autism, we can’t definitively diagnose someone who lived centuries ago based on limited historical records.

Our approach:

In this article, I’ve prioritized openly autistic individuals who have shared their diagnoses publicly. When I do mention historical figures, I’ve tried to be clear about which diagnoses are confirmed versus speculative.

The real message:

Autistic people throughout history and today contribute to society in countless ways—not because autism makes them “special” or “gifted,” but because neurodivergent perspectives have always been valuable.

Every autistic person deserves to see themselves represented, whether they’re world-famous innovators, talented artists, dedicated parents, skilled tradespeople, or anything else they choose to be.

Famous People With Autism

1. Albert Einstein – Scientist

Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was a German-born physicist. He was one of the greatest scientists of all time. He invented the first laser, which is pretty cool.

Einstein also developed the special and general theories of relativity (E=mc2) and won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921 for his explanation of the photoelectric effect. His work included relativity theory, quantum mechanics, the unified field, and atomic structure.

Many experts have concluded that Einstein was autistic. As a child, he experienced severe speech delay and echolalia. He also had difficulty engaging in small talk, intense focus on his special interest (physics), and sensory sensitivities.

2. Eminem – Rapper

Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is a rapper, songwriter, record producer, record executive and actor. He’s known as one of the best-selling and most talented artists of all time.

Eminem disclosed in his song ‘Wicked Ways’ that he has Asperger’s. Asperger’s was a separate autism diagnosis used until 2013, when it was removed from the DSM-5 and incorporated into the broader autism spectrum. This previous diagnosis described autistic people who had average or above-average intellectual ability and were considered to need less obvious support, but who experienced differences in social communication and had repetitive behaviors or intense interests. Today, Eminem would simply be diagnosed as autistic.

In interviews, Eminem says he remembers faking sick to stay home from school, where he says he was shy and awkward.

As a kid, he preferred to be at home writing poetry, drawing comic book characters, and reading.

3. Kodi Lee – Musician and Performer

Kodi Lee is a blind and autistic musical prodigy who won America’s Got Talent in 2019. Born with optic nerve hypoplasia and diagnosed with autism at a young age, Kodi began showing extraordinary musical abilities early in life. He can play the piano by ear and has perfect pitch, allowing him to memorize and perform songs after hearing them only once.

His emotional performance of Leon Russell’s “A Song for You” during his audition moved the judges and audience to tears—and earned him the coveted Golden Buzzer.

Kodi’s talent, passion, and authenticity inspire millions around the world. He shows that autistic individuals can shine brightly when their strengths are nurtured and supported and that alternative ways of learning and expression can be incredibly powerful.

4. Hannah Gadsby – Comedian and Writer

Hannah Gadsby is an autistic comedian, writer, and art historian from Australia, best known for their Netflix specials Nanette and Douglas. Their comedy blends humor, storytelling, and raw honesty to explore topics like trauma, identity, and neurodivergence.

Diagnosed with autism in adulthood, Hannah has spoken openly about how understanding their neurodivergence helped them make sense of their experiences and reclaim their self-worth. They challenge stereotypes about what autism “looks like” and bring much-needed visibility to autistic adults—especially women and gender-diverse people who are often underdiagnosed.

Through their work, Hannah invites audiences to rethink assumptions about communication, humor, and social norms—often using their unique perspective to flip the script in deeply impactful ways.

5. Satoshi Tajiri – Creator of Pokémon

Next on our list of famous people with autism is the creator of Pokemon, Satoshi Tajiri.

Satoshi Tajiri is a Japanese video game designer and director best known for being the creator of the Pokémon franchise and one of the founders and president of video game developer Game Freak.

As a child, Satoshi loved collecting bugs. He’s said before that this love of bug collecting is what inspired him to create Pokemon – he wanted a way to give children the same joy he had while collecting bugs when playing his video games.

Many autistic individuals enjoy collecting, sorting, and categorizing different things. So Satoshi, as an autistic individual himself, gave the world a gift that only he could create: a whole new thing to collect. 

The original Pokemon game had 151 species, and its slogan was “Gotta Catch ’em All.” There are now 1000 Pokemon to discover.

6. Tim Burton – Director

Tim Burton is a famous director, producer, screenwriter, and artist. He is known for his gothic fantasy and horror films such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more, As well as the Netflix hit Wednesday.

Though he wasn’t diagnosed as a child, those who knew him described him as an introvert and recluse. As a child, he often chose solitary activities such as painting, drawing, and watching films.

Burton says he identifies as being autistic because he shares so many common personality traits with others with ASD. Most of the autistic community supports adults who, like Burton, are self-diagnosed for several reasons.

