these are the beautiful minds that
broaden our view of the world Anna
spends much of her time as an
environmental activist earlier this year
she was arrested outside the White House
protesting the Keystone pipeline welcome
to watchmojo.com and today we’re
counting down our picks for the top ten
inspirational people with autism and
Asperger syndrome I’m just a bit to
start a 300 mile walk to raise awareness
and to raise money for autism through
the charity Scottish autism for this
list we’re focusing specifically on
people in the public eye with official
diagnosis that is the only way that I
managed to stay productive is by finding
ways to get paid to do the things that I
would rather that means that someone
like Stanley Kubrick did not make our
list as he was diagnosed in retrospect
number 10 Alexis Wineman do you feel as
though you’re a winner I do I feel I’m
on top of the world I hopefully have
touched the lives of people at home pass
thank you as the first autistic woman to
compete in the Miss America pageant this
beauty queen has come a long way since
her diagnosis at eleven years of age
it’s it just kind of reaffirmed like I’m
not the only one thank you like many
children Alexis Weinman felt a bit
awkward growing up once she learned of
her pervasive developmental disorder on
the high-functioning end of the autism
spectrum life became easier to handle as
she knew exactly what separated her from
others my autism isn’t what defines me I
define what is autism I joined the
cross-country team the cheerleading
squad
speech and drama Alexis set the bar for
many pageant hopefuls winning America’s
Choice in 2013 and her own sister
followed up with a miss Montana victory
in 2015 hi I’m Danielle miss Montana
2015 my Miss America platform is acting
on compassion number 9 Heather kuzmic I
am a clean because
I’m unique and I’m proud of it in the
world of high fashion models typically
need to be quick on their feet mix a
little bit difficult but at the same
time it’s something that you can get
over and it’s something you can live
with though America’s Next Top Model
contestant Heather kuzmic has no problem
striking a pose her Asperger’s syndrome
often sees her train of thought
disrupted I do have strengths but I also
have a lot of weaknesses I love being
here but there may be a huge chance I’m
fine okay but even so
Heather’s televised awkwardness
showcased just what those diagnosed with
the disorder are confronted with in
social situations for the longest time I
didn’t believe I was beautiful I mean I
thought I was ugly and it’s really hard
not being comfortable in your own skin
on America’s Next Top Model she was
frequently teased but it soon became
apparent just how unique Heather was
both as an individual and as a model in
the making look at the photo in the
green tank top I’m sorry you don’t see
awkward I don’t see lack of focus yeah I
think it looks like a model number 8
Peter Hausen
he’s become well-known for his artistic
depictions of war and he’s all too
familiar with the inner turmoil that
comes with living with Asperger’s and
autism people can use a creativity
relatively if they if they have the
right motivation and the right support
but sometimes it can be very very
difficult as a child growing up in
Scotland Peter Hausen obsessive passions
didn’t go unnoticed by fellow artists at
that time Asperger’s wasn’t even a
recognised disorder and he struggled to
relate to others his later battles with
alcoholism complicated matters further
they’ve done all these things I’ve been
in to drink drugs alone that was my way
of coping with it no my life has
completely changed but as Peter
transformed with the world around him he
found comfort and religion his daughter
also lives with autism her courage has
helped to inspire him he says the
condition is still widely misunderstood
and he hopes this latest challenge will
change perceptions number 7 clay Mars oh
how do you get a surfer that
can only do his best serve him when he’s
totally not thinking it’s no secret that
surfers are a different breed of
characters but even within his own
community this Hawaiian champ has often
been scrutinized for his blunt
personality observe people not be the
person in 2007 however and years after
becoming a prominent figure within the
surfing community plain marzo received
an official diagnosis of Asperger’s
syndrome
yeah burgers they’re not like normal
people were like they like feed off
crowds and stuff just kind of never
really been my thing crowds that seems
to explain his creative brilliance in
the water and social awkwardness well at
least to the general public not looking
forward to wet suit that’s for sure
right what do you as marzo has proven
individuals with Asperger’s can reach
new heights once they put their mind to
a given task that’s a testament to how
good he is but like a guiding light to
any kid with Asperger’s that if there’s
another guy that can do it that they can
do it too number six Susan Boyle you’ve
been very open about being diagnosed
with Asperger’s mm-hmm let’s see it’s
about eeeh yeah why should it be in 2009
this woman appeared on Britain’s Got
Talent
and soon became a viral vocal sensation
the slide is clone
you
the lies are songs
but while the world tried to comprehend
how such a unique voice could go
unnoticed for so long no one not even
boiled herself knew that she had
Asperger’s syndrome it has his drawbacks
but I’m one more able to help other
people in similar situations living
under the impression that she had
suffered brain damage during birth Boyle
was only diagnosed with Asperger’s in
2012
suddenly this immensely talented an
enormous ly popular singer experienced a
new outlook on her life as everything
became a bit more clear what is the next
