Super 6: Everyday Superheroes With Autism | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Super 6: Everyday Superheroes With Autism

From musicians to advocates to writers to directors

200
Super 6: Everyday Superheroes With Autism
Autism Superhero

The first diagnosis of autism was in 1943, and it was thought that the number of children with autism in the United States was 1 in 10,000. Now the number of children thought to have autism is 1 in 150, meaning that autism is considered more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. In the past decade, we've learned a lot about autism and what it means to be autistic. And one thing is certain -- there are a lot of amazing things that people with autism have accomplished. As we often tell my baby sister, people with autism are "everyday superheroes" and have no limit to what they can do. Having said that, here is a "Super Six" list of famous people with autism and their accomplishments:


1. Temple Grandin, advocate for animals and autism

Temple Grandin is known for educating and inspiring the autistic community by sharing her life story and endorsing her revolutionary ideas to improve the cattle industry and make it more humane for animals. HBO released a film about her life, and since then, she's written a book called "Thinking in Pictures," along with many others, about her profession as well as her autism.


2. Matt Savage, jazz prodigy


Matt was diagnosed at age 3 and later became a jazz prodigy. In his teens, he became a professional jazz pianist and had his own trio. Matt attends the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world -- Berklee College of Music, in Boston.


3. Tim Burton, director

Tim Burton is famous for his quirky and eccentric films. He has never had a formal diagnosis, but his wife, Helena Bonham Carter, while researching for a role where she played mother to several autistic boys, recognized traits shared by her husband. Burton claims that his first film, "Edward Scissorhands," is somewhat autobiographical, as it depicts his life on the margins during his childhood.


4. Satoshi Tajiri, creator of Pokémon

Satoshi Tajiri was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome when he was young and had a fixation with bugs and video games. He later grew up to create one of the most popular video game franchises in the world, based on his childhood fascinations.


5. Dan Aykroyd, actor, comedian, screenwriter, and musician

Dan Aykroyd was diagnosed in the early '80s and states that he is obsessed with ghosts and policemen. The former served as his inspiration for the film "Ghostbusters," which he also starred in.


6. Daniel Tammet, writer, linguist, educator

Daniel Tammet is known as "1 of the 100 living geniuses in the world today" and "Brainman." He was given national attention in 2006 for his New York Times best-selling book, "Born on a Blue Day." There was also an award-winning documentary film produced about him, called "Brainman." Daniel is said to have an uncanny ability to describe how the mind functions in regards to sensory processing, language, and social interactions.


These "Super Six" are only a few of an extensive list of everyday superheroes I could have chosen from. There are many other people with autism who have made and will make great accomplishments in our society.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

13861
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

2732
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1663
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments