Neurodiversity Has Always Been Part of Human Progress

By celebrating their achievements, we help our children see the power and potential within their own unique minds.

Science & Innovation

Albert Einstein (1879–1955)

Albert Einstein, born in Ulm, Germany, transformed modern physics with his theory of relativity and his revolutionary understanding of space, time, and energy. Known for his deep introspection, delayed speech, and unconventional learning style, Einstein displayed traits often associated with autism. His ability to visualize complex concepts in unique, non-linear ways allowed him to challenge long‑held assumptions and reshape scientific thought. His neurodivergent strengths—especially his imaginative reasoning—remain central to his legacy.

Nikola Tesla (1856–1943)

Nikola Tesla, born in Smiljan (modern-day Croatia), was an inventor and electrical engineer whose innovations in alternating current (AC) power systems laid the foundation for modern electricity. Tesla exhibited traits of autism and obsessive-compulsive tendencies, including intense focus, sensory sensitivity, and a photographic memory. These traits fueled his extraordinary creativity, enabling him to conceptualize and design complex machines entirely in his mind. His neurodivergence was inseparable from his visionary genius.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)

Leonardo da Vinci, born in Vinci, Italy, was a Renaissance polymath whose brilliance spanned art, anatomy, engineering, and invention. Scholars believe he may have had ADHD and dyslexia, reflected in his restless curiosity, nonlinear thinking, and difficulty completing projects. These same traits, however, fueled his boundless creativity and ability to see connections across disciplines. His neurodivergent mind allowed him to imagine possibilities centuries ahead of his time.

Isaac Newton (1643–1727)

Sir Isaac Newton, born in Woolsthorpe, England, was a mathematician and physicist who formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation. Known for his solitary nature, rigid routines, and intense focus, Newton displayed traits consistent with autism. His ability to concentrate deeply for long periods enabled him to make groundbreaking discoveries in calculus, optics, and physics. His neurodivergence shaped both his brilliance and his relentless pursuit of truth.

Alan Turing (1912–1954)

Alan Turing, born in London, England, was a mathematician and logician whose work laid the foundation for computer science and artificial intelligence. Turing’s social challenges, literal communication style, and intense focus suggest traits of autism. During World War II, he led the effort to crack the German Enigma code, saving countless lives. His theoretical work on algorithms continues to shape modern computing. His neurodivergent mind allowed him to see patterns others could not.

Charles Darwin (1809–1882)

Charles Darwin, born in Shrewsbury, England, was a naturalist whose theory of evolution by natural selection revolutionized biology. Darwin exhibited traits consistent with autism, including social withdrawal, intense focus, and a methodical approach to research. His meticulous observations during the voyage of the HMS Beagle and decades of careful study led to On the Origin of Species. His neurodivergent strengths enabled him to notice patterns in nature that others overlooked.

Pythagoras (c. 570–495 BCE)

Pythagoras, born on the island of Samos, was an ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician best known for the Pythagorean theorem. His strict routines, deep fascination with numbers, and preference for structured environments suggest traits associated with autism. Pythagoras founded a philosophical school that blended mathematics, music, and spirituality, reflecting a unique cognitive style that profoundly influenced Western thought.

John Nash (1928–2015)

John Nash, born in Bluefield, West Virginia, was a mathematician whose work in game theory earned him the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1994. Nash lived with schizophrenia, a condition that shaped both his struggles and his extraordinary insights into mathematical systems. His ability to see patterns and relationships in abstract structures led to breakthroughs that transformed economics. His life story, marked by resilience and brilliance, remains a testament to neurodivergent potential.

Satoshi Tajiri (1965– )

Satoshi Tajiri, born in Tokyo, Japan, is the creator of Pokémon and a pioneering video game designer. Diagnosed with autism, Tajiri grew up fascinated by collecting insects—a passion that inspired the concept of Pokémon. His attention to detail, imaginative world-building, and ability to think differently helped create one of the most successful entertainment franchises in history. His neurodivergence is central to his creative vision.

Arts & Literature

Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)

Vincent van Gogh, born in Zundert, Netherlands, was a post-impressionist painter whose emotionally charged works reshaped modern art. Van Gogh struggled with mental health challenges and exhibited traits of autism and bipolar disorder. His intense sensory experiences and emotional depth fueled his distinctive style, characterized by bold colors and expressive brushwork. Though unrecognized in his lifetime, his neurodivergent perspective changed the course of art history.

Frida Kahlo (1907–1954)

Frida Kahlo, born in Coyoacán, Mexico City, was a painter known for her vivid self-portraits and exploration of identity, pain, and resilience. Living with chronic illness, trauma, and neurodivergent traits, Kahlo used art to express her inner world with honesty and intensity. Her unique perspective challenged conventions and made her an icon of feminist and disability movements. Her neurodivergence shaped her bold, symbolic style.

Emily Dickinson (1830–1886)

Emily Dickinson, born in Amherst, Massachusetts, was a poet whose unconventional style transformed American literature. Dickinson lived reclusively and exhibited traits associated with epilepsy or autism, including sensory sensitivity and a preference for solitude. Her poetry, marked by fragmented syntax and profound introspection, reflects a mind attuned to nuance and emotion. Her neurodivergent voice continues to resonate across generations.

Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875)

Hans Christian Andersen, born in Odense, Denmark, was a writer best known for fairy tales such as The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. Andersen struggled with dyslexia and social isolation, experiences that shaped his storytelling. His tales often center on outsiders seeking belonging, reflecting his own neurodivergent journey. His imaginative worlds continue to influence literature and culture.

Agatha Christie (1890–1976)

Agatha Christie, born in Torquay, England, was the best-selling mystery novelist of all time. Christie lived with dyslexia, which influenced her unique narrative structures and puzzle-like plots. Her ability to craft intricate mysteries with clarity and precision reflects her neurodivergent strengths in pattern recognition and unconventional thinking. Her work remains foundational to the genre.

F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940)

F. Scott Fitzgerald, born in St. Paul, Minnesota, was an American novelist whose work captured the spirit of the Jazz Age. Fitzgerald exhibited traits of dyslexia and mood disorders, which shaped his lyrical, emotionally charged prose. His masterpiece, The Great Gatsby, reflects his sensitivity to identity, longing, and societal pressures. His neurodivergence contributed to his distinctive literary voice.

Maya Angelou (1928–2014)

Maya Angelou, born in St. Louis, Missouri, was a poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. After experiencing childhood trauma, Angelou lived with selective mutism for several years—a neurodivergent experience that shaped her relationship with language. Her memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings broke new ground in American literature. Her voice, shaped by resilience and introspection, continues to inspire.

Florence Welch (1986– )

Florence Welch, born in London, England, is the lead singer of Florence + The Machine. Living with ADHD and dyslexia, Welch channels her neurodivergent intensity into music that blends poetic lyrics with emotional power. Her creative process—raw, intuitive, and deeply expressive—reflects the strengths of a neurodivergent mind. She is a modern icon of artistic authenticity.

Advocacy & Leadership

Sojourner Truth (1797–1883)

Sojourner Truth, born into slavery in New York, became a powerful abolitionist and women’s rights advocate. Though illiterate and likely dyslexic, she possessed extraordinary oratory skills and emotional intelligence. Her 1851 speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” remains a cornerstone of feminist history. Her neurodivergent strengths—intuition, resilience, and clarity of conviction—made her a transformative leader.

Empress Theodora (c. 500–548 CE)

Empress Theodora, born in Constantinople, rose from humble origins to become co-ruler of the Byzantine Empire alongside Justinian I. Known for her sharp intellect, strategic thinking, and unconventional path, Theodora exhibited traits associated with neurodivergence. She championed women’s rights, social reforms, and protections for the vulnerable. Her leadership reshaped imperial policy and left a lasting legacy.

Temple Grandin (1947– )

Temple Grandin, born in Boston, Massachusetts, is an animal scientist, inventor, and one of the world’s most influential autism advocates. Diagnosed with autism as a child, Grandin used her visual thinking style to revolutionize livestock handling systems. She has dedicated her life to improving understanding of autism and demonstrating the value of neurodivergent minds. Her work has transformed both agriculture and disability advocacy.

Greta Thunberg (2003– )

Greta Thunberg, born in Stockholm, Sweden, is a climate activist whose school strike sparked a global movement. Diagnosed with autism and OCD, Thunberg describes her neurodivergence as a superpower that fuels her moral clarity and persistence. Her direct communication style and unwavering commitment have reshaped global conversations about climate change.

Modern Innovators & Creatives

Anthony Hopkins (1937– )

Anthony Hopkins, born in Port Talbot, Wales, is an acclaimed actor known for his intense, immersive performances. Diagnosed with autism later in life, Hopkins credits his neurodivergent traits—focus, emotional depth, and meticulous preparation—for shaping his craft. His career spans decades and includes some of cinema’s most iconic roles.

Dan Aykroyd (1952– )

Dan Aykroyd, born in Ottawa, Canada, is an actor, comedian, and screenwriter. Diagnosed with autism, Aykroyd has spoken openly about how his special interests and unique thinking inspired the concept for Ghostbusters. His neurodivergence fuels his creativity, humor, and distinctive storytelling style.

Keanu Reeves (1964– )

Keanu Reeves, born in Beirut, Lebanon, is a Canadian actor known for roles in The Matrix and John Wick. Reeves grew up with dyslexia, which shaped his learning experiences and resilience. His introspective nature, empathy, and unconventional path in Hollywood reflect the strengths of a neurodivergent mind.

Stephen Wiltshire (1974– )

Stephen Wiltshire, born in London, England, is an architectural artist known for drawing detailed cityscapes from memory after brief observation. Diagnosed with autism, Wiltshire’s extraordinary visual memory and precision have earned him international acclaim. His work demonstrates the remarkable capabilities of neurodivergent perception.