dream nice to keep keep entertain
entertaining people keep making records
and I’m gonna enjoy myself
number 5 James Durbin when I was younger
I was diagnosed with Tourette’s and um
when I sing it just all goes away that I
don’t have a care in the world for the
tenth season of American Idol this
California native made a name for
himself first with his surprising
audition and later by landing in the top
four but if you’ve only seen James
Durbin perform you wouldn’t know that he
lives with both Asperger’s and
Tourette’s syndrome with the latter
greatly affecting his exterior facade
sometimes I have to do things but most
of the time it’s like can’t control it
some individuals inspire us with their
work conducted from the silence of a
contained environment yet this man has
shown us that his affliction is just a
small part of a larger story
number four Daryl Hannah it’s a common
misperception that all performers seek
out Hollywood only for the attention and
fame just ask Daryl Hannah
well actually it was even when I was
younger I think it was around 11 when I
I I became obsessed with movies and so I
would you know after I’d be put to bed
I’d sneak out of my room and go into the
TV room and watched movies all night
long the star of Splash & Steel
Magnolias was diagnosed with autism as a
child but found joy in the controlled
environment of acting but mystery I
swear to you that my personal tragedy
will not interfere with my ability to do
good hair after years of concealing her
autism and avoiding public functions
Hannah finally revealed her struggle in
2013 I still struggle I still am NOT not
comfortable I’m not an extrovert I’m not
you know I’m not a natural exhibitionist
by doing so she provided a voice for all
those young men and women who might
believe their personality traits would
prevent them from thriving in public
arenas number 3 Satoshi Tajiri people
with Asperger’s and autism are as
individualized as anyone else but there
are some traits that are frequently
associated with some members of the
community for example some work
excessively in order to fully realize
their dreams
case in point Satoshi Tajiri the creator
of the Pokemon franchise and a man who
found himself fascinated by video games
at an early age sounds normal right well
Tajiri wasn’t just engulfed he became
obsessed by recognizing what he could
provide for the industry and fans like
himself he forever changed the gaming
world number 2 Dan Aykroyd sir what you
had there
it was what we refer to as a focused
non-terminal repeating phantasm or a
class-five full roaming vapor real nasty
one – regardless of how familiar you are
with this man’s resume you’ve surely
seen him in a Ghostbusters clip at one
time or another let’s get ready switch
me on
but here’s the thing
he didn’t just star in ghostbusters he
also co-wrote it and the point of
Inception came from his own obsessive
interests due to Asperger’s I was able
to overcome it and channel it creatively
but you know uh I still hear myself
barking sometimes what you’ve done alone
you know in the age of YouTube many
people like to play the quirky role but
for someone like Ackroyd his true
personality allowed creative inspiration
to naturally emerge this is chroma would
you want to be sexually assaulted in
your own kitchen well it would depend on
who the Ghostbusters an Asperger’s
production brought to you by the mind of
dan Aykroyd it’s the Stay Puft
Marshmallow Man
before we unveil our number one pick
here are some honorable mentions the
best thing you can do for yourself
especially in a capitalist democracy is
find a thing that you really like to do
and try to figure out how to turn that
into your job I think that several
things helped me get to where I am I
think that my grandfather and some of my
relatives believed in me and that gave
me confidence even when my parents
didn’t believe in me
number one Temple Grandin
my name is Temple Grandin I’m not like
other people as seen in the 2010 HBO
film this woman has not only brought
awareness to mental health issues but
also to animal rights come up with
something I love crayons
my autism allows me to understand prey
animals well I can visualize the flight
zones of cattle with a beautiful mind
fueled by visual data Temple Grandin has
long advocated for the early detection
of personality differences in order for
humans to embrace their individuality
rather than be perceived as victims I’m
seeing too many of these smart kids not
having their abilities developed because
one of the things about a mind on the
autism spectrum is it tends to be good
at one thing and really bad at something
else after all those with Asperger’s and
autism need to understand themselves
before Society can grasp what makes each
person with these disorders unique and
now when I did my book thinking in
pictures I started interviewing people
about how they think you know shocked to
find out that my thinking was quite
different
thanks to Temple Grandin we’ve been
educated through a story of mental
health awareness that previously went
untold because the thing about being
autistic is I had to learn social skills
like being in a play you just kind of
just have to learn it and we need to be
working with these students and this
brings up Mentors do you agree with our
list which person with autism or
Asperger’s inspires you people with
autism on the spectrum even higher
functioning they’re they’re incredibly
talented in some form or fashion is
there a connection here for more
mind-blowing top 10s published every day
be sure to subscribe to watchmojo.com I
wish I had known not to worry about what
other people think at all because people
don’t think about you for very long
people you know I think about themselves