7. Chloe Hayden – Actress, Author, and Advocate

Chloe Hayden is an Australian autistic actress, author, and disability rights advocate. She stars as Quinni in Netflix’s Heartbreak High, one of the first authentically autistic characters on mainstream teen television—played by an actually autistic actor.

Diagnosed as autistic at age 13, Chloe uses her platform to speak openly about autism, ADHD, mental health, and the importance of neurodivergent representation in media. She’s also the author of Different, Not Less: A Neurodivergent’s Guide to Embracing Your True Self, a powerful and accessible read for young people navigating life as neurodivergent individuals.

Chloe often refers to herself as a “proudly autistic person” and encourages others to embrace what makes them different. Her message is loud and clear: being autistic isn’t something to overcome—it’s something to be proud of.

8. Jerry Seinfeld – Comedian

Jerry Seinfeld is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer. He is best known for playing a semi-fictionalized version of himself in the sitcom Seinfeld, which he co-created with Larry David. This show is considered one of the most successful TV sitcoms in history.

Although he’s never mentioned being officially diagnosed, Jerry said that he’s “still figuring out who he is. For example: in recent years, as he’s learned about autism spectrum disorders, he sees it in himself.”

He continued, “Basic social engagement is really a struggle. I’m very literal. When people talk to me and use expressions, sometimes I don’t know what they’re saying. But I don’t see it as dysfunctional. I think of it as an alternate mindset.”

9. Temple Grandin – Author, Speaker, Scientist

Temple Grandin is a scientist, academic, and animal behaviorist. She is also a prominent author and speaker on both autism and animal behavior and was a past member of the board of directors of the Autism Society of America.

She lectures to parents and teachers throughout the U.S. about her experiences with autism.

She’s published numerous books on autism, including children’s books. Julia Finley Mosca wrote a children’s book about her, The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin.

10. Greta Thunberg – Environmental Activist

Greta Thunberg is a young environmental activist whose known for challenging world leaders to take immediate action against climate change. Her passion for the environment began when she was only 8 years old.

Greta refers to her autism diagnosis as her “superpower” and says finding out she is autistic was a relief for her.

In an interview, she said “When I felt the most sad, I didn’t know that I had autism,” she explained. “I just thought, I don’t want to be like this. The diagnosis was almost only positive for me. It helped me get the support I needed and made me understand why I was like this.”

11. Jim Eisenreich – Major League Baseball Player

Jim Eisenreich is a former professional baseball player who had a successful 15-year career in Major League Baseball, playing for the Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Florida Marlins. He won a World Series with the Marlins in 1997.

Jim was diagnosed with both Tourette Syndrome and autism. Early in his career, he experienced involuntary tics, sensory sensitivities, and challenges with social communication—traits tied to both conditions. At a time when there was far less awareness or acceptance, Jim persevered and became a standout athlete on some of baseball’s biggest stages.

Beyond the field, he founded the Jim Eisenreich Foundation for Children with Tourette Syndrome, which supports children with TS and other neurological differences. His openness about both his autism and Tourette’s has made him a powerful role model, showing that neurodivergent individuals can succeed in high-pressure, competitive environments and that neurological differences are not barriers to greatness.

12. Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller is an actor and screenwriter best known for his role as Michael Scofield on the hit TV series Prison Break. He publicly shared his autism diagnosis in 2021, explaining that he was diagnosed as an adult after a self-assessment led him to seek a formal evaluation.

In his announcement, Miller wrote, “Being autistic is central to who I am. To everything I’ve achieved / articulated.” He has spoken candidly about how masking and misunderstandings shaped his experiences in Hollywood and in life, and how learning he was autistic helped him better understand himself and begin to heal from past struggles.

Miller now uses his platform to advocate for neurodivergent visibility, mental health awareness, and compassionate self-understanding. His story is especially meaningful for autistic adults who were missed or misdiagnosed in childhood and are now navigating what it means to embrace their identity later in life.

ASD Traits Can Contribute to Accomplishing Great Things

Autistic people all have their own strengths and unique abilities, and these famous people with autism have used those strengths and gifts to help achieve amazing things. Along with plenty of hard work, dedication, and overcoming obstacles.

Unfortunately, the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder focuses heavily on deficits associated with autism.

This creates a negative picture of such wonderful individuals. Truthfully, there are tons of positive “autism traits.”

Has expertise in area(s) of special interest

Having special, narrow interests is a common trait of autistic people. Many of which have outstanding talent in their area (or areas) of special interest.

Many of these interests are marketable. What I mean by that is that they would be considered a strong asset to the right employer. Your child’s “obsession” with animals could help carve their path to a career as a zoologist, for example.

This characteristic may contribute to the success that many famous people with autism experience. This is why I say not to discourage your children’s special interests.

Even though your child may not want or dream about a life of fame, finding others with similar interests or those who admire their expertise can help friendships and careers blossom later in life.

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