If you have autism or have a family member with autism, then you have undoubtedly searched the internet for information about autism. In searching the internet, you have probably run across articles stating that Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, one of the richest men in America, and an icon of what it means to be successful in American society, is somewhere on the autism spectrum. You have probably also heard speculation that both Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton would have been placed on the spectrum if born during modern times. However, there is no way to retroactively diagnose a historical figure with autism. Instead, this is speculation that may or may not have a useful purpose.
Speculating about whether a person has autism is not helpful to the community, even if the person is a positive role model.
While some might consider it inspirational to say that Bill Gates has autism because of Gates’ huge levels of success, this type of speculation is ultimately not helpful to the autism community. First, whether it is Gates, Newton, or Einstein, the reality is that the achievements of any of these historic figures are well outside of the expected range of achievements for “normal” people or for people with autism. Their accomplishments are historic and awesome, but do not reflect everyday reality for any group of people.
Furthermore, much of the speculation that Gates has autism comes from anecdotal observations that he is socially awkward. While social difficulties can be part of an autism diagnosis, it seems very harmful to perpetuate a stereotype that many consider to be negative as a hallmark of an autism diagnosis. In this way, the armchair diagnosis that Gates is on the autism spectrum becomes a way of negatively labeling those who do have autism rather than an inspirational example for those on the spectrum.
There are abundant examples of great role models who have confirmed autism diagnoses without speculating about people.
Furthermore, there is no shortage of inspirational examples of role models with autism or autism spectrum disorders. Dan Akroyd, Darryl Hannah, Temple Grandin, American Idol contestant James Durbin, John Elder Robison, the creator of Pokemon Satosh Tajiri, and Susan Boyle are all open about their diagnoses and how they achieved success.
At Mt. Bethel Village, we are dedicated to helping people be more than a diagnosis. Contact us today to find out how our residents are inspiring people in their own lives.