broaden our view of the world Anna
spends much of her time as an
environmental activist earlier this year
she was arrested outside the White House
protesting the Keystone pipeline welcome
to watchmojo.com and today we’re
counting down our picks for the top ten
inspirational people with autism and
Asperger syndrome I’m just a bit to
start a 300 mile walk to raise awareness
and to raise money for autism through
the charity Scottish autism for this
list we’re focusing specifically on
people in the public eye with official
diagnosis that is the only way that I
managed to stay productive is by finding
ways to get paid to do the things that I
would rather that means that someone
like Stanley Kubrick did not make our
list as he was diagnosed in retrospect
number 10 Alexis Wineman do you feel as
though you’re a winner I do I feel I’m
on top of the world I hopefully have
touched the lives of people at home pass
thank you as the first autistic woman to
compete in the Miss America pageant this
beauty queen has come a long way since
her diagnosis at eleven years of age
it’s it just kind of reaffirmed like I’m
not the only one thank you like many
children Alexis Weinman felt a bit
awkward growing up once she learned of
her pervasive developmental disorder on
the high-functioning end of the autism
spectrum life became easier to handle as
she knew exactly what separated her from
others my autism isn’t what defines me I
define what is autism I joined the
cross-country team the cheerleading
squad
speech and drama Alexis set the bar for
many pageant hopefuls winning America’s
Choice in 2013 and her own sister
followed up with a miss Montana victory
in 2015 hi I’m Danielle miss Montana
2015 my Miss America platform is acting
on compassion number 9 Heather kuzmic I
am a clean because
I’m unique and I’m proud of it in the
world of high fashion models typically
need to be quick on their feet mix a
little bit difficult but at the same
time it’s something that you can get
over and it’s something you can live
with though America’s Next Top Model
contestant Heather kuzmic has no problem
striking a pose her Asperger’s syndrome
often sees her train of thought
disrupted I do have strengths but I also
have a lot of weaknesses I love being
here but there may be a huge chance I’m
fine okay but even so
Heather’s televised awkwardness
showcased just what those diagnosed with
the disorder are confronted with in
social situations for the longest time I
didn’t believe I was beautiful I mean I
thought I was ugly and it’s really hard
not being comfortable in your own skin
on America’s Next Top Model she was
frequently teased but it soon became
apparent just how unique Heather was
both as an individual and as a model in
the making look at the photo in the
green tank top I’m sorry you don’t see
awkward I don’t see lack of focus yeah I
think it looks like a model number 8
Peter Hausen
he’s become well-known for his artistic
depictions of war and he’s all too
familiar with the inner turmoil that
comes with living with Asperger’s and
autism people can use a creativity
relatively if they if they have the
right motivation and the right support
but sometimes it can be very very
difficult as a child growing up in
Scotland Peter Hausen obsessive passions
didn’t go unnoticed by fellow artists at
that time Asperger’s wasn’t even a
recognised disorder and he struggled to
relate to others his later battles with
alcoholism complicated matters further
they’ve done all these things I’ve been
in to drink drugs alone that was my way
of coping with it no my life has
completely changed but as Peter
transformed with the world around him he
found comfort and religion his daughter
also lives with autism her courage has
helped to inspire him he says the
condition is still widely misunderstood
and he hopes this latest challenge will
change perceptions number 7 clay Mars oh
how do you get a surfer that
can only do his best serve him when he’s
totally not thinking it’s no secret that
surfers are a different breed of
characters but even within his own
community this Hawaiian champ has often
been scrutinized for his blunt
personality observe people not be the
person in 2007 however and years after
becoming a prominent figure within the
surfing community plain marzo received
an official diagnosis of Asperger’s
syndrome
yeah burgers they’re not like normal
people were like they like feed off
crowds and stuff just kind of never
really been my thing crowds that seems
to explain his creative brilliance in
the water and social awkwardness well at
least to the general public not looking
forward to wet suit that’s for sure
right what do you as marzo has proven
individuals with Asperger’s can reach
new heights once they put their mind to
a given task that’s a testament to how
good he is but like a guiding light to
any kid with Asperger’s that if there’s
another guy that can do it that they can
do it too number six Susan Boyle you’ve
been very open about being diagnosed
with Asperger’s mm-hmm let’s see it’s
about eeeh yeah why should it be in 2009
this woman appeared on Britain’s Got
Talent
and soon became a viral vocal sensation
the slide is clone
you
the lies are songs
but while the world tried to comprehend
how such a unique voice could go
unnoticed for so long no one not even
boiled herself knew that she had
Asperger’s syndrome it has his drawbacks
but I’m one more able to help other
people in similar situations living
under the impression that she had
suffered brain damage during birth Boyle
was only diagnosed with Asperger’s in
2012
suddenly this immensely talented an
enormous ly popular singer experienced a
new outlook on her life as everything
became a bit more clear what is the next
dream nice to keep keep entertain
entertaining people keep making records
and I’m gonna enjoy myself
number 5 James Durbin when I was younger
I was diagnosed with Tourette’s and um
when I sing it just all goes away that I
don’t have a care in the world for the
tenth season of American Idol this
California native made a name for
himself first with his surprising
audition and later by landing in the top
four but if you’ve only seen James
Durbin perform you wouldn’t know that he
lives with both Asperger’s and
Tourette’s syndrome with the latter
greatly affecting his exterior facade
sometimes I have to do things but most
of the time it’s like can’t control it
some individuals inspire us with their
work conducted from the silence of a
contained environment yet this man has
shown us that his affliction is just a
small part of a larger story
number four Daryl Hannah it’s a common
misperception that all performers seek
out Hollywood only for the attention and
fame just ask Daryl Hannah
well actually it was even when I was
younger I think it was around 11 when I
I I became obsessed with movies and so I
would you know after I’d be put to bed
I’d sneak out of my room and go into the
TV room and watched movies all night
long the star of Splash & Steel
Magnolias was diagnosed with autism as a
child but found joy in the controlled
environment of acting but mystery I
swear to you that my personal tragedy
will not interfere with my ability to do
good hair after years of concealing her
autism and avoiding public functions
Hannah finally revealed her struggle in
2013 I still struggle I still am NOT not
comfortable I’m not an extrovert I’m not
you know I’m not a natural exhibitionist
by doing so she provided a voice for all
those young men and women who might
believe their personality traits would
prevent them from thriving in public
arenas number 3 Satoshi Tajiri people
with Asperger’s and autism are as
individualized as anyone else but there
are some traits that are frequently
associated with some members of the
community for example some work
excessively in order to fully realize
their dreams
case in point Satoshi Tajiri the creator
of the Pokemon franchise and a man who
found himself fascinated by video games
at an early age sounds normal right well
Tajiri wasn’t just engulfed he became
obsessed by recognizing what he could
provide for the industry and fans like
himself he forever changed the gaming
world number 2 Dan Aykroyd sir what you
had there
it was what we refer to as a focused
non-terminal repeating phantasm or a
class-five full roaming vapor real nasty
one – regardless of how familiar you are
with this man’s resume you’ve surely
seen him in a Ghostbusters clip at one
time or another let’s get ready switch
me on
but here’s the thing
he didn’t just star in ghostbusters he
also co-wrote it and the point of
Inception came from his own obsessive
interests due to Asperger’s I was able
to overcome it and channel it creatively
but you know uh I still hear myself
barking sometimes what you’ve done alone
you know in the age of YouTube many
people like to play the quirky role but
for someone like Ackroyd his true
personality allowed creative inspiration
to naturally emerge this is chroma would
you want to be sexually assaulted in
your own kitchen well it would depend on
who the Ghostbusters an Asperger’s
production brought to you by the mind of
dan Aykroyd it’s the Stay Puft
Marshmallow Man
before we unveil our number one pick
here are some honorable mentions the
best thing you can do for yourself
especially in a capitalist democracy is
find a thing that you really like to do
and try to figure out how to turn that
into your job I think that several
things helped me get to where I am I
think that my grandfather and some of my
relatives believed in me and that gave
me confidence even when my parents
didn’t believe in me
number one Temple Grandin
my name is Temple Grandin I’m not like
other people as seen in the 2010 HBO
film this woman has not only brought
awareness to mental health issues but
also to animal rights come up with
something I love crayons
my autism allows me to understand prey
animals well I can visualize the flight
zones of cattle with a beautiful mind
fueled by visual data Temple Grandin has
long advocated for the early detection
of personality differences in order for
humans to embrace their individuality
rather than be perceived as victims I’m
seeing too many of these smart kids not
having their abilities developed because
one of the things about a mind on the
autism spectrum is it tends to be good
at one thing and really bad at something
else after all those with Asperger’s and
autism need to understand themselves
before Society can grasp what makes each
person with these disorders unique and
now when I did my book thinking in
pictures I started interviewing people
about how they think you know shocked to
find out that my thinking was quite
different
thanks to Temple Grandin we’ve been
educated through a story of mental
health awareness that previously went
untold because the thing about being
autistic is I had to learn social skills
like being in a play you just kind of
just have to learn it and we need to be
working with these students and this
brings up Mentors do you agree with our
list which person with autism or
Asperger’s inspires you people with
autism on the spectrum even higher
functioning they’re they’re incredibly
talented in some form or fashion is
there a connection here for more
mind-blowing top 10s published every day
be sure to subscribe to watchmojo.com I
wish I had known not to worry about what
other people think at all because people
don’t think about you for very long
people you know I think about themselves
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